A Bridge to Progress

CALCASIEU PARISH – The I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge Project is proud to announce the release of A Bridge to Progress, a video highlighting the transformative impact of the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge Replacement Project. 

This dynamic visual presentation offers viewers a first look at the future of travel along the 5.5-mile corridor stretching from Ryan Street in Lake Charles to the I-210/I-10 interchange in Westlake. The video includes key points of reference to help drivers orient themselves and envision the route, which will feature enhanced safety, expanded capacity, and modern infrastructure designed to meet the needs of Louisiana’s growing economy. 

The new bridge will be constructed just north of the existing structure, which was originally built in 1952 and incorporated into the interstate system in the 1960s. With daily traffic exceeding 90,000 vehicles - more than double its original design capacity - the replacement project is essential to improving mobility, reducing congestion, and supporting regional development. 

Key features of the new bridge and corridor include: 

• Six travel lanes and two auxiliary lanes for improved safety and traffic flow,

• Roadway lighting and a reduction in bridge height for a more modern design,  

• Elevated overpass at Sampson Street to eliminate train-related delays,  

• Multimodal connectivity enhancements to support future transportation needs, and

• Electronic tolling system to collect tolls during the tolling period  

The project is being delivered through a public-private partnership (P3) between the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LADOTD) and Calcasieu Bridge Partners (CBP).

P3s are long-term agreements between public agencies and private entities to build, expand or refurbish public infrastructure and provide operations and/or maintenance services. The P3 delivery method allows for private investment to fill the gap in funding availability so the needed transportation improvement project can be implemented.

Once completed, the bridge will be tolled for a concession period of 50 years. Tolls will be collected via GeauxPass, Louisiana's statewide toll system. Tolls will not be charged until the bridge is open for traffic. The state will retain nearly 15 percent of toll revenues. Calcasieu Bridge Partners will operate and maintain the new infrastructure for up to 50 years.  

Currently, preconstruction activities such as permitting, right-of-way acquisitions, design, and geotechnical explorations are underway and construction is expected to be completed in 2031. This project is a $2.3B investment in Southwest Louisiana. State and federal funding cover $1.2B of the cost.  

The project team invites residents, stakeholders, and travelers to view A Bridge to Progress and share in the excitement of this landmark infrastructure investment.