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LAKE CHARLES WEATHER

Louisiana Breaks Ground on Historic I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge Replacement Project

Apr 29, 2026 05:56PM ● By Kelsey Swire
Today, Governor Jeff Landry joined federal, state, and local officials at the Bord du Lac Drive Lakefront Promenade to officially break ground on the long-awaited I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge Replacement Project. The ceremony marks the official commencement of construction on a multi-billion-dollar Public-Private Partnership (P3) designed to modernize one of the most critical infrastructure corridors in the United States.


 

“This bridge has been a promise of the Landry Administration since day one and I am proud
to fulfill it today,” said Governor Jeff Landry. “This project marks the largest transportation
infrastructure investment in Louisiana history. This is an exciting day for Calcasieu Parish and
for the entire State, and I am already looking forward to the ribbon cutting just a few years from
now!”

The $2.3B project will replace the existing 1950s-era Calcasieu River Bridge with a state-of-the-
art structure engineered to meet 21st-century demands. While the new bridge is under
construction, the current bridge and its connecting ramps will undergo strategic upgrades to
ensure continued service until the new bridge opens in 2031.

The corridor will feature expanded capacity and modern engineering standards, with three travel lanes in each direction addressing the structural and functional limitations of the current bridge. Construction activities will ramp up immediately following today’s ceremony.

Beyond the bridge itself, the comprehensive project includes:
  • Reconstruction of 5.5 miles of I-10 to replace aging roadway and multiple other bridges
  • Addition of a travel lane on I-10 in each direction to increase capacity and eliminate the existing bottlenecks
  • Construction of a new elevated Sampson Street interchange to eliminate railroad crossings and facilitate predictable travel
  • Creation of an eastbound service road system between PPG Drive and Sampson Street to reduce congestion and weaving on I-10
  • Reconstruction of the I-210 westbound ramp for enhanced safety and capacity
  • Inclusion of a $10M Active Transportation allowance to create new facilities for pedestrians and cyclists around the bridge
  • Dedicated maintenance of the new roadway and bridge for a 50-year term
“Bringing modernized infrastructure to this heavily traveled section of the Interstate 10
corridor is long overdue,” said Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development
Secretary Glenn Ledet. “This is a huge milestone in the department’s ongoing commitment to
improving and strengthening transportation throughout the state. The department collaborated
with agencies and officials on all levels to make this project a reality.”

This massive undertaking requires unprecedented coordination between local industry,
railroads, utility providers, and all levels of government.

“Under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Sean Duffy, the U.S. Department of
Transportation and Federal Highway Administration are enhancing Americans’ freedom to drive
by building big, beautiful roads and bridges, and partnering with Louisiana and other states
to address congestion and accelerate project delivery,” said Federal Highway Administrator
Sean McMaster. “This is exactly what Louisiana is doing as we break ground on the new I-10
Calcasieu River Bridge. I’m thrilled to join our partners to get shovels in the ground for this
project and make travel more convenient in Southwest Louisiana.”

The innovative P3 funding model allows for expedited construction timelines and private
investment. Notably, the State of Louisiana maintains a 15-percent equity share in the tolling
revenues generated by the project, which will provide for continued infrastructure investment
in the region. (What is a P3?)

More than just a local thoroughfare, this corridor is the backbone of the U.S. energy sector. The
project guarantees reliable, uninterrupted access for U.S. natural gas and petroleum to reach
Gulf ports and supply the global market which is helping ensure the nation’s energy dominance.
It is estimated to bring $3.29B in economic impact to the region, create more than 16,000 jobs
during the project’s lifecycle, and $1.9B in labor income.

Motorists are encouraged to stay informed of project updates and potential traffic shifts by
visiting the official project website at I10CalcasieuBridge.com and following the project’s social
media channels.

I-10 Eastbound - Sampson Street Overpass
I-10 Westbound


Let's get into more of the details!

 

 The New I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge: Keeping Southwest Louisiana Moving

The I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge is more than just a crossing; it is a vital artery connecting the
communities of Lake Charles and Westlake, and one of the most critical commercial freight
corridors in the nation. The current structure has served the region past its intended lifespan, and
replacing it is an investment in the daily quality of life and economic future of Southwest Louisiana. The replacement of the Calcasieu River Bridge is the largest transportation project in the history of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. With this project’s initiation, the state of Louisiana is ahead of the curve on the federal government’s new focus on prioritization of fixing bottlenecks.

Of course, the primary concern for daily commuters is the impact of construction on an
already congested route. The project has been meticulously phased to keep traffic moving.

• The Current Bridge Stays Open
The existing I-10 bridge will remain fully operational while the new, modern span is
constructed adjacent to it.

• Strategic Lane Closures
While some lane closures are inevitable during a megaproject of this scale, they will be
strictly managed.

• Proactive Communication
A dedicated project website, traffic updates to media outlets, and active social media
channels will offer ongoing updates.

The 1950s-era bridge was not designed for modern traffic volumes or vehicle sizes. The
replacement bridge will drastically improve the daily commuting experience.

• Designed for Safety
The new structure’s lower grade eliminates the steep incline of the current bridge. The new
bridge will have three wider travel lanes in each direction and full shoulders to allow disabled
vehicles to pull over without causing gridlock.

• Free-Flow Tolling
To keep traffic moving seamlessly, the corridor will utilize 100-percent electronic, free-flow
tolling. There are no toll booths and no stopping required.

• Local Commuter Protection
A discounted local toll rate will be implemented for residents in Calcasieu and surrounding
SWLA parishes who rely on this route for their daily commute.

Relieving the I-10 bottleneck is not just about faster commutes; it is a massive economic catalyst for the region.

• Job Creation
The design and construction of the new bridge and interchanges will generate significant direct and indirect economic impact for residents, local vendors, suppliers, and the hospitality sector over the multi-year build impact. Additionally, Calcasieu Bridge Partners (CBP) is actively utilizing Louisiana-based design consultants, engineering firms, and contractors on the project. The project’s delivery plan includes targeted outreach to recruit a local workforce and integrate qualified Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) into the local supply chain. The total labor income associated with the project is estimated at $1.19B.

• Freight Efficiency & Global Impact
The modernized Calcasieu River Bridge eliminates a major supply chain bottleneck, drastically reducing transit times and commercial costs. More than just a local thoroughfare, this corridor is the backbone of the U.S. energy sector, carrying the heavy equipment, specialized freight, and workforce that keeps domestic production running. By securing this route, the project guarantees reliable, uninterrupted access for U.S. natural gas and petroleum to reach Gulf ports and supply the global market.

• Unlocking Local Development
Upgraded interchanges and improved local road connectivity integrated into the project
scope will open new adjacent land for commercial and retail development in both Lake
Charles and Westlake.

Visit the project's Procurement Portal
Visit the project's employment page


Delivering the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge Project: Understanding the Public-Private Partnership (P3)

Replacing the 1950s-era Calcasieu River Bridge is a high priority for LA DOTD. However, traditional state and federal highway funding fell drastically short of the estimated $2.3B required for the corridor. Waiting for conventional, pay-as-you-go funding would have delayed this vital upgrade indefinitely.

To accelerate delivery without bankrupting state infrastructure budgets, LA DOTD entered
into a Public-Private Partnership with Calcasieu Bridge Partners (CBP), a consortium of global
infrastructure leaders including Plenary Americas, Sacyr, and ACCIONA. In this P3 model, CBP
is contracted to design, build, finance, operate, and maintain the new bridge and surrounding
interstate footprint for a 50-year term.

How a P3 Benefits Louisiana Taxpayers:

Accelerated Delivery
The P3 model bridges the financial gap immediately, moving the project from the drawing board to active construction years faster than traditional procurement.

Risk Transfer
It shifts the heavy financial risks of construction delays, cost overruns, and long-term maintenance away from taxpayers and directly onto the private developer.

50-Year Maintenance Guarantee
CBP is contractually bound to maintain the bridge to strict LA DOTD standards for the next halfcentury,
ensuring this structure never falls into a state of disrepair.

State Ownership & Equity
LA DOTD retains total ownership of the infrastructure. Furthermore, the State of Louisiana will
receive a 15-percent equity stake in the project once the bridge opens to traffic.


This complex megaproject utilizes a hybrid funding structure, combining public dollars with private investment.

Total Project Design/Build Investment
Approximately $2.3B

Public Contribution
$1.2B (Utilizing state and federal funds, paid out as construction milestones are met)

The remaining cost of the project is paid for by private equity and private financing. To repay that
investment and fund 50 years of guaranteed maintenance and operations, the new I-10 corridor
will utilize a modernized tolling system.

Free-Flow Technology
There will be no toll booths. Traffic will not stop or slow down; tolls are collected seamlessly via
electronic toll tags (GeauxPass) or automated license plate readers.

Local Commuter Focus
A local toll rate will be available for residents with non-commercial vehicles registered within the
five Southwest Louisiana Parishes (Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, and Jefferson Davis)
who register for a toll tag.

Dedicated Reinvestment
Toll revenues repay construction debt and also are legally dedicated to the ongoing operations,
safety protocols, and structural maintenance of the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge corridor.

Instagram: i10calcasieubridge
Phone: (337) 895-9995

Have more questions? Check this out: FAQs

In the video below, take a peek inside the ceremony with clips of some of the guest speakers. Hear from FHWA Administrator Sean McMaster, Calcasieu River Bridge Partners CEO Paulo Andre and Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry.
I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge Groundbreaking Ceremony [21 Images] Click Any Image To Expand
Community I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge Replacement
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