Progress is being seen for the $2.3 billion Interstate 10 Calcasieu River Bridge project in Louisiana. The project is being handled under a design, build, operate model, with tolling set to commence in 2031 once the construction reached partial acceptance.
The project involves upgrading an 8.8km corridor stretching from near Ryan Street in Lake Charles to the I-210 and I-10 interchange in Westlake. Along with the new bridge and approaches, the project includes the interstate roadways and ramps, the I-10 service roads, and interchanges at PPG Drive, Sampson Street, and North Lakeshore/Ryan Street that connect the interstate to state roads and local streets. Sampson Street will be raised above the rail lines to cut traffic delays caused by passing trains.
The current I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge predated the interstate, constructed under Governor Earl K Long and opened to traffic in 1952 as part of US Highway 90. Approximately a decade later during the 1960s the bridge was incorporated into Interstate 10 (I-10). The Calcasieu River Bridge section of I-10 handles around 90,000 vehicles/day on average, exceeding the design capacity of 37,000 vehicles/day and resulting in delays for drivers. The LA DOTD studied the feasibility of tolling in connection with preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), with results indicating a high likelihood of success.
The existing bridge is narrow, lacks shoulders, and has steep approach grades. Conversely, the new bridge will be lower and not as steep, have more lanes, full shoulders, and roadway lighting. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the existing bridge is functionally obsolete and structurally deficient.
Final completion of the project is expected by August 2031.
The project is overseen by the concessionaire, Calcasieu Bridge Partners, in collaboration with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, also a key client of Arcadis. Calcasieu Bridge Partners, comprising Madrid-based Sacyr, Acciona and Plenary Americas, will operate and maintain the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge for 50 years.
