Work will start for Louisiana’s new Calcasieu River Bridge in March 2026. The new tolled bridge will carry I-10 across Lake Charles, replacing the existing structure and with completion due in 2031. The cost of the project has risen steadily since it was first envisaged and will now come with a $2.4 billion pricetag. The construction project is being handled under a design, build, operate model.
The project is being carried out by a joint venture, Calcasieu Bridge Partners, which comprises Plenary Americas, Acciona Concesiones and Sacyr Infrastructure USA. The client for the new bridge is the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD).
The work is needed as the existing Calcasieu River Bridge no longer meets current requirements and is narrow, lacks shoulders, and has steep approach grades. Scheduled to open in 2031, the new bridge will be lower and not as steep, features more lanes, full shoulders, and roadway lighting.
The project is for an 8.8km traffic corridor that links Ryan Street in Lake Charles with the I-210 and I-10 interchange at Westlake. The construction work involves building the new bridge and the approaches, as well as interstate links and ramps, I-10 service roads and interchanges at PPG Drive, Sampson Street, and North Lakeshore/Ryan Street. The interchanges link with various state roads and local roads. In addition, Sampson Street will be elevated over the railroad tracks to eliminate blockages from trains.
The bridge predates the interstate and opened to traffic in 1952 as part of US Highway 90. During the 1960s the bridge was made part of I-10. The bridge handles around 90,000 vehicles/day, far in excess of the 37,000 vehicles/day it was designed for. The LA DOTD has studied the feasibility of tolling in connection with preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), with results indicating a high likelihood of success. The project will include a lower bridge with tolling, more lanes and enhanced lighting.
The existing 2km-long 16m-wide Calcasieu River Bridge was officially called the Louisiana Memorial World War II Bridge when it was opened in 1951. It has decorative iron work with crossed guns integrated into the railings. The crossed pistols emblem will be a feature of the new bridge also, reflecting the history of the area and its past links with piracy.
Governor Jeff Landry said that the project forward will deliver a bridge that meets all modern travel standards, while expanding the I-10 corridor will help economic growth for Louisiana. “Getting this deal secured in a way that was best suited for the Southwest Louisiana region was one of my administration’s top goals when I took office,” said governor Landry. “With today’s signature, we have proven that we are committed to investing in infrastructure that will significantly benefit Louisiana and the I-10 corridor and give the Lake Charles region a potential revenue stream for generations to come.”
DOTD Secretary Joe Donahue said this project has been years in the making, and the updated bridge will improve journeys for the thousands of travellers who cross it daily. “Southwest Louisiana residents have waited decades for a new I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge,” he said. “Now, it’s more than just a pipe dream. We at DOTD are pleased to see this project advance. Motorists can look forward to an upgraded bridge that will be in line with today’s regulations.”
