Central Louisiana News

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) has announced that the Louisiana Legislature’s Joint Transportation Committee has approved a plan to build a new I-10 bridge over the Calcasieu River in Lake Charles, Louisiana. The project will be funded with $150 million from Cassidy’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).

"This was one of the projects I was thinking of when I was working on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill," said Dr. Cassidy. He expressed his satisfaction with the approval, stating, "Southwest Louisiana needed to replace the Calcasieu River Bridge, which is why we worked to ensure our state had the $150 million available to them to make it happen."

The new bridge will bring significant improvements to the region's transportation infrastructure. It will be wider, with six lanes, shoulders, and center barriers. The approach incline will be lower, providing easier access. The bridge will also have increased overhead clearance and improved interchanges.

Louisiana received the third-highest award in the nation for the FY 22 MEGA Grant Awards, with the I-10 bridge project being one of the nine projects to receive funding. This is part of the increased funding that states are receiving for transportation infrastructure through IIJA. Under IIJA, Louisiana has already received more than $2.7 billion to invest in roads, bridges, and other major highway projects.

The approval of the plan to build the new Calcasieu River Bridge is a significant milestone for Southwest Louisiana. Without this plan, the state would have forfeited the IIJA funding, which would have caused a delay in the project indefinitely. With the funding secured, the construction of the new bridge can now move forward, benefiting the local community and improving transportation in the area.

The construction of the new Calcasieu River Bridge is a testament to the efforts of Senator Cassidy and his dedication to improving infrastructure in Louisiana. The project will not only provide a safer and more efficient route for motorists but will also stimulate economic growth in the region.

As Louisiana continues to receive funding from IIJA, more projects like the Calcasieu River Bridge will be undertaken to further enhance the state's transportation infrastructure. With the promise of additional INFRA and RAISE grants, Louisiana can look forward to continued improvement in its roads, bridges, and highways.

The new Calcasieu River Bridge is a much-needed development for Southwest Louisiana, and it is a testament to the commitment and hard work of Senator Cassidy and the Louisiana Legislature. With this project, the region will benefit from improved connectivity and increased safety for years to come.