DOTD Announces Significant Interest in Public-Private Partnership for the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge Project

Published March 4, 2021

Lake Charles, LA - The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) received significant interest for the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge Public-Private Partnership (P3) Project in Lake Charles. Secretary Shawn D. Wilson, Ph.D. reported that the department has received 37 letters of interest as of the March 2, 2021 deadline identified for the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge replacement. DOTD published the notice of intent in January 2021. Details regarding the Public-Private Partnership, including the letters of interest, can be viewed on DOTD’s website at https://bit.ly/3c2KO0b.

The Public-Private Partnership arrangement is intended to provide funding for the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge Replacement project in Calcasieu Parish. The limits of the P3 project extend from the I-10/I-210 west interchange to the Ryan Street exit ramp on the east side of the bridge. The anticipated project will reconstruct the Calcasieu River Bridge and the interstate mainline within the P3 project limits and improve and reconfigure the segment of LA 378 (Sampson Street) from I-10 to Sulphur Avenue.

“Interstate 10 is an extremely vital route for residents, businesses, and industries in Louisiana and those traveling from the west coast to the east coast. This is a significant step in moving this much-needed project forward,” said Secretary Shawn D. Wilson, Ph.D. “This department is committed to continuing to use innovative means and best practices to meet our state’s infrastructure needs. While it is still early, this is an indication of the viability of this project and the global interest in partnering with the state”.

The larger project, extending from the I-10/I-210 east to I-10/I-210 west interchanges, is currently in the environmental phase. Three alternatives have been identified and will be evaluated in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). A fourth public meeting for the entire corridor will be scheduled in spring 2021 to present preliminary findings that will determine which of these alternatives is preferred. A Record of Decision is anticipated by early 2022.