Timelapse Video

October 26, 2022 – August 28, 2023

Project Overview

The Belle Chasse Bridge and Belle Chasse Tunnel serve as the primary access points for the residents, businesses, and industries of western Plaquemines Parish. Both the bridge and tunnel are located on the LA 23 corridor, which has a current traffic volume in excess of 33,000 vehicles per day.

 

The movable bridge began operating in 1968 and the tunnel in 1956. These structures are near the end of their design life span. Currently, there is a need to replace unreliable and inefficient infrastructure due to frequent, costly, and unpredictable operations for repair and maintenance which impact the public’s ability to travel.

 

In 2017, the Louisiana Joint Transportation Committee approved the use of a Public-Private Partnership (P3) to deliver the replacement project. This project is LADOTD’s first P3 and is paving the way for this delivery method to be utilized on other state projects. Several public sources of funding were secured to execute the project.

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$45M

USDOT Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) Grant

$34.4M

Federal/state funds allocated to DOTD

$12M

Regional Planning Commission

$12.5M

GARVEE Bonds

The project will replace the existing bridge and tunnel with a fixed-span, 4-lane bridge. Replacement of these structures will allow for safer and more reliable access for the residents, businesses, and industries in Plaquemines Parish. Improving the connectivity via this corridor will address the current conditions and operational constraints created by aging infrastructure.

Construction Timeframes

SUMMER 2020 SUMMER 2020
2020-2024 2020-2024
Late 2023 Late 2023
SPRING 2024 SPRING 2024
SPRING 2024 SPRING 2024
SPRING 2024 SPRING 2024

SUMMER 2020

Design input on bridge and park

2020-2024

Lane closures, construction

Late 2023

Demolish tunnel

SPRING 2024

Open new bridge

SPRING 2024

Relocate Veterans Park

SPRING 2024

Take down old bridge

To learn more, view our Frequently Asked Questions

Timeline of Events

Date Event
DECEMBER 2017 LA Joint Transportation Committee approved the use of a P3
FEBRUARY 2018 LADOTD issued a Notice of Intent
JUNE 2018 LADOTD shortlisted 3 teams to submit proposals
MARCH 2019 LADOTD received the proposal from Plenary Infrastructure Belle Chasse
DECEMBER 2019 LA Joint Transportation Committee authorized the execution of the P3 contract
2020 – 2024 Design/Construction
2024 Bridge Operational

For more information about this project, please contact us.