Louisiana’s Department of Transportation has picked a consortium for a US$2.1 billion replacement of the Calcasieu River Bridge in the USA. 

The consortium known as Calcasieu Bridge Partners (CBP) comprises Plenary Americas, a Canadian infrastructure developer, and Spanish contractors Sacyr and Acciona Concesiones. Plenary holds a 40% ownership share in the consortium, while the other two entities possess a 30% stake. 

The proposed initiative encompasses the construction of a modern eight-lane bridge spanning the Calcasieu River, featuring three travel lanes and an auxiliary lane in each direction, in addition to a dedicated tolling center. Furthermore, it involves dismantling and removing the existing bridge once the traffic transition is completed onto the new structure. CBP will take charge of overseeing the construction, maintenance, and operation of the new bridge, with its investment recuperated through tolls paid by motorists. Notably, the new replacement bridge will exhibit a gentler incline, incorporate full-width shoulders, and be equipped with roadway lighting. The contract also encompasses the realignment of existing roads and the subsequent demolition of the existing bridge once the traffic transition is executed to the new one. 

Construction could start as early as 2024 and is anticipated to finish in 2031.