Louisiana Governor and Louisiana Department of Transportation announced the execution of a Comprehensive Agreement with Plenary Infrastructure Belle Chasse, LLC an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Plenary Group Concessions USA Ltd. to build the Belle Chasse Bridge and Tunnel Replacement Project in Plaquemines Parish. The contract was signed on December 20, 2019.

The new bridge will be located between the existing vertical lift bridge and tunnel and will include four lanes with a separated, protected sidewalk in the southbound direction. This proposal was approved on December 18 by the House and Senate Transportation Committee, making this the first transportation infrastructure Public-Private Partnership (P3) project in the state. The procurement process began in early 2018.

Plenary Infrastructure, an investment firm that specializes in P3s, will manage and oversee construction, maintenance and operations of the new bridge and will recoup its investment through tolls paid by motorists. Funding for this project will be combined with funds from the US$45 million Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant that DOTD received in June 2018, US$26.2 million in federal/state funds allocated to DOTD, US$12 million in federal funds allocated by the Regional Planning Commission, and up to ten percent of the project cost in GARVEE Bond proceeds, as this is a toll project.

Construction is anticipated to begin summer 2021, with an estimated completion of spring 2024, weather dependent.