The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has announced that the team that submitted a Public-Private Partnership proposal to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the replacement structure will participate in two public hearings with DOTD to inform the public and receive comments on the proposal. 

On May 29, the chairs of the House and Senate Transportation will travel to Plaquemines Parish for a public meeting at the Belle Chasse Civic Auditorium, 8938, Hwy 23 in Belle Chasse from 6-8 p.m. The meeting will consist of the DOTD presenting a short overview of the process, followed by the proposal sharing key elements of the proposal, including tolls rates and length of the concession, followed by the department discussing its rating of the proposal. The public will be given an opportunity to comment on the contents of the proposal.

Following both hearings, the DOTD and the proposed developer will review all public comments and determine if any adjustments can be made. If accepted, the P3 proposer will maintain the new bridge through the period of its contract with DOTD and will recoup its investment through tolls paid by motorists using the new bridge. 

The P3 will be combined with funds from the $45 million Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant that DOTD received in June 2018, as well as $26.2 million in federal funds allocated to DOTD, $12 million in federal funds allocated to the Regional Planning Commission, and up to $12 million in GARVEE Bond proceeds. With this financing, DOTD is committed to building a fixed, four-lane bridge to replace the tunnel and moveable bridge on LA 23 in Belle Chasse using private investment.

The current bridge in Belle Chasse was built in 1968, and the tunnel opened in 1956. The average daily traffic is approximately 35,000 and this route serves as the primary access point to the residents, businesses, and industries of Plaquemines Parish. The new structure will benefit the Belle Chasse Naval Air Station while providing more efficient commute times in daily activities and hurricane evacuations for motorists.