The Department of Transportation and Development is hosting a meeting tonight in Lake Charles about the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge. Lake Charles Representative Phillip Tarver said concerned residents need to attend this meeting.
“That’s why it’s very important. I’m just going to be bold and say this is the last chance for the public to have any say or get any specific direct information from the DOTD about this project,” said Tarver.
Tarver said the new bridge is expected to be constructed just north of the current structure and the route to the bridge for the most part will not change, but there are concerns about the transition into Westlake.
“It’s just a new bridge that will be three lanes in each direction, wider, more modern, more efficient. And ultimately, really the big thing is safer,” said Tarver.
Tarver said approximately 90-thousand cars use the Calcasieu River Bridge daily.
The cost of the bridge is estimated to be $1.5 billion, and Tarver said the legislature has already allocated one billion for the project. As for the remaining amount needed, he said there are differing opinions on how it should be funded.
“But the idea, the plan, that I’m not in favor of but is proceeding is to do a public-private partnership to toll that bridge,” said Tarver.
If plans continue to proceed, Tarver expects construction should begin in the next year, a year and a half.
The meeting will be from 5 until 7 at the Pryce/Miller Recreational Center.
Comments