I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge Project

I-10 Calcasieu BridgeRISING FOR A NEW I-10 BRIDGE

HISTORY Built in 1952 under governorship of Earl K. Long 135 foot high span In 2009, the National Bridge Inventory (NBI)

denotes the bridge is “basically intolerable requiring high priority of corrective action”; LDOTD disputes saying it is safe

Environmental Impact Study underway since March 2012 – currently delayed to mid 2017 due to Navigational Use Study

No design to date Approximately 53,000 vehicles per day Crossed pistols represent Jean Lafitte / cherished

by preservation organizations & community

THE PROBLEMS THE BRIDGE IS NOT SAFE!

• Reduction of lanes• No place to pull over• Steep roadway grades slowing traffic• Low vertical clearance

Declining capacity and increased congestion in all directions

Lack of connectivity and continuity on I-10 Inadequate road limit Lack of shoulders and vertical geometry Traffic increasing in all directions! SWLA has an infrastructure problem that

needs solving!

I-210 BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION (2-year project)

INCREASED CONGESTION

DELAYED I-10 BRIDGE PROJECT

WHAT NEW BRIDGE???

FACTS I-10 is a problem Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) has been

delayed – Now due in Mid 2017 Traffic volume is already increasing – expected 72,000

vpd from current 53,000 vpd by 2025 Southwest Louisiana is growing and congestion will

continue Southwest Louisiana is the ENERGY CAPITAL OF

THE SOUTH Not a statewide “top of mind” -- other Louisiana

State highway projects are receiving priority Infrastructure improvements are IMMINENT

LDOTD’s Plan

What the LDOTD is saying. . .

MISSION Build a unified coalition that proactively:

• Generates urgency to fast track and rebuild I-10 Bridge• Creates value for a new I-10 Bridge• Clears environmental problems• Addresses safety concerns• Identifies funding• Manages preservation and environmental groups• Reinforces agency coordination to move forward GOVERNMEN

T

BUSINESS

GRASSROOTS COALITION ARE YOU IN FOR 10??? Build a unified coalition of stakeholders from SW

Louisiana, SE Texas and other areas in Louisiana

Elected officials from SW Louisiana, SE Texas and other parts of Louisiana working together in support of I-10 Bridge Project• Parish Governments• Cities/Municipalities• U.S. Congressional Representatives• LA State Police• Governor & State Officials• Parish Officials• Agencies

Proactively drive support

GRASSROOTS CAMPAIGN

MOVING FORWARD. . .CREATE URGENCY and SUPPORT

Clear Environmental Issues Research and Secure Funding Options Design Approval and Completion Stakeholder Support

CLEAR ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

BRIDGE DESIGN

STATEWIDE STAKEHOLDER SUPPORT

SECURE FUNDING