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PLAQUEMINES PARISH, La – The Belle Chasse Bridge and Belle Chasse Tunnel serve as the primary access points for the residents, businesses, and industries of western Plaquemines Parish. Both the bridge and tunnel are located on the LA 23 corridor, which has a current traffic volume well in excess of 33,000 vehicles per day. The tunnel began operating in 1956 and the bridge in 1968. These structures are near the end of their design life span, requiring replacement. Replacing these aging structures will vastly improve daily traffic operations for both motorists and marine vessels.
This past year brought much progress in these advancements for the residents and businesses of Plaquemines Parish. In the spring, the Belle Chasse Tunnel closed to pedestrians and cyclists, ensuring the safety of the traveling public as construction progress continued.
This summer, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) reached an agreement with the Plaquemines Parish government to add LED lighting to the new Belle Chasse Bridge, currently being constructed by Plenary Infrastructure Belle Chasse. DOTD will provide the funding for the $300,000 lighting system that will replace the existing lighting system on the current moveable bridge, Plenary will install it, and the Plaquemines Parish government will provide maintenance on it.
On December 20, 2023, the Belle Chasse Tunnel permanently closed to motorists, ushering in a new phase of the project with traffic flowing on the new Belle Chasse Bridge. Southbound LA 23 motorists now travel over the constructed portion of the new bridge. Work is still underway on the remaining two lanes of the new bridge, expected to be completed in spring 2024. Once all four lanes of the new Belle Chasse Bridge become operational, tolling will begin.
“The department is excited to see this public-private partnership project moving forward. It was the first for Louisiana and has become a model for future transportation projects,” stated DOTD Secretary Dr. Eric Kalivoda. “DOTD looks forward to continued collaboration with the Belle Chasse Bridge and Tunnel Replacement Project to provide the public with timely information and safe commuting throughout Plaquemines Parish.”
The Belle Chasse Bridge and Tunnel Replacement Project will host public open houses in the first quarter of this year throughout Plaquemines Parish. These events are designed to educate the public on tolling and answer questions regarding the project.
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