i-10 calcasieu river bridge project
TRANSCRIPT
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