New I-10 Bridge

We're a big step closer to getting a new I-10 bridge over the Calcasieu River.  That's because replacing the bridge is now a top project with the state.  That's according to an official with the State Department of Transporation and Development.  Bobby Hennigan told the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury last night that replacing the old bridge is now at the top of the state's "to do" list.  One big reason is that other big projects like I-49... or Highway 171 have been completed.  Replacing the bridge would cost more than 400 million dollars.  And Hal McMillin and other police jurors want the project to include the much talked about Westlake overpass.  There's also more work planned on the current bridge, including new lights in the New Year.  Replacing the old I-10 bridge is our "Hot Topic."  Give us your thoughts about the project?

Comments

[Peter Halley]

kplc is stupid

[Who Care's about the bridge..]

Who is paying for this? Residents?

I know way too many people who never take the bridge nor do they take 2-10.

We never take it..we go through moss bluff if we need to get to sulphur or Texas.

New lights? on what bridge? the old one? if so, why? if your going to build a new one, why spend the money on new lights.

Come on people,, ask these simple questions..see what answers you get..

and as for Peter,,we all know this sweetie,,they never have actual news nor do they go against our Gov, and the local crooks who work for the state and parish.

[kyle]

yes build one before it falls down but it doesn't need to be that tall. No ships go past the brigde.

[Mom]

Kinda wondering why there have been no designs similar to the Port Allen Bridge.

Entrance ramp and lane -- Exit lane and ramp -- two lanes for traffic flow...for those of you unfamiliar...six lanes total.

Would help immensely with the plant traffic and vehicles entering/exiting in Westlake.

[Bad American]

My two cents worth is this… Why not leave the existing bridge in place and build a TOLL bridge next to it, say charge 1 dollar each way, you can even offer the speed pass system. I have friends that live in Tacoma WA. And this is the system they have. In the long run the bridge gets paid for by everyone that uses it, and if you don’t want to pay, then they can use the old bridge at your own risk.

[Sa'allahdin]

$400 Million ???????????????????????????????
Lash some barges together , pave it , Bingo , less than $ 1 million and all the Westlake exits are already there , Duhhhh

No Brainer Boyzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz , of course NOOOOOOOOOO Kick Backs woth mentioning

Don't forget all the savings could build a North Loop and By Pass Lake Yuck all together : ))))))))))

[CTtcg]

I hope they hurry this project up. There's no reason it has taken this long to build a new bridge. The environmental stuff is dumb - that whole area is contaminated anyways.

The new bridge should be a bit lower than the old one because large ships don't pass under it. There's nowhere for them to go.

They say the bridge is safe, but I don't believe it. I choose not to drive on it if I don't have to.

I don't understand the need for new lights, unless they plan on building the new bridge in twenty years. If it's a priority project then it should get started as soon as possible. And shouldn't the federal government pay for it since it is the federal highway system?

Fortunately the 210 bridge is safe to drive on.

[Buck]

Maybe I missed something here. The same people with DOTD that have failed for many years to keep the lights burning on one of the South's most dangerous bridges, the I-10 bridge,are now in charge of the construction of a new bridge. This is yet another example of government insanity at its best.

[Mike]

There's been a lot of discussion on how high the bridge should be. I would like to know how all that worked out. Obviously that needs to be settled along with exit ramp design before the bridge can be designed and built. We're long overdue for a new bridge although the existing one is as safe and sound as it's ever been. It's just not wide enough to handle today's trucks and other wide loads. The lighting has been a problem since the old bridge was built (vibrations, I'm told) and this should have been addressed years ago. Anyway, design and build a modern bridge to replace the old one. When the contract is written, take a lesson from Texas. Do it right and do it QUICKLY. With Louisiana's poor construction contracts, it'll probably take 5 years to complete a project that shouldn't take more than 15 months.

[Wilton Chesson]

I can see the need for a new interstate bridge. The existing one was rated for traffic for Highway 90 back in 1950. When they ran the interstate in 1960 they did not upgraded the bridge for the higher flow of traffic. Here we are in 2010 still using a bridge that has a safety rating of 4 which is on the border of being condemned. What I can't seem to grasp is why do they need a bridge with such height? The issue of ships docking in the West Lake area will more than likely never happen.. They could cut cost by replacing the existing bridge with an elevated bridge designed for regular recreational boats. I just don't see the need to build the a new bridge to the present day height of the existing bridge.

[Mary]

If they claim now that it will cost 400 Million (which is crazy) then by the time they actually get around to building it in about another 10 years or so it will cost 800Million. Don't forget all those folks with their hands out under the table that must be paid before anything gets done in Louisiana.

[Jer]

Yes, build your bridge. But first, finish the northbound lanes of hwy 165. Someone forgot to budget money for the other half. I hope they don't build half a bridge and then forget the other half.

[mike]

This bridge is desperately needed. The lower height would allow a pedestrian/bicycle path over the river. Although there is a ship that berths on the north side of I-10, it is just one ship, all other would not need the extra height. It will be several years before construction can begin, so maintaining the present stucture is essenstial.

[CHAD P BRYANT]

CHAD

ON AND YES

[CHAD P BRYANT]

CHAD PAUL BRYANT

ON AND YES

[CHAD P BRYANT]

ON

AND

YES

[CHAD PAUL BRYANT]

CHAD

ON

AND

YES

[Alan Walker]

I know it is a little late in the process, but has there been any consideration given to building a tunnel rather than a bridge?
I know there has been great concern about the height of the bridge for various reasons. And the problems with connecting to the main street in Westlake.
It seems to me that a tunnel, such as the I-10 tunnel under Mobile Bay, would solve all those problems and probably be safer in the long run.

[Jake LeBrun]

The bridge is part of the federal interstate highway system. However, the federal government spends more on "defense" than anything else. Apparently, killing people thousands of miles away is more important than attending to crumbling infrastructure here. When the bridge collapses, killing Americans, I guess we can console their families by reminding them how many Iraqis/Afghans/Elbonians or whatever were killed with the money that could have replaced it.

[Moi]

Jake...

In the following info...where do you see the federal government mentioned??

Quote:
We're a big step closer to getting a new I-10 bridge over the Calcasieu River. That's because replacing the bridge is now a top project with the state. That's according to an official with the State Department of Transporation and Development. Bobby Hennigan told the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury last night that replacing the old bridge is now at the top of the state's "to do" list. One big reason is that other big projects like I-49... or Highway 171 have been completed. Replacing the bridge would cost more than 400 million dollars. And Hal McMillin and other police jurors want the project to include the much talked about Westlake overpass. There's also more work planned on the current bridge, including new lights in the New Year. Replacing the old I-10 bridge is our "Hot Topic." Give us your thoughts about the project?

[Lucifer and Lucy]

Hey Jakie Boy ...........Don't forget YOUR POTUS is sending Tax Payer " ABORTION FUNDING " out there into the International Black Hole as well Pal /////////
That money could pay for a catch net under the bridge when you " Fall " through the CRUMBLING SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE that Baaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrry is Promoting

All the Love Buddy : ) Lucifer and Lucy

[Jake LeBrun]

"I-10", as in Interstate number 10? As in the interstate highway system, a project initiated, overseen and partially funded by the federal government.

$663 Billion projected for "defense". I'm not sure if that includes payments to mercenary companies, but it does not include payment of interest on the national debt, much of which is directly related to "defense". How much is spent on abortions?

[Moi]

Jake....Great Chief Who Sit on Rock With Tail Feather Hanging over Edge...please answer the question:

In the following info...where do you see the federal government mentioned??

Quote:
We're a big step closer to getting a new I-10 bridge over the Calcasieu River. That's because replacing the bridge is now a top project with the state. That's according to an official with the State Department of Transporation and Development. Bobby Hennigan told the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury last night that replacing the old bridge is now at the top of the state's "to do" list. One big reason is that other big projects like I-49... or Highway 171 have been completed. Replacing the bridge would cost more than 400 million dollars. And Hal McMillin and other police jurors want the project to include the much talked about Westlake overpass. There's also more work planned on the current bridge, including new lights in the New Year. Replacing the old I-10 bridge is our "Hot Topic." Give us your thoughts about the project?