This week, authorities gave the green light to a proposal for constructing a new bridge along Louisiana’s I-10, with a significant toll specifically targeting truck drivers.

On Wednesday, January 31, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) disclosed the approval of a public-private collaboration aimed at constructing a fresh I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge in Lake Charles, with an estimated cost of around $2.1 billion.

Trucker Tolls Tapped To Fund I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge


The funding for the bridge construction will involve $1.2 billion sourced from various state and federal funding channels, while the remaining portion of the expenses will be covered through toll collections.

As per the proposed toll framework, the primary responsibility for toll payments will be on commercial trucks. Truckers are expected to pay $8.25 with a toll tag or $12.35 without a toll tag for passage across the upcoming I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge. Conversely, local passenger vehicle drivers will incur a modest fee of only a quarter for utilizing the new bridge.

Any profits generated through the tolling system will be allocated towards supporting additional infrastructure projects in the Lake Charles region, with the ultimate goal of reducing toll costs.

Truckers Say Tolls Are Unfair


The Louisiana Motor Transport Association (LMTA) has expressed its dissent regarding the proposed tolls for commercial trucks on the I-10 bridge.

“These tolls disproportionately burden the trucking industry with funding the project. For medium-sized carriers with multiple trucks that rely on this route to move goods, the annual tolling costs are calculated to be in the millions,” LMTA said.

“Interstate 10 runs through the country, from Jacksonville, Florida, to Santa Monica, California. In the 2,460 miles that I-10 runs, there are no tolls throughout the seven states the interstate intersects. The DOTD’s current plan of implementing tolling would provide the bridge and Louisiana with the only tolled portion of I-10 in the country. Allowing tolling on I-10 would set a poor precedent for our state nationally,” LMTA continued.

I-10 Bridge To Include Major Infrastructure Upgrades

Authorities report that the existing bridge, constructed in the 1950s, features narrow lanes, lacks shoulders, and has steep grades. The forthcoming I-10 bridge, however, will boast wider lanes, gentler slopes, full shoulders, and enhanced lighting.

“Getting this deal secured in a way that was best suited for the Southwest Louisiana region was one of my administration’s top goals when I took office,” said Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry. “With today’s signature, we have proven that we are committed to investing in infrastructure that will significantly benefit Louisiana and the I-10 corridor, and give the Lake Charles region a potential revenue stream for generations to come.”

“Southwest Louisiana residents have waited decades for a new I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge,” said DOTD Secretary Joe Donahue. “Now, it’s more than just a pipe dream. We at DOTD are pleased to see this project advance. Motorists can look forward to an upgraded bridge that will be in line with today’s regulations.”