The Calcasieu Parish Police Jury has received an update on the new $2.3 billion Lake Charles I-10 bridge project. Project spokesman Johnathan Hill says that it’s currently in the design phase and is prepping for construction, which will start early next year.
“The project is still in the design phase. We anticipate starting construction on the early part of 2026. Currently right now, we are working to complete our interim design, which consists of about 60% of the design plan,” Hill explained.
The new Lake Charles I-10 bridge will take several years to construct, but Hill says that it is expected to be ready for use by 2030.
“The new bridge is anticipated to be open for use in 2030. There will be a period there where they can utilize the new bridge without it being tolled, and tolling is in anticipated starting in 2031,” Hill said.
Lake Charles’ new I-10 bridge will require a toll a year after the bridge opens. Hill says that the gap will give drivers time to get used to the new travel.
“That’s part of to make sure travelers can get accustomed to what the tolling infrastructure will be. They can get their GeauxPass account set up. I mean, everything they will need to facilitate a smooth tolling process once tolling commences and August of 2031,” Hill noted.