SPI Insights

Louisiana – State transportation leaders are seeking a consultant to help them chart a path toward designing and building an estimated $1 billion bridge in Baton Rouge that would cross the Mississippi River and alleviate traffic congestion on the Interstate 10 bridge.

The state Legislature last year empowered the Capital Area Road and Bridge District to develop a plan to finance the bridge that some officials say could be achieved through a public-private partnership.

On June 17, a seven-member panel began its search for a consulting firm that Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) officials hope to contract with in 2019. Advertisements are expected to be published by the end of June, and three applicants will be selected for interviews.

The successful bidder will be responsible for providing a justification for the new bridge, developing existing plans and cost estimates, researching revenues for other route options, determining necessary state and federal requirements, and conducting an environmental impact analysis.