A large federal grant will help fund the replacement of the aging and problematic Belle Chasse Tunnel in Plaquemines Parish.
The decades-old structure and an adjacent bridge move traffic over the Gulf Intercoastal Waterway on LA-23.
“This INFRA grant is another demonstration of the innovative tools the state must utilize to improve its crumbling infrastructure,” said Gov. John Bel Edwards. “We certainly appreciate the Trump administration’s attention to the state’s needs and will continue to work closely with the federal government to address our needs.”
Louisiana's two U.S. senators announced Wednesday the awarding of a $45 million federal grant that will fund about 30% of a new four-lane bridge on that stretch of highway.
“The Belle Chase Bridge and Tunnel is an important access point to Plaquemines Parish for residents and those traveling to and from the Naval Air Station or other businesses located along Highway 23,” said U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy. “In addition, marine traffic navigating the Intracoastal Waterway must account for the bridge. Replacing both the bridge and tunnel is long overdue, so this grant is great news.”
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