BATON ROUGE, La. – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LADOTD) has completed its final study and released the official plan for a new Mississippi River bridge south of Baton Rouge. The project which has been in the planning phase since 1990 and has a cost estimated at $2.3 billion, will connect LA 30 near St. Gabriel to LA 1 on the west bank. Construction is expected to begin in early 2026 and is scheduled for completion by late 2031.

The 59th and final study included traffic modeling, public input, and real-time traffic observation to evaluate congestion issues between Grosse Tete and the I-10/12 split at peak traffic times. LADOTD officials say the findings confirmed the long-acknowledged need for additional river-crossing infrastructure in the region.

Governor Jeff Landry praised the project, saying, “For too long, this bridge has been talked about but never acted on. Under my administration, we’re finally getting it done. This is a major win for South Louisiana, our economy, and our future.”

The new bridge is designed to relieve pressure on the existing I-10 bridge, support hurricane evacuation, and improve freight efficiency.

LADOTD will host a series of public meetings this spring to present additional details and begin the public engagement process.