Calcasieu Bridge Partners (CBP) (Sacyr, Acciona, and Plenary Americas) has commenced construction on the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge Replacement P3 Project in Louisiana, which will modernize one of the most critical infrastructure corridors in the United States.
A groundbreaking event was presided over yesterday by Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and attended by federal, state, and local officials, as well as consortium executives, including Rafael Gómez del Río, General Manager of Sacyr Engineering and Infrastructure.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry highlighted: “This project marks the largest transportation infrastructure investment in Louisiana history. This is an exciting day for Calcasieu Parish and for the entire State”.
The $2.3 billion project involves replacing the existing 1950s-era Calcasieu River Bridge with a state-of-the-art structure engineered to meet 21st-century demands. While the new bridge is under construction, the current bridge and its connecting ramps will undergo strategic upgrades to ensure continued service until the new bridge opens in 2031. The concession period is 50 years.
Glenn Ledet, Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LA DOTD), noted: “This massive undertaking requires unprecedented coordination between local industry, railroads, utility providers, and all levels of government”.
“I’m thrilled to join our partners to get shovels in the ground for this project and make travel more convenient in Southwest Louisiana”, added Sean McMaster, Federal Highway Administrator.
CBP Consortium
LA DOTD selected the CBP consortium, integrated by Sacyr (30%), Plenary Americas (40%), and ACCIONA (30%), for the concession contract of this project. The construction work will be executed by a Joint Venture (JV) of Sacyr (50%) and ACCIONA (50%).
The project includes the construction of six interstate highway lanes, various additional structures, the implementation of a free-flow tolling system, and the demolition of the existing bridge. This corridor constitutes the backbone of the U.S. energy sector.
The new infrastructure will enhance capacity and improve traffic comfort and safety. It is projected to serve over 90,000 vehicles daily by 2040.
The project is estimated to bring $3.29 Bn in economic impact to the region, create more than 16,000 jobs during its lifecycle, and generate $1.9 billion in labor income.
