![]() Before the bridge was built, road traffic was stopped hundreds of times per month while large ships passed after a drawbridge had been raised. The chemical industry is such a big part of southwestern Louisiana culture, the I-10 bridge was built at its towering height to allow for passage of the giant ships to dock farther upriver to support the area’s many industries whose growth was sparked by the oil refining booms of last century. These industries are the major sources of air, soil, and water pollution/contamination in Mossville and surrounding areas (I’ll write about the environmental racism/classism plauging this region at a later date). It lies in the densest area of the 10-mile radius of Calcasieu Parish that is home to over 50 industrial factories. Mossville, Louisiana is a community founded by descendents of former slaves. But, Jean Lafitte’s contraband did not only consist of material treasures, he also smuggled slaves into the state. Legend says that Jean Lafitte buried some of his smuggled contraband in the area. Even though the reason for the crossed pistols is not universally agreed upon, many hold it to be true that it is a gesture to celebrate the legacy of pirates who frequented Southwest Louisiana waterways, the most famous being Jean Lafitte. The railing features crossed pistols that span its length. ![]() This project is expected to be completed by 2026, weather depending.The design of the bridge itself is reflective of the culture of the region where it stands. The project’s contractor is the Grapevine, Texas-based Johnson Brothers Construction. “This project has been in the works for some time, and the Port of Lake Charles is happy to partner with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development and the City of Lake Charles to move a portion of the rail to the north side of Sallier Street as well as provide 18 acres of ROW for the bridge and road expansion,” said Thomas Lorenzi, Port of Lake Charles Board President. This project will open a new gateway to downtown Lake Charles.” ![]() This investment will ease traffic congestion at one of our busiest interchanges and open the door for future development. “This groundbreaking is years in the making, and we are absolutely thrilled to be here today with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development,” said Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter. ![]() “It will greatly improve traffic congestion and be very beneficial for our communities.” “We are very excited to get this project off the ground,” said Rep. Thanks to all who had a part in advancing this important connector route over the many years it has taken to get us here.” “This is important to our entire community as a key component to tying together South and North Lake Charles, and it will become even more important in the future with the completion of the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge. “This is an awesome project, many years in the making,” said Rep. I would like to thank DOTD and all the persons involved for finally making this bridge a reality.” “Number one, the Port of Lake Charles will have an efficient and direct access for truck traffic and number two, this bridge will be a connector between South Lake Charles and the lakefront, creating increased development. “This Nelson Road bridge project is a much needed economic infrastructure asset for two reasons," said Sen. “This long-awaited project will greatly benefit a regularly traveled area of Lake Charles and Calcasieu Parish that continues to see growth.” “Extending Nelson Road and building a bridge over Contraband Bayou will make it easier for motorists to access Lake Charles’ downtown district and will improve access to the Port of Lake Charles,” said DOTD Secretary Shawn D. The city of Lake Charles will also work on improvements along West Sallier Street, a local roadway located just north of Contraband Bayou. The project will also include an access road to the Port of Lake Charles, a major economic driver for Southwest Louisiana.ĭOTD and the Port of Lake Charles will also work to relocate an existing railroad that is currently owned by the port. Once complete, the new bridge will connect the heavily-traveled Nelson Road to West Sallier Street. The construction stretches over one mile. Once the contract is finalized, work on this $101.7 million project is anticipated to begin by the summer of 2023. joined state and local officials last week to celebrate the groundbreaking of an upcoming project to extend Nelson Road and build a bridge over Contraband Bayou in Calcasieu Parish.
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