See the Future Lake Charles I-10 Bridge: New Videos Show What’s Coming

Lake Charles, Louisiana (KNGT-FM) - As we inch closer to the beginning phases of the new I-10 bridge in Lake Charles, we have received a video showing local Southwest Louisiana residents what the project is expected to look like.

If you’re wondering what travel will look like, these videos should give you answers.

READ MORE: What Is The Actual Name of the I-10 Bridge in Lake Charles?

The new bridge will be much bigger and safer than the one we use today. It will include six travel lanes and two extra lanes to help cut down on traffic jams. It will also have better lighting, a lower profile design, and an overpass at Sampson Street so drivers won’t get stuck waiting on trains. The project will even include improvements for future transportation needs beyond just cars and trucks.

According to project officials, key features of the new bridge and corridor include:

• Six travel lanes and two auxiliary lanes for improved safety and traffic flow
• Roadway lighting and a reduction in bridge height for a more modern design
• Elevated overpass at Sampson Street to eliminate train-related delays

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A major talking point surrounding the bridge from local residents has been the idea of using tolls to pay for the bridge, and it does look like that will eventually be the case.

The project will cost around $2.3 billion. About half will come from state and federal funding, while the rest will be paid through tolls. Drivers will use the GeauxPass system to pay, and tolls are expected to last for 50 years. The state will keep part of the toll money, while the rest will help with the maintenance and operations of the bridge.

Construction is set to begin in spring 2026 and should wrap up by 2031. Until then, traffic will still use the current I-10 bridge to keep people moving. But drivers should expect long-term detours, as we reported last week, Westlake travelers will start to see closures and delays moving forward as they begin the process of burying the aboveground pipes.

So what will the new bridge project look like once it is completed?

Officials have recently released a video that shows SWLA residents what the project will look like once the new bridge is completed. Check it out here:

This video is showing traffic heading East Bound...

This video is showing traffic heading West Bound...