Residents voice concerns about plans for new Mississippi River Bridge in EBR

BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — The Louisiana Division of Transportation kicks off its week-long collection of public conferences about doable websites for the brand new Mississippi River Bridge.

DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says they’re holding public conferences to slim down these websites to only three places. Proper now they’re contemplating 10 places.

“We don’t wish to make investments a lot cash in a venture if the general public clearly doesn’t need it,” stated Mallett. “We had some individuals who like the concept of getting a bridge, however not right here. And that’s advantageous and we would like them to inform us why.”

Ron Crum is a long-time resident of East Baton Rouge Parish. He absolutely helps a brand new bridge however there may be nonetheless a lot to think about.

“I’m very involved concerning the Bluebonnet crossing and Level Marie crossing. Each of these websites cross 5 miles from a lot of the pristine ecologically delicate swamps in all the state,” he stated.

Some residents say a bridge is a superb concept, however inserting it in EBR could be a nightmare for visitors.

“I believe the higher choice would undoubtedly be to go south. Whether or not that might be in Iberville Parish or Ascension,” stated Jerry Hix, East Baton Rouge resident.

“Nicholson Drive is already rated at stage of service F. Why would you construct a bridge solely to place extra visitors? That’s 22,000 automobiles a day than what it has in the present day,” stated Crum.

DOTD continues to be ready on lawmakers to assist fund the venture.

In January, the venture gained its greatest push when Governor John Bel Edwards proposed $500 million for a brand new bridge.

Dates and places of upcoming conferences:

• Tuesday, April 26, 2022 | 5-7 p.m.
  Iberville Parish, East Financial institution
  St. Gabriel Group Middle
  11400 Gordon Simon Leblanc Dr., St. Gabriel

• Wednesday, April 27, 2022 | 5-7 p.m.
  West Baton Rouge Parish
  Addis Group Middle
  7250 LA-1, Addis

• Thursday, April 28, 2022 | 5-7 p.m.
  Ascension Parish, West Financial institution
  Donaldsonville Excessive College Gymnasium
  100 Tiger Dr., Donaldsonville

• Monday, Could 2, 2022 | 5-7 p.m.
  Ascension Parish, East Financial institution
  Lamar Dixon Expo Middle Banquet Corridor
  9039 S. St. Landry Ave., Gonzales

• Tuesday, Could 3, 2022 | 5-7 p.m.
  Iberville Parish, West Financial institution
  Carl F. Grant Civic Middle
  24700 J Gerald Berret Blvd., Plaquemine