Plaquemines Port Receives $7.4 Million RAISE Grant for Peters Road/Walker Road Bridge Engineering

BELLE CHASSE, LA-June 24, 2024

Plaquemines Port is proud to announce the receipt of a $7.4 million RAISE Grant from the Department of Transportation for the engineering of the Walker/Peters Road Vehicle Bridge, a highly anticipated infrastructure project.

This project aims to enhance connectivity and traffic flow, providing substantial public benefits such as shortened travel time, alternative routes and reduced traffic hazards. The completion of this bridge will significantly improve congestion for residents of Plaquemines Parish.

“We are thrilled to receive this grant and are grateful for the support from the Department of Transportation,” stated Port Executive Director Charles Tillotson. “This project is a game-changer for our infrastructure and forthcoming container terminal. We are excited to see it come to fruition, offering significant benefits to the community and beyond.”

At present, there is no bridge along Peters Road to cross the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW). The Peters Road Extension will extend over the GIWW with the construction of a bridge, connecting with Walker Road. Walker Road connects to the main entrance of the Port and the Mississippi River via LA 23.

The RAISE Grant will fund the crucial preliminary design phase of the bridge, anticipating design completion by 2026. This milestone is a vital for the development, expected to significantly mitigate traffic and improve transportation efficiency in the region. The Walker Road Bridge project has been a long-awaited initiative, with plans spanning several decades. This grant represents a major breakthrough, propelling the project into its final design phase and setting the stage for its eventual construction and operationalization.

Parish President Keith Hinkley stated, “This project has been underway since my time on the parish council, and I am thrilled to see it finally coming together. We thank the Port’s team for their collaboration and steadfastness. This initiative is crucial for powering Plaquemines and the state of Louisiana forward.”

About Plaquemines Port:

Plaquemines Port, located at the mouth of the Mississippi River, is a leading maritime hub along the Gulf Coast. With its state-of-the-art infrastructure and strategic location on the Mississippi River, the Port plays a pivotal role in fostering economic growth, supporting local industries, and connecting communities. Equipped with modern terminals and facilities, the Port handles a diverse range of cargo and implements environmentally sustainable practices. The Port owns and operates the ferry system in Plaquemines, an essential connectivity asset. Through its operations, the Port generates employment opportunities, stimulates regional economic diversification, and fuels long-term prosperity.