Louisiana: Nelson Road Bridge and Extension Project

Road Improvements Are a “Game Changer” for Growing City in Louisiana   

Challenge: Situated smack-dab in between Houston and New Orleans, Lake Charles, Louisiana is making its own mark. With a nearby casino, port, and convention space – this former lumber town is now in the tourism game. Unfortunately, one of the major roads connecting its attractions in the north to those south of the city has been an area of concern for local leaders. Nelson Road is old and outdated. During peak traffic times it becomes congested, and the outdated road is holding back the city’s economic potential.   

Solution: With help from the bipartisan infrastructure investment law, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) is reconstructing and extending Nelson Road and building a bridge over Contraband Bayou in Calcasieu Parish. The construction stretches over one mile. Once complete, the new bridge will connect the heavily traveled Nelson Road to West Sallier Street. The project will also include an access road to the Port of Lake Charles, a major economic driver for Southwest Louisiana. Lawmakers, landowners and developers call the new bridge a “game-changer.”   

What they’re saying: “This groundbreaking is years in the making, and we are absolutely thrilled to be here today with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development,” We appreciate this partnership greatly. This investment will ease traffic congestion at one of our busiest interchanges and open the door for future development. This project will open a new gateway to downtown Lake Charles.” – Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter (Louisiana DODT Press Release, 02/13/2023)