New Mississippi River bridge to be built north of Baton Rouge
This is a vital part of the new LA 10 Corridor connecting I-49 and I-55 and will provide a much needed bridge crossing the Mississippi River between Baton Rouge and Natchez.
BATON ROUGE, La. Construction on a new $213 million Mississippi River bridge to link Saint Francisville to New Roads should begin by the end of the year. Consultant Ron Hartje told the state Bond Commission yesterday he hopes the bridge will open to traffic in 2009, a year ahead of schedule.
The bridge will bypass to the south of Saint Francisville, away from the town's historic district and the Cat Island swamp. It will connect La 10 and US 61. A bridge between West Feliciana and Pointe Coupee parishes has been under consideration for decades.The span will replace a ferry used to cross the river.
The Feliciana's; West and East parishes, with their scenic countryside and rolling hills have increasingly becoming a popular location for many new country club and resort communities because of their easy drive time to Baton Rouge.
New Roads, located along the scenic oxbow lake False River, has long been a popular resort area for Baton Rougeans. It's property values have skyrocketed, with waterfront lot prices now ranging from $175,000 to $300,000.
