BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) – An environmental assessment for a new Mississippi River bridge south of Baton Rouge is moving forward.

According to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, the Federal Highway Administration approved the start of the environmental assessment.

Officials with DOTD said findings from the assessment will aid in the selection of a location for the new bridge. The assessment will also help ensure the project gets federal approval so that it can move into the design and construction phase.

As part of the environmental assessment, officials will work to create cost estimates, conceptual bridge designs, and a more detailed road design for three possible bridge locations. The public will get to learn more during two planned community meetings.

The first meeting is set for Tuesday, December 9, between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the St. Gabriel Community Center. The second meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, December 10, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Plaquemine Community Center.

“We are excited to reach this important milestone on this vital project. This step will allow DOTD to continue to advance this project with FHWA,” said DOTD Secretary Glenn Ledet. “Additionally, as we continue to move this project in the right direction, it is crucial for the public to be engaged in the upcoming meetings as this is an important part of the NEPA process.”

Officials said the environmental assessment is required by law for federally funded transportation projects.

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