Port NOLA, La. DOTD Sign CEA For Roadway
Representatives from the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) and the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) have signed a cooperative endeavor agreement (CEA) to advance the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor, a planned roadway that would connect the port’s future Louisiana International Terminal (LIT) in St. Bernard Parish to the interstate system.
“The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development is proud to partner with Port NOLA on this transformative project,” said Glenn Ledet, secretary of Louisiana DOTD. “The St. Bernard Transportation Corridor will serve as a strategic link between our international trade system and our communities by providing safe, efficient and reliable access to the interstate. This project addresses both the economic and safety needs of our state. This agreement demonstrates our commitment to building infrastructure that serves the people of Louisiana today and for generations to come.”
The St. Bernard Transportation Corridor will provide an efficient route for freight while improving local traffic flow, reducing congestion and creating a hurricane evacuation route for St. Bernard Parish. The roadway will connect the port’s planned container terminal with I-510, a north-south spur that leads to I-10. The roadway will help trucks entering and leaving the container terminal to avoid local roads.
“Infrastructure is the foundation of Louisiana’s economic future, said Susan Bourgeois, secretary of Louisiana Economic Development. “Projects like the LIT and the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor are gateways for investment, trade and new opportunities. LIT will generate thousands of quality jobs, deliver more than $1 billion in state and local tax revenue and strengthen our position as a global commerce leader. Another clear example of how partnerships at every level can drive growth while enhancing quality of life for the people of Louisiana.”
Under the agreement, Louisiana DOTD will provide technical assistance, expertise and cooperation in the procurement, evaluation, design and construction phases of the project, supporting Port NOLA’s leadership in securing a public-private partnership to finance, develop and operate the corridor. Representatives from both agencies reaffirmed their shared responsibility to deliver essential public infrastructure that benefits commerce, community and safety.
Port NOLA intends to develop the corridor in tandem with the LIT project.
“This agreement represents an important milestone in moving forward the Louisiana International Terminal and the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor with one unified vision for our region’s future,” said Beth Branch, president and CEO of Port NOLA. “By working hand-in-hand with DOTD, we are not only building world-class freight infrastructure but also delivering critical community benefits, including safer roadways and a reliable evacuation route. This project ensures Port NOLA and Louisiana remain globally competitive while strengthening local resilience.”
