The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) Board of Commissioners (The Board) has passed two resolutions to expedite the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor.
According to Port NOLA, this is a route for St. Bernard Parish that will connect the new $1.8 billion Louisiana International Terminal (LIT) to the interstate system, providing a road that St. Bernard Parish politicians and inhabitants have long desired.
The Board approved a resolution confirming its commitment to developing the corridor project, which would include an elevated roadway connecting the planned LIT in Violet to Interstate 510, creating a new main route into and out of St. Bernard Parish.
The Board also approved a resolution authorising Port NOLA’s President and CEO, Brandy Christian, to execute a contract with global consulting firm WSP USA, Inc. for consulting services to establish a public-private partnership strategy for the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor.
As part of this work, WSP will analyse potential financing structures, delivery methods, project governance, and stakeholder engagement.
READ: Port NOLA Louisiana International Terminal to be equipped with shore power
Port NOLA President and CEO, Brandy Christian, said: “The Port of New Orleans continues to prioritise development of the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor as a parallel project with construction of the Louisiana International Terminal. We are pleased that this new terminal is serving as a catalyst project for a critical roadway that will support future growth in St. Bernard Parish.”
Louisiana lawmakers reportedly contributed over $30 million to the LIT project’s early development expenditures, which are presently in the federal regulatory and design stages.
The State of Louisiana has also committed $50 million to the creation of the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor.
READ: Lawsuit filed to stop Port NOLA’s multi-billion container terminal
Max Nasser, Senior Vice President, WSP USA, Inc, said: “WSP is excited to have the opportunity to work with the Port of New Orleans and its partners on this strategic effort to bring this long-awaited project to fruition. We understand the critical need for this link in the transportation network to serve the public and to spur economic development.
“Our experience in successfully delivering critical projects internationally, through all traditional and alternative delivery methods, will serve the Port, industry and partner communities well.”
In August 2023, Louisiana legislators agreed to reinstate funding for a significant container terminal project that the Port of New Orleans has in its plans.
