The US Department of Transportation (US DOT) has approved a $45m federal grant for the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development for the LA 23 Belle Chasse Bridge and Tunnel Replacement project.

Funding for the infrastructure project is being offered through the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) discretionary grant programme.

US DOT secretary Elaine Chao said: “This important project will enhance safety, decrease travel times and improve the quality of life for the people in this area.”

Senator Bill Cassidy, MD (R-LA) said: “I thank Secretary Chao for coming to New Orleans and making these projects possible.

“Upon completion, the new bridge will minimise delays caused by frequent bridge openings on LA 23 and allow the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway to operate more efficiently.”

“We discussed with local leaders the enhancements we can make at our ports, and the grant for the Belle Chasse Tunnel and Replacement Project that will improve access to Plaquemines Parish, Belle Chasse air station, and businesses along Highway 23.”

The Belle Chasse Bridge and Tunnel Replacement project is estimated to cost approximately $125m. It will replace a more than 60-year-old reinforced concrete tunnel and the adjacent structural steel vertical-lift-span bridge crossing the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway.

The replacement bridge will be built according to the current standards as a single mid-level fixed-span four-lane facility. Additionally, the new bridge will feature a separate protected pedestrian / bicycle lane.

Upon completion, the new bridge will minimise delays caused by frequent bridge openings on LA 23 and allow the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway to operate more efficiently while also supporting the economic activities in the New Orleans region.

At present, the average daily traffic at Belle Chasse Bridge and Tunnel is 33,000 vehicles.