Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) in the US has received responses for two design-build projects following the issue of requests for qualification (RFQ) in April.

The agency has received five statements of qualification for the Loyola Interchange project and four for the Barksdale Air Force Base (AFB) access project.

Loyola Interchange project includes the construction of a new interchange on I-10 in Kenner at Loyola Drive, which will serve the Louis Armstrong International Airport terminal that is under construction. Barksdale AFB project will create a new connection between I-20 to Barksdale AFB in Bossier City.

Overall, these two projects are estimated to cost from $175m to $228m.

“As I have travelled the state and listened to citizens, there is a mandate for a better infrastructure system in Louisiana.”

DOTD has planned to cover the majority of funding for the two projects through GARVEE bonds, which allow the state to repay the debt with the federal highway funds that it receives annually. The debt is expected to be paid over 12 years.

Furthermore, the local governments and metropolitan planning organisation will also contribute to the project.

House Transportation Committee Chairman Representative Terry Landry said: “As I have travelled the state and listened to citizens, there is a mandate for a better infrastructure system in Louisiana.

“We must use every tool possible and GARVEE bonds and accelerated procurement methods are helping to do that.”

Both projects are expected to secure final environmental clearance by the end of the year.

The responses are now due to be evaluated by a team to shortlist proposers.

Shortlisted proposers will be allowed to respond to the DOTD’s request for proposal, which is scheduled to be issued this year for the Barksdale project and early next year for the Loyola project.