![LA 1 Improvements - Phase 1](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20161117163034im_/https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/TIFIA_LA%201%20Schematic_0.jpg)
Phase 1: $371.6 million
Phase 1 construction began in March 2006 and was completed in December 2011.
Phase I of the LA 1 Improvements project includes the development and construction of a fully-access controlled, elevated toll highway on a new location. This toll-financed project located in the State of Louisiana, consists of a two-lane bridge over Bayou Lafourche with interchanges and connection roads immediately north and south of Leeville and includes a two-lane bridge from Leeville South to Port Fourchon on a location that parallels Louisiana Highway 1.
The existing LA 1 required replacement because of subsidence, erosion, and frequent storm damage. In the event of hurricanes, LA 1 is the only highway evacuation route for Port Fourchon and Grande Isle, both of which suffered extensive damage from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005.
The project was constructed in phases:
- Phase 1A: Fourchon to Leeville Bridge - Approximately 7 miles, 40-foot wide, two-lane elevated highway south of Leeville Bridge to LA 3090 in Port Fourchon. (Open to traffic)
- Phase 1B: Leeville Bridge Approaches and Connector - Two-lane interchanges and connector roads north and south of the Leeville Bridge. (Open to traffic)
- Phase 1C: Leeville Bridge Replacement - Two-lane, fixed-span, high-level bridge (Tomey J. Doucet Bridge) over Bayou Lafourche. (Open to traffic)
- Phase 1D: Customer service center, kiosk network, open-road tolling equipment and intelligent transportation systems (ITS). (Completed)
Total Phase 1 cost is $371.6 million:
- Senior revenue bonds - $70.4 million (Redeemed on November 15, 2013)
- TIFIA Loan - $66 million (Redeemed on November 15, 2013)
- Federal Formula Funds - $42.6 million
- Federal Earmarks - $81.6 million
- State TTF - $12.9 million
- State GO Bonds - $60 thousand
- State General Fund Surplus - $63 million
- CIAP Funds - $35 million
Phase 1: One design contract and four design-bid-build-construction contracts.
To Project:
- Traffic & Revenue Advisory Services: Wilbur Smith Associates
- Traffic & Revenue Advisory Services: URS
To USDOT TIFIA JPO:
- Original Financial Advisor: Scully Capital Services, Inc.
- Original Legal Advisor: Ballard Spahr
- Refinancing Financial Advisor: Scully Capital Services, Inc.
- Refinancing Legal Advisor - Baker Botts
Original Direct Loan: $66 million
All project debt will be repaid from toll revenues. The financial plan shows TIFIA principal and interest payments beginning in 2013 with final payment in 2040.
Refinanced Direct Loan: $122 million
All project debt will be repaid from State appropriations subject to the terms of Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between LTA and the State of Louisiana. The financial plan shows TIFIA principal and interest payments beginning in 2014 with final payment in 2046.
The project is designed so that major portions can be constructed using "end-on-end" construction methods to protect sensitive wetlands and marshes. A movable truss and crane system obviates the need for conventional temporary haul roads and construction pads.
Michael Bridges
LADOTD
michael.bridges@la.gov