Traffic Relief
Traffic flow is key to the success of the Louisiana International Terminal and to the quality of life in St. Bernard Parish. Port NOLA is working with regional and state agencies to deliver transportation improvements when or before they are needed.
Lower St. Bernard Parish Roadway Network & Resilience Study
The Regional Planning Commission (RPC) and the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LADOTD) conducted a “Stage 0” Feasibility Study. This effort helped the agencies better understand how future growth would impact traffic in St. Bernard Parish. It also:
- Proposed three potential routes for an elevated third roadway along the 40-Arpent canal, connecting Lower St. Bernard to the Interstate.
- Recommended overpasses on St. Bernard Hwy and Judge Perez to avoid rail crossings.
- Offered further traffic improvement projects to improve traffic flow.
The RPC reviewed impacts from natural population growth in St. Bernard Parish as well as from the Louisiana International Terminal. The potential terminal project can help push through much-needed improvements in the area.
RPC's Roadway Development Process
Click or tap on each step to expand and learn more.
- Assessed future traffic flows in St. Bernard based on natural growth and that from the Louisiana International Terminal
- Identified ways to reduce or mitigate potential impacts of growth on St. Bernard’s roadway network
- Conducted preliminary environmental reviews
- Developed preliminary scope estimate for each infrastructure improvement concept
Identify funding sources
- Develop detailed plans for each feasible infrastructure improvement project
- Advance environmental analysis
- Refine project budgets
- Complete the environmental review and analysis process
- Finalize roadway improvement designs
- Obtain necessary permits
- Develop a traffic management plan for construction
- Build roadway improvements according to design
Funding
$65 Million already committed
We've worked with state and federal partners to raise funds to support the RPC's traffic study and design phases.
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$50 million in capital outlay from the Louisiana Legislature.
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$15 million through the federal Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies (THUD) Appropriations Act for 2024.
Port NOLA is a dedicated advocate for the development of the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor. Effective August 2025, Port NOLA is authorized by the Louisiana Legislature to form a public-private partnership to move this project forward.
WSP USA, Inc., a consultant hired by Port NOLA, is helping us develop a public-private partnership strategy to make the envisioned roadway a reality.