Gerald Anthony Guidry
July 28, 2009
Florett "Flo" Johnson
July 30, 2009The new La. Highway 1 bridge at Leeville became a victim of its own popularity on Monday during the first day of operation for the bridge’s toll collection system.
Toll collection had to be suspended indefinitely because of a computer glitch and greater-than-anticipated demand, said Lauren Lee, spokeswoman for the state Department of Transportation and Development.
“We’re working with the software vendor to repair the glitch,” Lee said.
The bridge opened on July 8 but did not charge a toll until after the Grand Isle International Tarpon Rodeo ended this past weekend.
The toll system at the Leeville bridge has no human collectors and no stopping. Drivers need to purchase a GeauxPass to have the toll deducted electronically from their accounts or purchase a one-time pass at the DOTD Service Center at 1821 South Alex Plaisance Blvd. in Golden Meadow.
The cost to use the bridge is $2.50 per passenger vehicle and $5 for trucks and buses.
Vehicles using the bridge without a pass have 48 hours to pay at a toll kiosk or by calling a customer service number.
If they don’t, they’ll be fined $25 to $65 – depending on how long they wait to pay. But that, Lee said, is contingent upon the toll program actually being initiated first.
Lee said GeauxPass holders who crossed the bridge Monday before charges were suspended will receive refunds credited to their accounts. Drivers who used a one-time pass to cross will receive a free pass for future use.
The Customer Service Center in Golden Meadow will remain open 24 hours a day while tolls are suspended. Drivers can also set up accounts by calling 1-866-662-8987 or by going to www.geauxpass.com.
A DOTD release stated that drivers will be given 24-hour notice before tolls are reinstated.
About 8,000 vehicles cross the bridge every day to Port Fourchon and Grand Isle.
Grand Isle Mayor David Camardelle urged the town’s 1,200 year-round residents to sign up for a toll tag. He worked out a deal with Gov. Bobby Jindal for $100,000 to repay the 50-cent toll for town residents.
The money is expected to cover about 15 months’ worth of tolls, officials said.
About 6,000 toll tag accounts have been opened, with 400 more people signing up each day, said Mark Lambert, a spokesman for the state Department of Transportation and Development.
