Tolls could go into effect by early August

The new toll bridge over Bayou Lafourche at Leeville will be completed this summer, replacing the existing lift structure.

The state Department of Transportation and Development is hosting an informational meeting about the new bridge on Monday, June 8, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Houma Terrebonne Civic Center.

The bridge is the first phase of the La. Highway 1 Expressway, 19 miles of new elevated roadway from Golden Meadow to the Gulf of Mexico.

At the meeting, residents will receive information concerning the electronic toll collection system, toll rates and the new customer service center in Golden Meadow.

Tolls will only be collected for southbound vehicles. No toll will be collected for drivers traveling from Grand Isle.

Residents will also be able to register for a GeauxPass. With the pass, drivers will not have to stop at toll booths along the LA 1 Expressway.

To register, attendees need to take a driver’s license, a credit or debit card and license plate numbers.

Members of the LA 1 Coalition will be present to answer questions about the new bridge and future phases of the LA 1 Expressway.

Coalition director Henri Boulet said the latest official date for the opening of the new Leeville Bridge is in early August. Tolls will be in effect the first day.

Average two-axle cars will be charged $2.50. Tolls increase with additional axles, but the charge for freight trucks is capped at $12, Boulet said.

The state Department of Transportation and Development sets the rates.

Further informational meetings will be held in Lafourche Parish on Monday, June 15, at South Lafourche High School; Tuesday, June 16, at the Larose Civic Center, and Wednesday, June 17, in Thibodaux at the Warren J. Harang Jr. Municipal Auditorium.

All meetings are slated to be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Tolls will be collected to cross the southbound lanes of the Leeville Bridge beginning this summer. * File photo / Tri-Parish Times