Gov. Landry suspends toll collections on Belle Chasse Bridge

“Those tolls are suspended. I placed plenary on notice and at the same time we put them on notice. We also are suspending the tolls we’re going to make. We’re going to get a better deal a better deal for Plaquemines, a better deal for Louisiana.” said Gov. Jeff Landry.

Landry says plans are underway to improve toll collections on the Belle Chasse Bridge.

During a Senate Transportation Committee meeting, State Senator Patrick Connick presented documents showing that in the bridge’s first four months, more than $11 million has been made through tolls.

“The Belle Chase bridge is a bad deal. It was a bad deal by the last governor. We’ve got $15 billion worth of backlog in our infrastructure. Remember, these are bad choices and a lack of investment in infrastructure over the last 30 years,” said Governor Landry.

State Representative Jacob Braud says the state’s Department of Public Safety and Corrections has found flaws in the contract with the bridge’s developer.

“Plenary did not provide an appeal process or due process for people to actually challenge those administrative fees. Public safety has suspended any flagging of anyone’s driver’s license or registrations,” said State Representative Braud.

Plaquemines Parish resident Heather Clark says her fees cost about one thousand dollars. She’s now thankful officials are pushing back against Plenary.

“I’d like to see the tolls go completely away. $25 administration fee, one way, $25 administration fee back. And why is it all just the same price? Any other state you go to, their tolls are all the same,” said Clark.

Braud says a buyout is being explored but says it comes with a big lump that would have to be paid.

“With construction delays and now with just the tolling operation being rolled out in such a terrible manner and there being such a lack of customer service and disregard for the citizens of the Belle Chase area and including the whole West Bank area,” said State Representative Braud.

Beginning Oct. 10, Geauxpass will open a customer service center for residents who still have issues with paying their bills or accessing its website. It will be open for 90 days.

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