DOTD, state and local leaders celebrate the substantial completion of the $47 million Green Bridge Rehabilitation Project
Monday, October 27, 2025 at 2:56:15 PM
New Orleans – Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) Secretary Glenn Ledet joined state and local leaders today at a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the substantial completion of the $47 million LA 47 “Green Bridge” Rehabilitation Project.
The project involved the restoration and installation of the bridge's structural steel components, as well as sandblasting and painting the steel columns. To honor the bridge’s proud history, it was repainted in its original green color as it was when it opened in 1967.
“Our dedication to restoring heavily traveled bridges, such as the Green Bridge linking coastal regions to the city, is vital for ensuring a reliable future for our residents,” said Ledet. “Projects of this size cannot be completed without teamwork, coordination and a common vision. The Green Bridge now stands as a shining landmark with a foundation as strong as ever.”
During construction, which started in April 2023, DOTD and contractors coordinated work schedules to keep at least one lane open in each direction for residents, except for a few weekends early in the project when a full closure was necessary. The bridge’s average daily traffic is substantial at 25,000.
"The Green Bridge is an important feature in our state highway system being the only fixed-bridge that leads to the interstate for St. Bernard Parish residents,” said Louisiana House Representative Mike Bayham. “The renovation of the Green Bridge to the colors I recall it being as a kid and the structural improvements will enhance both esthetics and longterm resilience of something that is both a landmark and a critical gateway for the people of St. Bernard Parish."
Structural and painting jobs are finished, but contractors will be completing electrical work related to navigational lights and aerial beacons over the next few weeks. Periodic lane closures may be necessary and will be shared through the MyDOTD alert system, which provides real-time updates on road conditions, closures, and construction projects.
The bridge spans the Intracoastal Waterway Gulf Outlet in New Orleans, yet it’s primarily used by residents of St. Bernard Parish, who commute to New Orleans and the I-10 corridor.
“LA DOTD’s work on the Green Bridge keeps LA 47 safe and dependable, a vital lifeline for commuters in St. Bernard Parish,” said St. Bernard Parish President Louis Pomes. “A reliable LA 47 remains one of our most important links to jobs, emergency services, and evacuation routes, keeping St. Bernard connected to the region. This rehabilitation makes that connection safer and stronger for our families, first responders, and businesses. Thank you to Secretary Ledet and the DOTD team for getting it done.”
The bridge is also vital for residents and businesses in New Orleans East. Just north of the bridge, LA 47 intersects with US 90, which is commonly known in the area as Chef Menteur Hwy. Continuing north, LA 47 crosses Lake Forest Boulevard before connecting with I-10.
“The rehabilitation of the LA 47 Green Bridge represents a critical investment in the connectivity of New Orleans East,” said New Orleans Councilman-at-Large J.P. Morrell. “This project strengthens evacuation routes, supports economic activity, and improves the daily lives of residents who rely on this infrastructure. I’m grateful to DOTD for prioritizing this improvement, and I look forward to continued collaboration to ensure our region’s infrastructure is safe, sustainable, and built for the future.”
“I want to thank Secretary Ledet and the DOTD team for their commitment to improving critical infrastructure in New Orleans East,” said New Orleans Councilman Oliver Thomas. “The rehabilitation of the Green Bridge represents more than just repairs — it’s an investment in safety, commerce, and connectivity for the residents and businesses that rely on this corridor every day. Projects like this strengthen our resilience and our confidence in the continued growth and vitality of District E.”
The project was funded with an 80% federal and 20% state split. The federal portion was funded through the National Highway Performance Program with funds from the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The state portion was paid through funds from the Highway Priority Program.