DOTD Selects Consultant Team to Advance St. Bernard Transportation Corridor Environmental Review and Planning
Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at 2:50:21 PM
BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) Secretary Glenn Ledet, Jr. today announced the selection of Stantec to lead the next phase of planning and environmental review for the proposed St. Bernard Transportation Corridor, a critical transportation connection supporting the future Louisiana International Terminal (LIT) and the long-term economic growth of southeast Louisiana.
The consultant team will conduct engineering, environmental, traffic, and public engagement activities required to prepare a federally mandated environmental document and secure environmental approval for the project through the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process. The work will evaluate corridor alternatives, identify a preferred route, and assess environmental and community impacts.
The proposed St. Bernard Transportation Corridor would improve connectivity between lower St. Bernard Parish and the interstate system while providing a dedicated freight route for the proposed LIT. The corridor would enhance regional mobility, reduce truck traffic on local roads, improve safety, support economic development, and strengthen hurricane evacuation capabilities for residents and businesses throughout the region.
“The Louisiana International Terminal and the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor are investments in Louisiana’s future that will strengthen our economy and create opportunities for generations,” said Gov. Jeff Landry. “The selection of this consultant team allows the state to continue making measurable progress on a project that will support commerce, improve transportation infrastructure, enhance public safety, and reinforce Louisiana’s position as a global trade leader.”
“Initiating the environmental impact statement marks a significant milestone in moving this important project forward,” said DOTD Secretary Glenn Ledet, Jr. “This next phase will also provide the detailed analysis, engineering evaluations, and public engagement necessary to identify the best corridor alternative and secure federal environmental approval. Throughout this process, DOTD remains committed to transparency, environmental stewardship, and meaningful community involvement as we evaluate solutions that improve mobility, safety, resilience, and economic opportunity for Louisiana.”
The corridor planning effort is supported by $25 million in federal funding secured through the leadership of U.S. Senator John Kennedy and is being advanced through a cooperative partnership among DOTD, the Port of New Orleans, and St. Bernard Parish.
“We appreciate Senator Kennedy for securing this funding and addressing the need for a transportation corridor if the Louisiana International Terminal is built. Should Port NOLA continue to move forward, I believe that this is an important step to ensure that this critical infrastructure is completed as soon as possible. As I’ve stated before, it is imperative that this roadway is completed before the port starts operations in order to protect St. Bernard Parish and our residents,” said St. Bernard Parish President Louis Pomes.
“Advancing the environmental review process is a critical step toward delivering the infrastructure needed to support the Louisiana International Terminal and Louisiana’s growing role in global commerce,” said Port NOLA President and CEO Beth Branch. “This effort will help ensure we identify a corridor solution that enhances freight efficiency, reduces impacts on local communities, improves regional connectivity, and supports both economic growth and long-term resilience.”
“The Louisiana International Terminal is expected to generate thousands of jobs, attract private investment, and strengthen Louisiana’s competitive position in international trade,” said Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois. “This selection moves us one step closer to realizing the full economic potential of this transformational project.”