When the I-10 bridge construction project started back in 2019; the initial renderings provided pedestrian/ bicycle access across the Westlake / Lake Charles divide as referenced in the picture.  This was exciting in that currently, the only way around the Calcasieu River was through Moss Bluff; a 20+ mile detour.  However, this excitement ended as the latest renderings excluded pedestrian / bicycle access.  After reaching  out to the i10calcasieubridge.com to verify if this exclusion was correct; they confirmed with the following ' Thank you for reaching out to the Calcasieu Bridge Replacement Project team. Federal regulations prohibit bicycle and pedestrian access on the interstate. As the bridge is part of I-10, the final design will not include bike/pedestrian access.'.  While access to an interstate highway is indeed prohibited, recent regulations have been created to provide a means of access for pedestrians and cyclist for new construction projects like the I-10 bridge.

The upcoming construction of the I-10 bridge in Lake Charles, LA presents a pivotal opportunity to enhance non-motorized transportation infrastructure. Unfortunately, current plans do not appear to include dedicated pedestrian and bicycle pathways, potentially endangering residents and missing a crucial opportunity to promote sustainable transportation.

Bridges are vital connectors in our cities, linking communities and facilitating local commerce. Yet without proper access for pedestrians and cyclists, a significant portion of the public is excluded from utilizing this important public resource. Walking and cycling are not just modes of transport but essential components of healthy living, and reducing congestion.

Lake Charles is at a crossroads, with the unique chance to lead by example and align with modern transportation trends that prioritize sustainable and inclusive mobility solutions. Building a bridge without accessibility for all is a step backwards.

We urge the project planners, local government, and stakeholders to revise the current blueprint and include safe, dedicated lanes for pedestrians and cyclists. It is vital to ensure that the new I-10 bridge contributes not just to vehicle traffic improvement but also to the creation of a holistic, safe, and accessible transportation network for all.

Support this petition to demand the inclusion of pedestrian and bicycle access in the I-10 bridge plans, ensuring a safe, accessible, and sustainable future for every resident of Lake Charles, LA.  

Petition Letter: Provide Pedestrian Access on the New I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge (Lake Charles, LA)

To: Louisiana Department of Transportation & Development (LaDOTD); Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Louisiana Division; Calcasieu Bridge Partners (CBP); Southwest Louisiana Regional Planning Commission (MPO); City of Lake Charles.

Re: Request for safe, ADA-compliant pedestrian access on the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge replacement

Dear Transportation Leaders and Elected Officials,

We, the undersigned residents, workers, students, and visitors of Southwest Louisiana, respectfully request that the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge replacement include safe, continuous, ADA-compliant pedestrian facilities (e.g., a protected shared-use path or sidewalk) connecting Lake Charles and Westlake.

This request aligns with governing federal law, national policy, and State of Louisiana commitments:

Federal statute supports and funds pedestrian facilities.
Under 23 U.S.C. §217, pedestrian walkways and shared facilities are expressly recognized as highway projects eligible for Federal-aid participation, removing barriers to design and funding. 
Legal Information Institute, GovInfo

FHWA and USDOT policy expect routine accommodation (“Complete Streets”).
FHWA’s policy statements and Complete Streets initiative call for projects to be planned and designed for all users, including people walking and using mobility devices. These policies emphasize tangible outcomes—safer, equitable networks, not vehicle-only designs. 
Federal Highway Administration Highways 

Accessibility is required in the public right-of-way.
The U.S. Access Board’s Public Rights-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG) establish technical requirements for accessible pedestrian facilities (curb ramps, signals, sidewalks, shared-use paths) in the public ROW, guiding compliance with the ADA for state and local agencies. 
U.S. Access Board, Federal Register

Louisiana’s own policy commits to serving people walking.
LaDOTD’s Complete Streets policy and statewide Bike/Ped planning resources commit the state to accommodate pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users alongside motorists. The new bridge is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to uphold that commitment. 
Louisiana DOTD 

Project significance and timeline make now the right moment.
The I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge replacement is advancing under a long construction window; finalizing designs that bake in safe pedestrian access now will avoid costly retrofits later and deliver broad public benefits. 
https://www.kplctv.com 

Why it matters locally

Safety & connectivity: Walking is essential for people without cars, for workers on both sides of the river, and for recreational access. A protected path improves safety and resilience during evacuations or closures.

Equity & ADA: Residents and visitors who use wheelchairs, canes, strollers, or have other mobility needs deserve a dignified, direct connection.

Economy & tourism: River-view walking and cycling links support downtown vitality, lakefront activation, and visitor spending.

Health & environment: Walkable options reduce short car trips and encourage active living.

Our request:

We ask LaDOTD, FHWA, and Calcasieu Bridge Partners to commit in writing to one of the following solutions in final design and construction:

• A physically protected, ADA-compliant shared-use path across the bridge, with safe connections to Ryan St./North Lakeshore Dr. and Westlake approaches; or

• A parallel, fully accessible pedestrian bridge/boardwalk integrated into the project footprint, meeting PROWAG/ADA criteria.

We further request a public design update (open house or virtual briefing) dedicated to the pedestrian element, with drawings that show the typical section, barrier separation, grades, widths, and connections.

Thank you for ensuring this nationally significant project reflects the law, the policies, and the people it serves.