ACCIONA Brings Global Bridge-Building Expertise to I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge Project

(This is the first in a three-part series featuring the partners building the new Calcasieu River Bridge) 

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) is working closely with an accomplished trio of leaders under a Public-Private Partnership (P3) model to build the new Calcasieu River Bridge. A key member of the joint venture is ACCIONA, a global infrastructure firm known for sustainable bridge design and construction.  

Selected alongside Plenary Americas and Sacyr for exclusive negotiations on a 50-year concession, ACCIONA is stepping into the role with a bold vision, deep technical expertise, and an impressive global portfolio.  

“We are thrilled to be part of the team that will build and maintain a new bridge for the region. We know that infrastructure like this will make things better for commuters and the community,” said Project Director Raquel Garcia.  

A Partnership Built for Progress  

ACCIONA, in a 50/50 construction partnership with Sacyr, is spearheading the bridge build itself — reconfiguring six interstate lanes, demolishing the previous structure, and implementing a next-generation tolling system.  

When the current bridge was built, it accommodated fewer than 40,000 vehicles per day. It now averages more than 90,000 vehicles per day. The new design is geared toward resilience, safety, and long-term performance.  

Global Expertise with Local Impact  

ACCIONA’s footprint includes more than 600 bridge projects worldwide, many of them in challenging climates and orographic geographic conditions. 

Some of the company's notable projects in the United States include:  

• Pattullo Bridge: A landmark cable-stayed structure in Vancouver Canada  

• Doheny Ocean Desalination Project: New ocean desalination plant that will provide fresh drinking water for homes and businesses in California 

• SR400 Express Lane Project: Construction of two managed lanes for approximately 15 ½ miles in Atlanta 

• Metro Flood Diversion Authority: Provides permanent, reliable flood protection for the Fargo-Moorhead Area 

A Shared Commitment to the Future  

By partnering with DOTD through a long-term P3 model, ACCIONA and its consortium members will not only construct the bridge—they’ll also operate and maintain it for the next half-century. This approach encourages innovation, accountability, and cost-efficiency, giving Louisiana a bridge that’s built to last.