Judge Perez Bridge

The Judge Perez Bridge, also known as the Belle Chasse Bridge, is a vertical-lift bridge in the U.S. state of Louisiana which carries northbound Louisiana Highway 23 over the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway between Belle Chasse and Terrytown. The bridge is paired with the Belle Chasse Tunnel which carries southbound LA 23. Construction began in March 1967, and the bridge opened for traffic in September 1968. It has been plagued with mechanical issues since it opened. Commuters have had to back down off the bridge due to a malfunction.

Judge Perez Bridge
View from car approaching the bridge's lift span. At right is an adjacent railroad bridge.
Coordinates29°52′18.7″N 90°0′32.0″W
Carries2 lanes of LA 23 North
CrossesGulf Intracoastal Waterway
LocaleBelle Chasse and Terrytown, Louisiana
Maintained byLaDOTD
Characteristics
Total length2,654 feet
Longest span150 feet
Clearance above100 feet (open), 40 feet (closed)
History
OpenedSeptember 10, 1968

The bridge was built to relieve traffic from the Belle Chasse Tunnel. It was part of a parish project of four-laning Highway 23 throughout the road's entire length to Venice. According to the Plaquemines Gazette, the $3.3 million structure was built by Plaquemines Parish using its Parish Royalty Road Fund without charge to local taxpayers. Boh Brothers worked on its construction.[1]

References
  1. "Multi Million $ Intracoastal Waterway Bridge Dedicated", Plaquemines Gazette, September 13, 1968.
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