Belle Chasse Bridge P3 Design Build

Franklin developed and is implementing a 10-year public information strategy tied to the design and build efforts for the Belle Chasse Tunnel & Bridge Replacement Project, which is replacing the outdated bridge and tunnel structures with a new high-rise bridge in Plaquemines Parish.

The new bridge is LADOTD’s first Public-Private Partnership (P3), a collaboration which provided the funding needed to construct the bridge and is paving the way for this delivery method to be utilized on other state projects. A P3 is a public infrastructure approach using private financing in a long-term partnering agreement. Though LADOTD owns the bridge, Plenary is building and will maintain the structure for the next 30 years.

Public Engagement

During the design phase of the project, Franklin developed and deployed in-person and virtual input mechanisms to gather community feedback tied to aesthetics of the new bridge, including color schemes as well as preferences on design elements of the newly renovated Veterans Park.

Public Information Strategy & Delivery

Once construction began, the Franklin team shifted into its role as the public information manager for this project. As such, Franklin coordinates all public notifications, education and inquiry resolution related to the Belle Chasse Bridge. As part of this, Franklin manages media relations and inquiry responses, develops, and distributes printed materials, social media updates, and official news communications.

Franklin also notifies the public in advance of scheduled maintenance efforts on the existing tunnel and bridge and scheduled construction detours and closures across email, texting, and social media platforms. Franklin created and manages the project’s informational website and coordinates public-facing project educational meetings as needed.

Tolling

Franklin created and is implementing a robust tolling education plan prior to the operational launch of the new bridge to inform area drivers of specific processes for using the new bridge. The largest aspect of Franklin’s outreach strategy is the tolling education initiative. While no one disputes the need for a new bridge, the toll that will be in effect on the new bridge has sparked concern throughout the community and caught media attention.

While tolling is a usually a contentious issue, Franklin’s public outreach strategy is to always present accurate and timely information framed positively and through local channels. Educational efforts are ramping up prior to the bridge’s projected opening date in 2024 to assure a smooth transition to the new infrastructure and its tolling processes.

Website

Franklin created and maintains the project website www.bellechassebridge.com, updating the website weekly while also posting press releases as needed, especially in the construction section to ensure the public has the easiest to read, timely information on the project’s progress. Basic tolling information is available in the FAQ and Tolling As A Solution section of the website.

Through the course of this project, Franklin has developed a positive relationship with local elected officials in Plaquemines Parish. As of October 2023, key accomplishments include:

• Emailed public updates have an average 58% open rate, far outpacing the national average of 30%
• Nearly 10,000 website visits since site was published
• 962 “Notify Me” website subscribers
• 70 Twitter followers
• 2,917 Facebook followers