🚧 What’s Going On With the Highway 11 Bridge in Slidell?

For years, people have asked why the Highway 11 bridge over the railroad tracks hasn’t been replaced.

If you’ve driven it, you know why it’s a concern.

It’s narrow.

It’s tight.

And it still carries thousands of vehicles every day.

So here’s what we know 👇

✅ There ARE plans to expand it.

The current two-lane bridge is planned to be replaced with a four-lane structure.

But this isn’t just about the bridge itself.

The entire Highway 11 corridor in that area is expected to be widened and modernized to match — including road realignments and intersection improvements.

The goal is improved safety and increased traffic capacity.

💰 So why hasn’t it started?

Right now:

• $10 million has been secured for design and engineering

• Total projected cost is over $100 million

• Full construction funding is still being worked out

Big infrastructure projects move in phases — design first, then property and utility coordination, then construction.

🗓 When could it happen?

Current projections show:

• Construction possibly starting around 2027

• Completion likely after 2029

That means it’s coming… but it’s still several years away.

🚦 For now

The existing bridge will remain in service while design and funding phases continue.

Bottom line:

Yes — it’s expected to become four lanes.

No — it’s not happening anytime soon.

We’ll keep following it and update you when more concrete timelines are released.