Residents and businesses sue over Belle Chasse bridge tolls.
A new legal challenge has emerged in Plaquemines Parish as residents and businesses band together to contest the toll system on the Belle Chasse bridge. This marks the second class-action lawsuit in recent months targeting the Louisiana Department of Transportation and several private companies involved in the project. The first lawsuit was filed in October, and tensions over the toll collection have continued to rise.
Plaintiffs in the lawsuit describe the toll arrangement as unfair and financially taxing, particularly for local residents who rely on the bridge daily. Business owners also claim the tolls have added unanticipated costs, affecting their operations and profitability. The complaint points to a lack of proper legal process in implementing the toll system, suggesting that officials and private partners may have acted without sufficient oversight.
The lawsuit requests compensation for those impacted by the tolls and asks the court to declare the system illegal. In addition, it seeks an order preventing the tolls from being collected in the future. If the case succeeds, it could reshape how tolls are applied on the Belle Chasse bridge and potentially other projects in the state.
Earlier this month, the parish government joined the dispute by filing its own lawsuit. Officials argued that negotiations with Plenary Louisiana Tolling LLC had stalled, leaving unresolved questions about bridge construction costs and toll collection. The breakdown of talks highlighted ongoing frustration with how the project has been managed.
Governor Jeff Landry acted earlier this year to halt toll collection temporarily after widespread complaints from residents. Many reported being charged without consent, and public frustration was widespread. While the pause addressed immediate concerns, it did not settle the legal questions, leaving the issue unresolved and prompting further legal action.
The plaintiffs maintain that the tolls place an unfair burden on the local community. For residents who commute daily, the added expense is a significant strain. Businesses, especially smaller operations, argue that the costs are passed on to customers, creating a ripple effect in the local economy. These concerns have fueled the renewed lawsuit, which seeks to provide both immediate relief and longer-term oversight.
Legal experts note that class-action lawsuits can take months to reach resolution. In this case, the potential outcomes include financial restitution for those charged, court orders to stop toll collection, and possibly changes to how toll projects are implemented in the future. Officials from the state and involved companies have yet to publicly respond to the second lawsuit, but previous statements have emphasized that legal procedures were followed.
The Belle Chasse bridge has long been a critical route for residents and businesses in Plaquemines Parish. Its toll system, while intended to fund maintenance and construction, has become a point of contention. The recent lawsuits illustrate the tension between infrastructure funding and public accountability. As the legal process unfolds, the community continues to seek clarity on how tolls are administered and whether residents will receive relief from charges they consider unjust.
The outcome of this case could have implications beyond the parish. If the court rules in favor of the plaintiffs, it may influence other toll projects across Louisiana and set new standards for transparency and legal compliance. Meanwhile, local residents and business owners are closely watching the proceedings, hoping for both fair treatment and a resolution to ongoing financial burdens.
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Plaquemines residents sue state over Belle Chasse toll bridge in new class-action lawsuit
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