Interstate 310
Interstate 310 (I-310) is a critical auxiliary spur route of I-10 located entirely within St. Charles Parish, Louisiana. Serving as a strategic connection west of New Orleans, this 11.7-mile freeway links the major artery of I-10 with US 90, facilitating movement across the Mississippi River and through the region's unique coastal geography.
The route begins just west of Kenner and the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, extending southward as an elevated freeway. Its path takes it across the environmentally sensitive LaBranche Wetlands and through the communities of St. Rose, Destrehan, and Luling.
Key Facts
- Total Length: 11.709 miles (18.844 km).
- Location: St. Charles Parish, Louisiana.
- Major Crossing: The Hale Boggs Memorial Bridge over the Mississippi River.
- Maintenance: Managed by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD).
- Operational Period: Opened in stages between 1983 and 1993.
- Classification: Part of the National Highway System (NHS).
Route Description and Engineering
I-310 serves as a vital corridor connecting the north and south banks of the Mississippi River. At its southern terminus in Boutte, the highway begins at US 90. The first mile of this section was originally constructed as part of LA 3127, an inland bypass for LA 18, and remains cosigned with I-310 today.
As the route moves north, it reaches the Hale Boggs Memorial Bridge (also known as the Luling–Destrehan Bridge). This cable-stayed bridge is a landmark structure that connects the towns of Luling and Destrehan.
Beyond the bridge and an interchange with LA 48, the highway traverses the LaBranche Wetlands Bridge. This five-mile elevated structure was designed to protect the sensitive ecosystem below. To achieve this, engineers used end-on construction for the final two miles between US 61 and I-10. This top-down technique involves mounting construction platforms on concrete piles, allowing the bridge to be built forward from the platforms to avoid disrupting the wetlands on the ground.
History and Development
The origins of I-310 date back to 1977. It was initially conceived as part of Interstate 410, a proposed southern beltway for the New Orleans metropolitan area. When the I-410 project was canceled, the route was split into two separate components: I-310 and I-510.
The highway was completed in several phases:
- October 1983: The Hale Boggs Memorial Bridge opens, marking the first segment of the route.
- March 1988: The west bank approach to US 90 in Boutte is completed.
- July 1991: The east bank approach extends to US 61.
- May 7, 1993: The final section between US 61 and I-10 opens, completing the interstate.
Route Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Northern Terminus | I-10 (West of Kenner) |
| Southern Terminus | US 90 (Boutte) |
| Major Junctions | US 61, LA 3127, LA 48 |
| Key Infrastructure | Hale Boggs Memorial Bridge, LaBranche Wetlands Bridge |
| Parish | St. Charles |
Future Developments
Planning for I-310 continues to evolve to meet regional transportation needs. One primary goal is to connect the interstate with the future extension of I-49, which is planned to run from Lafayette to New Orleans. Additionally, the Louisiana Statewide Transportation Plan has proposed extending the Earhart Expressway (LA 3139) westward from Dickory Avenue to I-310, providing a freeway alternative to the often-congested I-10.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of I-310?
I-310 serves as a spur route that connects I-10 near Kenner to US 90 in Boutte, providing a critical crossing of the Mississippi River via the Hale Boggs Memorial Bridge.
What is "end-on construction"?
End-on construction is a top-down building method where platforms are placed on concrete piles. This allows workers to build the bridge forward from the structure itself, preventing heavy machinery from damaging the environmentally sensitive wetlands below.
How long is Interstate 310?
The total length of the route is 11.709 miles (18.844 km).
Where is I-310 located?
The entire length of I-310 is located within St. Charles Parish, Louisiana.
When was I-310 fully completed?
The interstate was fully opened to traffic on May 7, 1993, following the completion of the final section between US 61 and I-10.