Louisiana residents crossing over the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway on the new Belle Chasse Bridge a toll starting next week.Â
The bridge, a private-public partnership, was opened to the public on March 17 after . Though a toll was always planned, officials waited to fully implement it until after the bridge was open for its first few weeks.Â
Officials announced the tolls — which for most vehicles will cost 25 cents for Plaquemines residents, $1.13 for non-residents with a GeauxPass and $2.26 for everyone else — . The tolls will have to be paid in both directions.
Tolls prices are higher for those pulling trailers, and for those driving larger trucks and vans.Â
The bridge's new charges make it one of just three tolls in Louisiana, all of which are in the southeastern part of the state.Â
Here's what to know about tolls, prices and toll tags in the state.Â
What bridges have tolls in Louisiana?
In addition to the Belle Chasse Bridge, drivers are charged tolls when traveling across the LA 1 Bridge connecting Leeville to Port Fourchon and on the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway Bridge. Tolls on the Causeway are only collected on the Mandeville side of the lake heading west.Â
The Belle Chasse and LA 1 bridge tolls are managed in part by the state, while the Causeway toll is managed by the Causeway Commission.Â
The Causeway has toll booths requiring payment to pass through, while the others use mounted toll cameras.Â
How to get a GeauxPassÂ
Drivers who consistently need to pass over Louisiana tolls can register for a toll transponder, known as a , that is linked to a prepaid account.
The transponder is attached to your vehicle's windshield, and as you drive through a toll, it sends a signal to toll equipment and automatically deducts the fee.
An initial minimum payment of $30 is needed to set up a GeauxPass account, but you can enter any amount above that, too. If your account gets below the $20 minimum, you'll need to deposit more money to keep the account active. You can also keep a credit card on file to "auto-replenish" your account once funds fall below $10, GeauxPass' website says.Â
Residents can get a GeauxPass transponder , on the GeauxPass mobile app or by calling (866) 662-8987. The Geaux Pass customer service center is located at 1821 South Alex Plaisance Blvd. (Hwy. 3235) and is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Causeway Bridge, meanwhile, uses a different toll transponder and account system. Though both toll transponders will work on all toll bridges, drivers must have both a Causeway account and a GeauxPass account set up if they are crossing both bridges.Â
The cost to open is $20, which covers both a transponder and the minimum payment.Â
Toll transponders from other states will not work for any of Louisiana's tolls. If you choose not to get a toll tag or you are an out of state driver, toll charges for LA 1 and the Belle Chasse Bridge are sent to the address tied to your vehicle's registration.Â
How much do tolls cost?
LA 1 Expressway:
Class 1 (most vehicles and trucks): less than 20 feet tall, less than 8.5 feet width and less than 12 feet in height
- GeauxPass: $4.50
- Toll-by-plate: $5.50
Class 2 (small trailers): more than 20 feet tall but shorter than 35 feet; length shorter than less than 20 feet tall and 8.5 feet wide; or taller than 12 feetÂ
- Geaux Pass: $10. 50
- Toll-by-plate: $11.40
Class 3 (large trailers): more than 35 feet tall
- Geaux Pass: $21Â
- Toll-by-plate: $21.90
Belle Chasse BridgeÂ
Class 1 (most vehicles and trucks): less than 20 feet tall, less than 8.5 feet width and less than 12 feet in height
- Plaquemine Parish residents: 25 cents
- Geaux Pass: $1.13
- Toll-by-plate: $2.26
Class 2 (small trailers):Â more than 20 feet tall but shorter than 35 feet; length shorter than less than 20 feet tall and 8.5 feet wide; or taller than 12 feetÂ
- Geaux Pass: $3.77
- Toll-by-plate: $4.90
Class 3 (large trailers):Â more than 35 feet tallÂ
- With Geaux Pass: $7.54
- Toll-by-plate: $8.67
The Causeway (credit cards have a 3% surcharge)
2 axles under 7′:
- Toll tag: $3.40
- Cash, credit card: $6.00
3 axles under 7′
- Toll tag: $7.75
- Cash, credit card $8.00
4 axles under 7′
- Toll tag: $10.25
- Cash, credit card: $11.00
5 axles under 7′
- Toll tag: $12.75
- Cash, credit card $14.00
6 axles under 7′
- Toll tag: $12.75
- Cash, credit card: $14.00
7 axles or more under 7′
- Toll tag: $12.75
- Cash, credit card: $14.00
2 axles over 7′
- Toll tag: $10.25
- Cash, credit card: $11.00
3 axles over 7′
- Toll tag: $15.25
- Cash, credit card: $16.00
4 axles over 7′
- Toll tag: $20.50
- Cash, credit card: $21.00
5 axles over 7′
- Toll tag: $25.50
- Cash, credit card: $26.00
6 axles over 7′
- Toll tag: $25.50
- Cash, credit card: $26.00
7 axles or more over 7′
- Toll tag: $25.50
- Cash, credit card $26.00