KEY TAKEAWAYS: New dock access bridge adds second connection to Globalplex terminal Structure supports 1,000 pounds per square foot for heavy freight Project funded by federal and state infrastructure programs Upgrade strengthens cargo reliability and regional competitiveness   The Port of South Louisiana has marked the completion of a new dock access bridge at its Globalplex facility, a project aimed at improving cargo reliability and expanding capacity for heavy and oversized freight. The Globalplex Dock Access Bridge creates a second connection between the main terminal and its primary dock on the Mississippi River, adding redundancy that port officials say will prevent costly service disruptions and strengthen supply chain resilience. The project was fully funded through the Federal Maritime Administration and the state of Louisiana’s Capital Outlay program, according to the port. Port Executive Director Julia Fisher-Cormier said the bridge represents a long-term infrastructure investment for the region. “This project represents a long-term investment in reliability, resilience, and regional economic growth,” Fisher-Cormier said. “The Globalplex Dock Access Bridge strengthens our ability to serve existing and future customers, improves safety and efficiency for cargo movement, and demonstrates the Port’s continued commitment to building infrastructure that supports Louisiana’s role in global trade.” The bridge is engineered to support 1,000 pounds per square foot, allowing fully loaded trailer trucks and oversized equipment to move across the structure safely. Port officials said that added capacity is critical for modern freight operations, particularly as shippers handle larger and heavier cargo. Previously, Globalplex relied on a single dock access bridge. If that structure became unavailable, vessels scheduled to call at the facility would have to divert to other ports. The addition of a second bridge eliminates that risk and allows continuous dock access, even during maintenance or unexpected closures. The new configuration also enables a circular traffic flow for trucks, reducing congestion and speeding loading and unloading operations, according to the port. Stephen Abadie of RNGD, which worked on the project, said collaboration was key to completing the bridge. “Building the Globalplex Access Bridge was a true team effort — one that required exceptional collaboration between our crews and the Port of South Louisiana every step of the way,” Abadie said. “We’re incredibly proud of what this project represents for the region’s infrastructure and the lasting impact it will have on commerce along the Mississippi.” The bridge serves the Globalplex Intermodal Terminal, a 335-acre multimodal logistics complex operated by Associated Terminals at the port. With river, rail and highway access, the facility handles general cargo and supports a range of industrial tenants in the River Parishes region. Founded in 1960, the Port of South Louisiana spans a 54-mile stretch of the Mississippi River between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. It is the largest port in Louisiana and ranks second in the Western Hemisphere by total tonnage, according to port data. The port is the top U.S. grain exporter and the second-largest U.S. energy transfer port, serving an industrial corridor that includes major refineries, petrochemical plants and grain facilities. Port officials said the new bridge enhances the region’s competitiveness by improving reliability for shippers and reinforcing Louisiana’s role in global trade. ...read more read less