What is the LA 1 Expressway?
The LA 1 Expressway will be a 19-mile toll road from Golden Meadow to the Gulf of Mexico. The need to build an elevated expressway has become critical, as existing LA 1 is literally sinking into the water. Each year, tropical storms pose more of a threat to LA 1, which often floods even in low-level storms and strands coastal residents, tourists and the oil industry workers who use our Port Fourchon as a primary access to Gulf operations.
In the past funding for the project has not been available and the need for the project is critical. So, the only way to pay for the bridge is by collecting toll revenues. By law, LA 1 toll revenues may only be utilized to pay back construction loan debt the Louisiana Transportation Authority undertook in order to construct the new LA 1 Expressway.
This project will replace our storm-vulnerable, subsiding highway by constructing one of the longest bridges in Louisiana and the Americas.
When will the LA 1 Expressway open?
The project is being built in phases as funding permits. The first section is the new bridge over Bayou Lafourche, which opened July 8, 2009. The second section, from Port Fourchon to Leeville, is under construction and scheduled to open in fall 2011. The third section, from Leeville to Golden Meadow, is not yet funded and will open at a future date.
Where does tolling begin on the LA 1 Expressway?
The tolled LA 1 Expressway begins at the new bridge over Bayou LaFourche in Leeville and only applies to southbound traffic.
How will it be tolled?
LA 1 will be the first road or bridge in Louisiana to use "open road tolling" technology. Open road tolling has been adopted for most new expressways as the most convenient, driver-friendly system.
What is "open road tolling" and how does it work?
Open road tolling allows drivers to pay tolls without having to stop at toll booths, allowing traffic to flow safely and smoothly. There will be no toll booths along the LA 1 Expressway.
Will the current LA 1 bridge be demolished?
Yes. The new fixed, high-level LA 1 Bridge will replace the deficient movable-bridge over Bayou Lafourche. The old bridge will be torn down and completely removed as soon as the new bridge is open to traffic.
What is GeauxPass?
GeauxPass is a prepaid account and transponder (toll tag) that allows you to use toll roads like the LA 1 Expressway without having to stop and pay for the toll.
How does GeauxPass work?
Tolls are collected electronically by overhead equipment located along the toll expressway. The technology communicates with a transponder you place in the inside, upper left corner of your car windshield. The system automatically deducts the appropriate fee from your account. Each time you drive on the LA 1 Expressway, Crescent City Connection or any other future GeauxPass toll facility, the appropriate fee will be deducted from the balance in your account as your car passes through the toll facility.
Where can I get a GeauxPass?
We make it easy to get a GeauxPass! You can get a GeauxPass in any of the following locations:
- Visit us online at www.geauxpass.com and download an application
- Call us at 1-866-662-8987
- Visit us at one of our customer service centers:
- Golden Meadow - 1821 South Alex Plaisance Blvd. (Hwy. 3235)
- New Orleans - 2001 Mardi Gras Blvd.
- Office hours at both locations are:
MTWF - 8a-4p
Th - 8a-7p
Sat-Sun - closed
What cost is involved to get a GeauxPass?
Costs will vary based on the type of GeauxPass you choose for your vehicle.
There are two GeauxPass options:
- A non-removable sticker GeauxPass is $12.50. This option cannot be removed from the car once it is installed. (If you remove the sticker GeauxPass and need a new one you will be charged an additional $12.50).
- A removable plastic hard case GeauxPass is $32.00. This option can be moved to and from any vehicle registered on your account.
In addition to this one-time charge, a toll pre-payment is required to open an account. This is the fund that the tolls will be deducted from each time you use the facility. This payment may be made by cash, check, debit or credit card.
How do I Open a GeauxPass Account?
To open an account you need a valid driver's license or state ID and permanent vehicle license plate number(s). In addition, you will need a minimum of $20, plus the cost of the transponder.
Depending on the type of vehicle you drive, we recommend a higher opening balance.
Once your account reaches a low balance, a deposit will be required to keep your account active. If you have a debit or credit card (we recommend using a credit card if you select this service) on file, the funds will automatically be charged to your account.
If you choose to pay by cash, you will need to come into one of our customer service centers (Golden Meadow or New Orleans) during operating hours.
When my GeauxPass account gets low, can it automatically be set up to draw funds from my credit or debit card and deposited into my GeauxPass account?
Yes! Simply let us know you would like the Auto-Replenish feature when signing up for your account. Once the balance in your account reaches a certain threshold, it will automatically charge to the card you choose to keep your account funded. We recommend using a credit card when using the Auto Replenish service.
Do I have to have a GeauxPass?
No, you do not have to have a GeauxPass to drive on the LA 1 Expressway. Single trip passes can be purchased online at www.geauxpass.com, by calling 877-662-8987 or by visiting either of the customer service centers.
How much does it cost to drive on the tolled portion of the LA 1 Expressway?
The toll rate varies depending on the type of vehicle you are driving. Please refer to the toll rate chart for toll information.
Can I pay cash to use the LA 1 Expressway?
Yes. If you prefer to pay cash, you will need to stop at the customer service center located at 1821 South Alex Plaisance Blvd. (Hwy. 3235) in Golden Meadow to speak with a customer service representative.
Can I use my GeauxPass on the New Orleans Causeway or Crescent City Connection?
Your GeauxPass may be used on the Crescent City Connection (CCC), but not the Causeway. Your GeauxPass is designed to be used on other future new toll facilities across Louisiana as they may come on line.
I have a CCC account, what do I need to do?
Nothing as long as you have enough funds in your account to cover the LA 1 Expressway toll.
I have a Causeway account, what do I need to do?
You will need to open a separate GeauxPass account to drive on the LA 1 Expressway or the Crescent City Connection, but you will not need to purchase a new transponder.
How do I know if I qualify for the resident rate?
If you are a resident of Grand Isle with a 70358 zip code and have a 2-axle vehicle then you qualify for the resident rate of $.50 per trip. You must be able to prove your residency by providing your driver's license or valid state ID and your motor vehicle registration showing your Grand Isle address when you apply for a GeauxPass. You must go to the Golden Meadow customer service center to apply for the resident rate.
How do I know if I qualify for a non-resident commuter rate?
This rebate applies to 2-axle vehicles. You must drive a minimum of 20 trips in a continuous 60-day period to receive the discounted rate. Until you fulfill this requirement, you will be charged the full 2-axle rate of $2.50 per trip. After the limit is reached, all trips will be discounted and a credit will be placed on your account.
If I seldom use the LA 1 Expressway and I do not want a GeauxPass, can I pre-pay the toll?
Yes, you can purchase a single-trip pass by telephone (1-866-662-8987) or by visiting one of our customer service locations.
You may still want to obtain a GeauxPass. GeauxPass is a pre-pay program to eliminate the need for having to stop and pay each time you travel on the toll facility. Your prepaid account will allow you access when you need it, without having to stop and pre-pay for your trip or risk receiving toll violations.
NOTE: Your single-trip GeauxPass will only be valid for 90 days from the day of purchase and is only valid for the license plate you registered.
If I use both of my family vehicles to travel the toll road, is there a GeauxPass that can be switched from one vehicle to the other?
Yes. By purchasing the hard case GeauxPass when you open your account, you can use it in any vehicle that you have registered on your account.
If I do not want the GeauxPass to be transferred out of a corporate or personal vehicle, is there a permanent transponder I can get for that vehicle?
Yes, purchase the sticker GeauxPass when you open your account. It can not be taken out and used on another vehicle. If you remove the sticker and need another one to replace it, you will be charged $12.50 for a new one.
Do I need to register any potential trailer(s) or boats which I may be pulling with my vehicle?
Yes. Although you only need a GeauxPass attached to the inside of the windshield of your vehicle, the license plate number of the trailer or boat you are towing needs to be visible and registered to your account.
Where can I find more information?
- Online at www.geauxpass.com
- By phone at 1-866-662-8987
- You can come in to one of our two customer service locations during office hours.
- Follow us on Facebook
- Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GeauxPass
What if I don't live in Grand Isle but I own a business there. Can I still get the resident rate?
No. Only residents can receive the resident rate.
Is anything being done to stop the people who are driving into the oncoming traffic lane to avoid the toll and cameras?
Yes, police officers are currently patrolling the area and ticketing those who violate the law. Cameras are also being installed to catch vehicles driving in the wrong lane.
I am a Grand Isle resident. How do I have my toll reimbursed?
To qualify for reimbursement, you must first set up a GeauxPass account and pre-pay the toll. You can contact the Grand Isle Mayor’s office for further information about reimbursement at (985) 787-3196.
What should I do if I receive a toll violation?
If you receive a toll violation notice, you can resolve it at www.geauxpass.com or by contacting GeauxPass customer service during normal business hours at 1-866-662-8987. If you are not a GeauxPass customer, your violation notice will include instructions on how to become a customer while resolving your violation.
I am a GeauxPass customer. Why did I receive a toll violation?
You could have received a toll violation for one of the following reasons:
- The tolling equipment could not read your transponder and the vehicle had a license plate that is not registered on your account
- You have insufficient funds in your account
If you receive a notice of toll violation, call GeauxPass customer service during normal business hours at 1-866-662-8987.
Are there fines assessed to vehicle owners whose vehicles violate the system by not
pre-paying the toll or having a GeauxPass?
Yes, those who use the toll expressway without a GeauxPass or pre-paying the toll will receive a violation notice by mail and will be responsible for paying both the fine and the missed tolls.
If you accidentally drive on the LA 1 Expressway without paying, you have 96 hours to call customer service (1-866-662-8987) or visit a customer service center to pay the toll without incurring additional fees.
I forgot or could not pay the toll before crossing the Expressway. Is there a way to pay without being fined?
Yes. If you accidentally drive on the LA 1 Expressway without a GeauxPass or pre-paying, you have 96 hours to call (1-866-662-8987) or visit the Customer Service Center to pay the toll without incurring additional fees.
Someone else was driving my car at the time of the violation. Do I have to pay?
Yes. Under Louisiana law, owners of vehicles are responsible for any toll violations regardless of who was driving at the time.
Can I dispute a toll violation?
Yes. Toll violation notices are sent to the vehicle owner. All hearing requests must be submitted in writing to the address on the violation notice.
I have a toll transponder from another state. Will it work on LA 1 Expressway?
No. At this time, only the GeauxPass will work on the LA 1 Expressway and the Crescent City Connection. GeauxPass will also work on future Louisiana toll roads.