A class action lawsuit has been filed by Plaquemines Parish residents over the Belle Chasse Bridge.
According to the lawsuit, residents are accusing the operators of the new bridge of illegally collecting millions of dollars in unauthorized tolls and $25 administrative fees never approved by the state.
The lawsuit was filed by attorney Leo Palazzo, and it names the defendants as Plenary Infrastructure, Belle Chasse, LLC; Plenary Louisiana Tolling, LLC; Kapsch Trafficom USA, Inc.; and the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development.
“This isn’t just about a few bad bills — it’s about fairness,” said Attorney Leo Palazzo. “When government contractors overcharge hardworking citizens, they have to give that money back. We’re going to make sure that happens.”
The lawsuit states that the tolling company charged more than 200,000 separate $25 fees, which amounted to nearly $5.8 million collected as of Sept. 2025.
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry suspended the tolls at the beginning of Oct. after many residents expressed their frustration over unauthorized charges.
According to State Rep. Jacob Braud, the state is looking at a $200 million buyout to get rid of the tolls for good.
“It’s been disappointment after disappointment,” Braud said. “They are still getting fined 5 thousand dollars a day.”
Braud said if he had to give Plenary a letter grade, it would be failing.
“It would be hard not to give them an F,” Braud said.
The plaintiffs are asking the court to certify the case as a class action representing every driver or business overcharged since May, 2025.
The suit is demanding full reimbursement of the tolls and $25 fees, as well as a judicial declaration that the charges violated Louisiana law and public policy.
READ MORE:Louisiana lawmakers considering massive buyout to end Belle Chasse tolls for good
