More Troubles Plague Leeville Toll Bridge

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Traffic backed up so far at the Leeville toll bridge on La. 1 Thursday that officials allowed cars through without paying.

The backup comes after officials added a cash payment lane to the bridge leading to Port Fourchon and Grand Isle. Tolls apply only to southbound traffic.

Officials said they hope traffic will move faster as more people learn to use the machine. But one Leeville business owner told WVUE-TV (http://bit.ly/MF3i3B ) that delays could worsen when Fourth of July traffic peaks.

Officials said they added the automated kiosk after too many people didn't pay tolls — $2.50 for a two-axle vehicle.

Fitch Ratings downgraded the bridge's $60 million bond issue Monday, saying revenue was too low. Fitch warned bondholders could face losses if debt isn't restructured or tolls aren't raised.