PLAQUEMINE, La. (AP) — The Iberville Parish Council has agreed to share the cost of a feasibility study that could lead to a new highway and bridge on the west bank of the Mississippi River in Ascension and Iberville parishes.

The Advocate reports Iberville is offering $175,000 to match state funding approved during the 2014 legislative session to pay an engineering firm to research a proposal for a four-lane highway between Interstate 10 near Port Allen and Interstate 310 west of New Orleans.

The study also would consider construction of a bridge over the Mississippi River to connect Louisiana Highway 1 and Louisiana Highway 30, most likely in Iberville.

Officials said the highway and bridge would relieve traffic congestion and provide a hurricane evacuation route.

Ascension already has approved funding for the study.

Information from: The Advocate, http://theadvocate.com

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