ACCIONA, together with its partners Sacyr and Plenary Americas (Calcasieu Bridge Partners), has received the “Proximo North America Roads Deal of the Year” award for the concession project to develop the new I-10 interstate highway in Louisiana (United States).

This $1.3 billion financing operation is the largest and most complex public–private partnership undertaken to date in the state. The project involves rebuilding six highway lanes, constructing several additional structures — including the new bridge — implementing a free-flow tolling system (no vehicle stop required), and demolishing the existing bridge.

In collaboration with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, the project uses an availability-payment structure that minimizes financial risk for the State. Supported by toll revenues and private capital, the project represents a sustainable model for delivering critical infrastructure through public–private partnerships.

The project combines public and private financing. The State of Louisiana will contribute approximately US$1.196 billion (€1.097 billion) during construction, to be disbursed as the works progress. Long-term financing includes the issuance of tax-exempt Private Activity Bonds (PABs) totaling US$1.332 billion (€1.222 billion).

This issuance is divided into four financing tranches with maturities between 2054 and 2066. Among the participating entities are J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. The remainder of the private capital will be injected at the end of the construction period.

The Proximo Deal of the Year Awards, held this year in Tennessee, are a benchmark for excellence in project, infrastructure and energy finance. These awards recognize the most outstanding transactions in key sectors across North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific.