Powerful Backer Gives New Life to Bridge Connecting Central, Watson

A bridge across the Amite River linking Hooper Road in Central to the Watson community in Livingston Parish has been a dream of both communities for at least 70 years. In fact, leaders of Central and Watson met with Gov. Robert  Kennon in the early 1950’s to propose the project.

Since then, Central leaders have often voiced support for the new bridge.  Seven years ago, a study by BRAC listed the new Amite River Bridge at Hooper Road as the most needed road project in the parish.  Yet, the powers that be at the state and parish level have never seen it as a priority.

Now the project has a powerful backer.  He’s not a new backer. He’s been a backer for a long time, but this year is different. Sen. Bodi White (R-Central) is now one of the most powerful legislators at the State Capitol. White has publicly stated that building the bridge over the Amite is his No. 1 priority for capital outlay spending in East Baton Rouge Parish.

Earlier studies showed the bridge would serve about 25,000 vehicles a day.