The Belle Chasse Tunnel was built starting in March 1954 to accommodate the new branch of the Intracoastal Canal.

The politicians in Plaquemines Parish chose to construct a tunnel as opposed to a drawbridge as to enable continuous flow of traffic.

Judge Leander Perez enabled the tunnel's construction by passing a constitutional amendment through the Plaquemines Parish Police Jury.

The tunnel was the primary means of carrying traffic to and from Belle Chasse and westbank Plaquemines Parish.

The tunnel was permanently closed on December 20, 2023 as traffic was rerouted on the newly constructed Belle Chasse Bridge.