The bridge is paired with the Belle Chasse Tunnel which carries southbound LA 23.

Construction began in March 1967, and the bridge opened for traffic in September 1968.

The bridge was built to relieve traffic from the Belle Chasse Tunnel.

It is named after Leander Perez, a local political boss and segregationist.

It was part of a parish project of four-laning Highway 23 throughout the road's entire length to Venice.