DOTD celebrates completion of La. 23 improvements project in Plaquemines Parish
Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at 2:49:21 PM
Project included minor drainage work
PLAQUEMINES PARISH, La. – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development and local officials celebrated the completion of a $1.7 million project to overlay La. 23 and replace cross drains from Happy Jack to Port Sulphur, La. with a ribbon-cutting at Plaquemines Medical Center, earlier today.
DOTD Secretary Shawn D. Wilson, Ph.D. said, “The La. 23 project is a shining example of how improved transportation infrastructure improves mobility, connectivity and quality of life for citizens across the state. La. 23 serves as a main corridor not for just the citizens of Plaquemines Parish, but for freight and the maritime industry. We are excited and look forward to doing more meaningful projects of this magnitude for communities across the state.”
“This project will be a tremendous asset for the people of Plaquemines and those who work in the vital industries of the area. Local officials have been very supportive of this need,” said Senator John Alario.
The project resurfaced the travel lanes of the two-lane section of La. 23 between Happy Jack and Port Sulphur, nearly four miles. Turn lanes were constructed at Civic Drive, Freeport Drive and the entrance to the Plaquemines Medical Center. Additionally, any cross drain structures deemed deficient were replaced throughout the project limits. Boh Bros Construction LLC performed the work.
“The complete overlay of Hwy. 23 from Happy Jack to Port Sulphur exemplifies the state's financial commitment and recognition of the importance to this artery, not only to the community, but to the region,” said Representative Chris Leopold. “I applaud DOTD for this and look forward as we work together to eventually four-laning this same area, giving us the best access to the Gulf for industry and the best evacuation route for the citizens of Plaquemines Parish.”
“We appreciate the efforts of the DOTD to create safe turning lanes and improve traffic flow in the Port Sulphur area. These lanes will help the Plaquemines Parish Medical Center and Port Sulphur YMCA-both of which are located in the center of our parish, Port Sulphur,” said Plaquemines Parish President Amos Cormier, III. “The project will have a beneficial impact on Plaquemines Parish. We also hope this project will pave the way to complete the long awaited four-lane through Port Sulphur, which will link the entire west bank of Plaquemines with four-lane service, from Belle Chasse to Venice.”
“I am elated to have worked with Rep. Chris Leopold and was excited that the he was able to secure funds to bring a much needed project to the area,” said Plaquemines Council Member Audrey Trufant-Salvant. “This project, at this time, lends to the growth that is on the horizon for the area. I look forward to continue working with Rep. Leopold.”
“I am excited by the foundation this project lays for the continued growth and development of Plaquemines Parish. Continuing to improve our transportation and infrastructure allows our parish to keep moving forward and attracting new industrial development opportunities,” said Michael Van Haverbeke, Plaquemines Association of Business and Industry Chairman. “Our citizens and businesses will greatly benefit from easier travels through our parish. I hope these efforts continue as we strive to develop our river and revitalize the southern part of Plaquemines Parish.”
For more information, please visit www.dotd.la.gov, email dotdcs@la.gov, or call DOTD’s Custom Service Center at (225) 379-1232 or 1-877-4LADOTD (1-877-452-3683). Business hours are 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Motorists can access the latest updates on real-time traffic and road conditions using the 511 Traveler Information System by dialing 511 from their telephone and saying the route or region on which they are seeking information. Out-of-state travelers can call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511). Travelers can also access this information by visiting the 511 Traveler Information Web site at www.511la.org. Additionally, real-time around-the-clock New Orleans traffic updates can be accessed via Twitter @NOLA_Traffic.
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www.dotd.la.gov