DOTD announces cable barrier installation along I-49 in Caddo, DeSoto Parishes
Monday, August 14, 2017 at 10:20:44 AM
DOTD announces cable barrier installation along I-49 in Caddo, DeSoto Parishes
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announces a project to install cable barriers along the median of I-49 in both Caddo and DeSoto Parishes.
The $5.1 million dollar contract was awarded to Alexandria-based Progressive Construction Company.
The project will install approximately 41 miles of life-saving cable barriers beginning at the LA 3132 interchange with I-49 in Caddo Parish and continuing through DeSoto Parish to the Natchitoches Parish line.
Work to install the cable barriers will begin this month and should wrap up in Summer 2018, with progress dependent on weather conditions.
As of July 2017, DOTD has installed over 230 miles of cable barriers across interstates in Louisiana since the first barriers were installed in 2008. It’s an investment of more than $30 million.
Another 78 miles of cable barriers are currently under construction along other interstates across the state.
In all, over 600 miles of these life-saving barriers will be installed across the state when all of these projects are complete, totaling more than $100 million. This is being accomplished with a combination of state and federal funding, the majority of money coming from the federal level.
Additionally, a $1.3 million project to install cable barriers along 16 miles of the I-220 median in Caddo and Bossier Parishes was recently awarded.
Preliminary work on that installation is underway, and the entire project should be complete in Spring 2018, weather permitting.
Cable barriers are designed to prevent head-on collisions by deflecting vehicles that veer into the median from crossing over into oncoming traffic. They act as a net to catch vehicles and redirect them into the median by not pushing vehicles back into traffic.
DOTD performs studies on all interstates throughout Louisiana to determine where cable median barriers would be most beneficial in preventing cross-over collisions. Criteria used includes - but is not limited to - the number of vehicles crossing the median per mile, as well as traffic volume and average speed of vehicles traveling on the roadway.
Additional information regarding cable barriers can be found here.
Safety Reminder:
DOTD appreciates the public’s patience and reminds area residents that they should exercise caution when driving, walking or biking near an active work zone.
Motorists can access up-to-date travel information by dialing 511 or by visiting www.511la.org. Out-of-state travelers can call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511).
Current traffic and road project information may also be obtained by visiting www.dotd.la.gov and electing to receive email notifications via MyDOTD.
Contact information:
Erin Buchanan
Public Information Officer
District 04
(318) 549-8402
erin.buchanan@la.gov