DOTD announces project to construct a roundabout on US 425 near I-20 in Rayville, Richland Parish
Friday, February 11, 2022 at 10:51:57 AM

DOTD announces project to construct a roundabout on US 425 near I-20 in Rayville, Richland Parish


Update: Starting Monday, February 14, 2022, a right lane closure will occur on US 425 Southbound near Blackmon Street. Access to Grimshaw Drive will be provided on the newly constructed concrete pavement. This change in traffic control will be weather dependent and may need to be rescheduled.

MONROE – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announces a project to improve traffic flow and safety through the construction of a roundabout on US 425 in the Town of Rayville, Richland Parish.

The $4.4 million project was awarded to Amethyst Construction, Inc.

Construction is expected to begin in early 2021, following utility relocation work that must be completed prior to moving forward with any other construction.

The new single-lane roundabout will be located at the intersection of US 425 (Louisa/Julia Streets), Grimshaw Street, and Christian Drive, which is just north of I-20.

“It’s exciting to be a part of progress and the implementation of proven safety countermeasures such as the construction of a roundabout,” said DOTD Secretary Dr. Shawn D. Wilson. “These intersections aren’t arbitrarily chosen. They are closely studied as appropriate candidates for a roundabout, and we look forward to improving the transportation system in this area of Rayville.”

The current configuration is a couplet with two stop-controlled side streets intersecting US 425, creating multiple conflict points for motorists. After analyzing the intersection, it was determined that a roundabout would enhance the manner in which vehicles navigate the area, and reduce the risk for crashes by eliminating certain conflict points.

Conflict points are locations in or on the approaches to an intersection where vehicle paths merge or cross. Reducing conflict points can help reduce the potential for crashes.

In order for work to be conducted safely and expeditiously, various lane closures and other traffic phasing will be necessary as the project progresses.

The entire project is anticipated to wrap up in late 2022, with progress dependent on weather conditions.