DOTD celebrates completion of Brightside Intersection Improvement Project
Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at 8:20:45 AM
Baton Rouge- Today, Department of Transportation and Development Secretary Shawn D. Wilson, Ph.D., was joined by state and local officials to celebrate the completion of the intersection improvement project at LA 30 and Brightside Lane/ Lee Drive in East Baton Rouge Parish.
This $9.05 million project consisted of making intersection improvements to LA 30 at its intersection with Brightside Lane and Lee Drive by widening the intersection approaches to include new dedicated left turn lanes and two thru lanes in each direction. Crews also raised the grade of the intersection to reduce the abrupt incline leading to the railroad crossing on Brightside, as well as replaced the LA 30 bridge with a concrete box culvert, provided drainage improvements and increased access for pedestrians and bicyclists with additional sidewalks, ADA compliant ramps, and bike lanes.
“This intersection improvement project was a necessity for this highly congested area,” said Secretary Wilson. “Businesses and motorists alike will enjoy the easier access to the surrounding areas and will see a decrease in traffic congestion along this intersection due to the new dedicated turn lanes. Safety is always our top priority and this project will deliver just that.”
“I would like to thank Governor Edwards and DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson for their continued commitment to building efficient and modern transportation systems in the Capitol Region and all over the state,” said East Baton Rouge Mayor- President Sharon Weston Broome. “It is important for cities, and parishes, to work collaboratively with the Governor and DOTD to promote infrastructure project like these that connect our families and economies. Traffic congestion often slows down this essential function and projects like this one are a key step in increasing capacity and allowing goods and services to flow freely and safely throughout our communities.”
Currently, there are over 30,000 motorists who travel Brightside Lane daily, and roughly 15,000 on LA 30 at its intersection with Brightside and Lee Drive.
“I’m very excited that DOTD was able to put all hands on deck to get this project completed in a timely fashion,” said Senator Cleo Fields. “Now the residents in this part of the city can travel with some sense of ease. Money was well spent and residents can enjoy the fact they can get in and out of their neighborhoods without a sense of delay.”
This project was important for the businesses and resident in the area, we have 15,000 people traveling down the Brightside corridor and another 30,000 on Nicholson,” said Representative Larry Selders. “We needed to open up this corridor to ease congestion. We have great businesses in this area and it will open up the spaces so that traffic can flow freely. I’m excited about the new things coming this way.”
The contractor, Kort’s Construction Services, began construction in July 2018 and competed the project October 2020. To see the ribbon cutting video click here.