PROJECT UPDATE: Progress continues on I-49 North Segment K in Caddo Parish
Tuesday, June 06, 2017 at 9:21:22 AM
PROJECT UPDATE: Progress continues on I-49 North Segment K in Caddo Parish
Today, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development released an update on the progress of I-49 North Segment K, a nearly $176 million effort that began in 2014, that is currently under construction in north Caddo Parish.
Because of the complexity of the project, Segment K is broken down into two phases (two separate state projects), which are being built simultaneously.
Phase 1, a $36.5 million project, is a new section of interstate connecting LA 3194 (Martin Luther King Drive) and I-220 that is substantially complete, but not open to traffic as integral components of the connecting Phase 2 are not yet complete.
Segment K Phase 2, a $139 million project, is a little over one mile of I-49 North consisting primarily of overpass interchanges. Over half of these bridges, which are pre-cast concrete segmental structures, have been fully constructed. All of the columns and footings for these overpasses are in place.
As part of Segment K Phase 2, the portion of I-220 within the project limits is undergoing significant improvements. Both the eastbound and westbound lanes of the interstate are being removed and replaced. The westbound lanes are complete, with eastbound road work currently underway.
Segment K Phase 2 is estimated for completion in Spring 2018.
Other work on the project includes the mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) wall adjacent to the interstate, which is over 50 percent complete. The MSE wall is an earth-filled pre-cast panel barrier that helps lessen the wetland footprint and need for additional right-of-way acquisition.
An essential connecting roadway for Segment K, I-49 North Segment J, which is a 4-mile stretch of new interstate connecting Martin Luther King Drive and LA 1 (North Market Street), was officially opened to traffic on May 31, 2017. The $55 million project also included major improvements to a portion of Martin Luther King Drive. The 4-lane highway was lowered to accommodate the new interstate overpass and reconstructed with a widened median.
All construction activity is weather dependent and may be rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
DOTD appreciates the motoring public’s patience and reminds drivers to please exercise caution when traveling through work zone areas and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment. Area residents should exercise caution when driving, walking or biking near an active work zone.
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.
Contact information:
Erin Buchanan
Public Information Officer
District 04
(318) 549-8402
erin.buchanan@la.gov
