DOTD celebrates completion of Prien Lake Road Relocation/Contraband Parkway Project
LAKE CHARLES - Today, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development and the City of Charles held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the completion the Prien Lake Road Relocation Project/Contraband Parkway in Lake Charles. DOTD District 7 Administrator Donald Duberville was joined by state and local officials, including City of Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter, at the newly constructed roadway for the ceremony.
(From left to right: DOTD District 7 Administrator Donald Duberville, Lake Charles City Administrator John Cardone, CPPJ Vice President Shelly Mayo, City of Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter, and Lake Charles Councilman John Ieyoub.)
The $10 million project consisted of constructing a four lane divided roadway from the Holly Hill roundabout to the Nelson Road and L’Auberge Avenue intersection. Additionally, a 10 foot multi-use pathway and a 6 foot sidewalk were installed to provide multiple safe transportation methods.
“Improving our infrastructure is necessary for continued economic growth. We are fortunate to have partnered with local agencies and groups to fund not only this project, but also the completed Cove Lane Interchange project and a future Nelson Interchange Improvements project. We look forward to continuing this type of partnership to improve Louisiana’s infrastructure,” said DOTD Secretary Shawn D. Wilson, Ph.D.
This project also provides an alternative route for motorists to access Nelson Road and the Holly Hilly Hill Roundabout. Additionally, this route includes four access points which will allow connections for future residential and commercial growth.
“Not only is this project integral to future development, but the completion of this project improves connectivity and overall mobility for motorists traveling in this area,” said District Administrator Duberville.
Ownership of the new roadway will transfer to the City of Lake Charles after final acceptance.
“This is an exciting day, not only for the City of Lake Charles, but also for the entire region,” said City of Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter. “Contraband Parkway has been made possible thanks to a private-public partnership that came to fruition out of the need to provide long term solutions to growing traffic issues in this area. The completion of this roadway, in tandem with the Cove Lane Interchange, completed in 2015, will mean easier access into and through the City for residents and visitors, while creating new opportunities for economic development.”
SIEMA Construction was the build team on this project, which began in April 2017.
(State and local officials celebrate the official opening of the Contraband Parkway.)