Smoother commute on the way for motorists with construction of new roundabout in Pineville, Rapides Parish
Friday, May 01, 2020 at 8:50:24 AM
Smoother commute on the way for motorists with construction of new roundabout in Pineville, Rapides Parish
PINEVILLE – Congestion relief and a safer commute are on the way with construction set to kick off soon on a roundabout in the Pineville area of Rapides Parish.
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announces the intersection of LA 3144 (Edgewood Drive) and Susek Drive will soon be the site of a single lane roundabout, replacing the current stop-controlled configuration.
“Intersections that are candidates for a roundabout are carefully analyzed for feasibility,” said DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson, Ph.D. “When the engineering and crash data support the construction of a roundabout, it’s incumbent on DOTD to utilize the funding we do have available to transform the safety of these intersections and continue to move our transportation system forward.”
The $1 million project was already presented to the public via a meeting in 2018, detailing plans for managing traffic in and out of the nearby Pineville Junior High School, as well as how the roundabout would handle the traffic volume through the intersection.
“I am pleased to see work begin on this roundabout project, which will serve to greatly improve the flow of traffic and safety for both motorists and pedestrians through this busy intersection,” said Sen. Jay Luneau (District 29). “We understand this will be an adjustment for residents but this project will ultimately be extremely beneficial for improving transportation in this area of Pineville.”
Construction is scheduled to begin on May 11, 2020 at 9:00 a.m., with a complete closure of the intersection required in order for the contractor to safely work. Local traffic (residents within the project limits) will be maintained during construction with access ensured to their properties.
All other vehicles will be detoured as follows:
LA 28 (East) Westbound to LA 3144 (Edgewood Drive)
Traffic from LA 28 (East) Westbound will be detoured onto US 167 (Pineville Expressway) Northbound followed by a right onto LA 3144 (Edgewood Drive).
US 167 (Pineville Expressway) to LA 3144 (Edgewood Drive)
Traffic from US 167 (Pineville Expressway) will be detoured onto LA 28 (East) Eastbound followed by a left onto LA 3144 (Edgewood Drive).
The entire project is anticipated to be complete in early August 2020 prior to the start of school, with progress dependent on weather conditions.
Roundabouts are one-way circular intersections designed to improve safety and efficiency for motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. They are also designed to accommodate large vehicles such as 18-wheelers and fire trucks.
For information about how to properly navigate a roundabout, watch this PSA.
Contact information:
Erin Buchanan
Public Information Officer
Alexandria District
(318) 549-8402
erin.buchanan@la.gov