BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisiana’s state highway conditions are on the rise, according to an annual highway report recently issued by Reason Foundation. In the report, Louisiana ranks 36th in state highway performance and cost-effectiveness, a seven-point improvement over the previous year’s ranking.

The new report is based on information from 2008, the most recent year for which complete data is available, and reflects information such as costs per mile, traffic congestion, pavement condition, and bridge condition.

"Since the Jindal Administration took office in January 2008, we have invested a total of $3.5 billion in roads and reduced the backlog of highway projects by $1.5 billion," said Interim DOTD Secretary Sherri H. LeBas. "What this means for Louisiana is a safer and more efficient highway system for our citizens."

More than $1 billion in state surplus funding has been invested in state highways. These funds have allowed DOTD to move forward on projects that will create jobs and preserve highway investments, improve road and bridge safety and reduce the time citizens spend in congestion in Louisiana.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) is committed to delivering transportation and public works systems that enhance the quality of life. In addition to more than 16,600 miles of roadway, including over 890 miles of interstate, DOTD supports the development of the state’s aviation, marine and rail infrastructures. Through this work, we are able to facilitate economic development, create job opportunities, improve vital evacuation routes, and make critical freight corridors safer and more efficient.