LAKE CHARLES, La. –Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) Secretary Sherri H. LeBas led a ceremony today to mark the completion of a project that widened Common Street (La. 385) in Lake Charles from Tank Farm Road to Petro Point Drive. The ceremony was held at the Lake Charles Regional Airport, where Sec. LeBas was joined by State Senator Dan "Blade" Morrish, State Senator Willie L. Mount, State Representative Charles E. "Chuck" Kleckley, Calcasieu Parish Police Jury President Kevin Guidry and Lake Charles Mayor Randy Roach.
The $18.3 million project, which began in September 2009, widened approximately 3.4 miles of Common Street from Tank Farm Road to Petro Point Drive from two lanes to five lanes. In addition, the work included construction of a curb and gutter system over the subsurface drainage, which was previously an open ditch drainage system.
DOTD Secretary Sherri H. LeBas said, "The widening of Common Street will provide much-needed relief to the more than 9,900 people who travel this route each day. Additionally, this project will foster economic development for the area, providing improved access between the Lake Charles Regional Airport and the center of Lake Charles."
Gilchrist Construction Co. of Alexandria was the contractor for the project.
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.
For more information, please visit www.dotd.la.gov, email dotdcs@la.gov, or call DOTD’s Customer Service Center at (225) 379-1232 or 1-877-4LADOTD (1-877-452-3683). Business hours are 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Motorists can access up-to-date travel information by dialing 511 or by visiting www.511la.org. Out-of-state travelers can call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511).