NEW ORLEANS, La. – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announces the start of construction on LA 45 (Barataria Boulevard). The $3.4 million project will widen Barataria Boulevard, from Lapalco Boulevard to Ames Boulevard, from four to six lanes.

The project, awarded to Byron E. Talbot Contractor, Inc., will add one lane in each direction by reducing the width of the median to create a six-lane roadway. The additional lane in the south bound direction will begin at the Lapalco Boulevard intersection and terminate as a left turn only lane onto Ames Boulevard. The third lane in the northbound direction will begin at LA 3134 (Leo Kerner Parkway), formerly Lafitte-Larose Highway, as an extension of the right turn lane from LA 3134. Motorists turning right from Leo Kerner Parkway to northbound Barataria Boulevard will no longer have to yield as they enter Barataria Boulevard.

The project is expected to get underway this week and is scheduled for completion this summer. In order to reduce the impact the project will have on motorists, there will be no lane closures in the northbound direction between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., and between the hours of 3:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. There will be no lane closures in the southbound direction between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

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).