BATON ROUGE, La. – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announced today that the O’Neal Lane project, to widen O’Neal from two to five lanes between I-12 and Florida Boulevard, is nearing completion. DOTD plans to open the newly-widened roadway to traffic between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. on Thursday, April 21, weather permitting. Drivers should note that some temporary lane closures may take place in May, following the opening, to complete incidental work items.
The project created two 12-foot travel lanes in each direction with a continuous center turn lane and constructed an additional left turn lane at the I-12 eastbound exit ramp onto O’Neal Lane.
The project also added a 6-foot wide sidewalk and subsurface drainage on each side of the roadway. In addition, previous signal equipment was upgraded with the latest signal technology, including mast arm signal supports, light emitting diode (LED) signals for low energy consumption and longer life, and video traffic detection cameras.
“I am excited to see this project draw to a close,” said DOTD Secretary Sherri H. LeBas, P.E. “The widening of O’Neal Lane will help to alleviate congestion and provide much-needed relief for the 27,000 motorists who use this stretch of roadway each day.”
The project was awarded to James Construction Group LLC for $11 million. Work on the project began in October 2009. DOTD worked with closely with local neighborhood associations to minimize impacts to the traveling public throughout construction.
“Widening O’Neal Lane from I-12 to Florida Boulevard will provide easier access to and from the interstate and will help to foster economic growth for businesses in this area. The expansion will also provide an exceptional route to I-12 for motorists from the Central area once the Central Thruway to O’Neal is complete,” said State Senator Dale Erdey.
State Representative Clif Richardson added, “The completion of this project is important for both East Baton Rouge and Livingston parishes. The widening will provide more efficient and safer travel for residents who live in this area and for motorists who commute.”
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).
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www.dotd.la.gov