BATON ROUGE, La. – In a recent report issued by the National Complete Streets Coalition, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development’s (DOTD) Complete Streets policy was ranked second in a listing of nationwide Complete Streets policies.

               Louisiana’s Complete Streets policy was developed in conjunction with the AARP Louisiana to ensure a fully-integrated transportation system that safely accommodates pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users. The policy principally effects new and reconstruction roadway projects, and includes complete streets provisions, such as sidewalks, crosswalks, bicycle/ pedestrian or multi-use paths, to be integrated into the project development process.

              “DOTD is proud to receive such a high ranking by the National Complete Streets Coalition,” said DOTD Secretary Sherri H. LeBas. “We are committed to providing Louisiana residents with safe roadways that are accessible to all users. Through this policy, our agency will be able to provide a comprehensive, connected transportation network for Louisiana that balances access, mobility, health and safety needs of motorists, transit users, bicyclists, and pedestrians of all ages and abilities.”

The first project in which the complete streets policy will be used is the proposed widening of La. 42 in Ascension Parish from U.S. 61 to La. 44. In addition to widening a 3.2-mile section of La. 42 from two lanes to four lanes, the project will include a 4-foot sidewalk on both sides of the roadway, a 4-foot sidewalk on the north side of the project and a 10-foot bicycle/pedestrian shared-use path to be constructed on the south side of the project.  Bids are scheduled to be taken for the work in June 2012.

 “AARP Louisiana applauds the leadership at the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development in embracing policies that support Complete Street concepts,” said Nancy McPherson, Senior State Director, AARP Louisiana. “Safe roads are essential to livable communities – places where people can thrive, stay connected and live with independence and choice. As Louisiana’s population ages, Complete Streets planning  

presents an opportunity to increase the safety and availability of older adults’ travel options.  We look forward to continuing our work with DOTD in advancing this important work.”

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