DOTD announces project to widen portion of I-20 in West Monroe
Thursday, March 03, 2022 at 10:00:46 AM
Ouachita Parish- Today, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announced a major project to widen a section of I-20 in West Monroe, Ouachita Parish.
The project will add one lane in each direction on I-20 from LA 3249 (Well Road) to the LA 34 interchange (Stella Mill), a length of approximately 3.3 miles, through the heavily traveled interstate corridor in West Monroe.
The project will also provide notable improvements to the travel experience through a mill and overlay of the existing lanes and roadway shoulders from the Vancil Road overpass to Well Road, which is over a mile of additional repairs to the interstate.
“This project, coupled with the widening project for I-20 across the river in Monroe, will have a significant impact in relieving traffic congestion and reducing daily commute times,” said DOTD Secretary Dr. Shawn D. Wilson. “Securing funding for these types of major projects is no easy feat, and I’m proud to work alongside legislators who have made it their mission to prioritize these projects for the Monroe region.”
The widening project is estimated to cost approximately $33 million, and is currently moving through the project development process. Funding for the project has been secured through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, a federal stimulus package passed by Congress in March.
“Congestion and safety impacts the quality of life for our citizens and economic development for our region. These substantial improvements to I-20 will save lives and will create a more efficient and less congested corridor”, said Senator Katrina Jackson. “Northeast Louisiana welcomes this transformative project that will enhance our region and we are appreciative of Governor Edwards and LADOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson for recognizing this importance and allocating funds from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to be sure this project becomes a reality.”
“Sixty-five years since the original construction of I-20, I am proud to see this much-needed, long-awaited project become a reality”, said Representative Pat Moore. “I appreciate this investment in infrastructure in our region, along a vital transportation corridor, not only for our community, but for the entire country. As our region expands, we must not only invest in new infrastructure, but also in preserving and modernizing our current infrastructure and I am grateful to Governor Edwards for investing in north Louisiana.”
“My office has been aware of this possibility for several months, and I am very excited to know this important infrastructure project is coming to fruition that will improve transportation in the City of West Monroe and our region,” said West Monroe Mayor Staci Mitchell. “The widening of a section of Interstate 20 will provide needed relief to a heavily-traveled interstate corridor in West Monroe and provide significant improvements to the travel experience along this corridor. My thanks goes to Governor John Bel Edwards and our state legislators for making this opportunity possible for our region.”
“I am excited to see this project come to fruition as it is an investment in the economic health of our parish”, said Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis. “Expanding and improving I-20 ensures a future of growth in Ouachita Parish.”
Currently, the project is anticipated to go to bid in 2023, though it’s important to keep in mind that letting dates fluctuate based on a variety of factors, including funding availability, changes in the project development process, and others.
Additional information will be available as the project moves through the development process, and those details will be shared with the public as work progresses.