Metairie, La. – Today, Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) Secretary Sherri H. LeBas was joined by state and local officials for a groundbreaking ceremony marking the start of the Interstate 10 (I-10) widening project in Metairie. The event was held at the Iglesia de Dios “Getsemani” Church, in Metairie.

The project will widen 1.2 miles of I-10 from three to five lanes in each direction, between Veterans and Clearview, and also includes ramp and bridge work to accommodate the widening and construction of a sound wall along this segment.

Construction of the $42.4 million project has begun and the anticipated completion date is June 2013. The project was awarded to J.B. James Construction LLC of Baton Rouge.

Since Governor Jindal has been in office, over $686 million has been invested in transportation projects throughout Jefferson Parish. The widening of I-10 is yet another step towards improving Louisiana’s infrastructure for residents and businesses alike.

Secretary LeBas said, “We are thankful for Governor Jindal and the legislature’s commitment to widening I-10 in Metairie. This project will allow for increased capacity and improved traffic flow for the 162,000 plus drivers who use this segment each day.”

This section of I-10 is the principal western approach to the New Orleans Metropolitan area.  The majority of all traffic entering or departing the city to the west use I-10.  It is the major access point for container, break-bulk and bulk trucking to/from the Port of Orleans.

This project will improve access to several facilities in the immediate vicinity including the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, Zephyr Field, principal rail facilities for CN Railroad, Union Pacific and the Burlington Northern & Santa Fe Railroads, the Avondale Shipyard, Clearview Mall and East Jefferson General Hospital.
Major employers in the area, such as Ochsner Medical Center, LSU Medical Center, Northrop Grumman Ship Systems (Avondale) and Tulane-Lakeside Hospital, will further benefit from the improved access and elimination of what has historically been a bottleneck during morning and afternoon rush hours.

“The widening of this important east-west corridor not only provides a direct benefit to our local communities here in Jefferson Parish, but also for the state as a whole,” said Senator Conrad Appel.

“Capacity projects such as these increase safety, improve evacuation routes, provide for more efficient movement of goods and services and open the door to economic development opportunities,” said Representative Joseph Lopinto.
“I’m grateful for Governor Jindal’s commitment to Jefferson Parish and continued support of vital transportation projects in our area,” said Jefferson Parish President John Young.

Since taking office in January 2008, the Jindal administration has been committed to moving Louisiana forward by making transportation a top priority for the state with an investment of over $4 billion in infrastructure improvement projects and reducing the backlog of roads and bridges projects by $1.6 billion. 

Additionally, approximately $198 million has been invested in various I-10 resurfacing and capacity projects in the greater New Orleans area, including approximately $86 million on improvements to the I-10/Causeway interchange.

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 890 miles of interstate, DOTD supports the development of the state’s aviation, marine and rail infrastructures.  Through this work, the department is 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 Custom 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).