NEW IBERIA – Governor Bobby Jindal marked the completion today of a $5.4 million I-49 South project that constructed 2.75 miles of frontage roads along U.S. 90 from La. 83 to Darnall Road.

Governor Jindal said, "The completion of this project is a big step in our effort to complete I-49 South, make our roads safer for our families and make this region more attractive to companies who want to invest and create jobs for our people."

Since 2008, the Jindal administration has invested more than $120 million toward the completion of I-49 South. More than 100 miles of the total 156 miles of the I-49 south corridor have been completed or are currently under construction.

Governor Jindal also highlighted three other I-49 South projects that have been completed, including a $24.5 million project to construct an interchange on U.S. 90 at La. 85; a $22.6 million project to construct and interchange on U.S. 90 at La. 675; and a $10.7 million project to build frontage roads along U.S. 90 from La. 675 to La. 88.

There are two I-49 South projects currently underway, including a $20 million project to widen U.S. 90 from four to six lanes from Pinhook to Broussard, which should be completed by this summer; and a $1.4 million project that is constructing service roads to connect Capt. Cade Road to the interchange at U.S. 90 and La. 88, which should be completed in the spring.

Governor Jindal also highlighted two I-49 South projects which are funded and scheduled for construction. A roughly $30 million project to construct an interchange on U.S. 90 at La. 318 will be let for construction over the next year. In the spring, a $5 million project to construct frontage roads along U.S. 90 from Darnall Road to La. 85 will be let for construction.

The Governor also noted that the state is seeking additional sources of funding to help complete the remaining phases of I-49 South. A $1 million study is currently underway to determine if the cost of the Ames Boulevard to Raceland project can be reduced. DOTD is also applying for the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act program to fund the Girourd Road to LA 88 phase and corresponding frontage roads. DOTD has the potential to receive $160 million from this program.

DOTD is also planning a $10-$15 million project to build a railroad crossing overpass between La. 85 and La. 668. The project is currently under design and is scheduled to accept bids for construction in FY 15. Moreover, DOTD is planning a $30-$50 million project that would construct an interchange at Ambassador Caffery and U.S. 90. DOTD is scheduled to accept bids for construction in FY 16.

Since taking office, Governor Jindal has invested more than $4.1 billion for transportation projects throughout Louisiana, which translates into more than 1,700 transportation system improvement projects, including roughly 4,000 miles of roadway and 446 bridges. Louisiana’s backlog of road and bridge needs has not only stopped growing for the first time in a decade, but the Jindal Administration has reduced it by $1.6 billion since taking office.