DOTD and state, local officials break ground on Phase III of I-10/ Pecue Ln. Interchange Project
Tuesday, January 31, 2023 at 1:38:03 PM
Baton Rouge - Today, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) Secretary Shawn D. Wilson, Ph.D., along with state and local officials, participated in a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the beginning of construction on Phase III of the I-10/ Pecue Lane Interchange Project in Baton Rouge.
The I-10/ Pecue Interchange project is a multi-phased project that first began in 2017 with clearing and grubbing of land, followed by the construction of mechanically stabilized earth walls (or MSE walls) on both sides of I-10, and the construction of two multi-lane overpass bridges.
This third phase will widen Pecue Lane from two to four travel lanes between Perkins Road and Airline Highway, reconstruct the KCS railroad crossing to provide a smoother crossing over the railroad track, construct pedestrian sidewalks on the west side of Pecue Lane, replace the Ward Creek Bridge, extend Rieger Road to intersect with Pecue Lane, construct the on/off-ramps to I-10, and finally open the diverging diamond interchange (DDI) to traffic, which will be the second of its kind in the state.
“Baton Rouge is seeing tremendous growth, which is why this project is crucial to this region, as it will help alleviate much of the traffic on the surrounding surface streets as well as on the interstate,” said Secretary Wilson. “Due to the unprecedented amount of federal funding Louisiana has received, we are making great progress across the state and I look forward to seeing many more shovel-ready projects advance.”
“One of our highest-priority goals for infrastructure in District 66 has been the completion of Pecue Lane,” said Representative Rick Edmonds. “Along with the expansion and completion of the Highland Road project, Pecue Lane will provide much-needed relief for the incredible growth we have experienced. I know that our residents and businesses will join me with excitement over today's announcement!”
“The start of construction on this long awaited project signifies great progress on the infrastructure system in the Capitol Region," said Senator Franklin Foil. "This new interchange and interstate exit will greatly benefit the community and motorists who travel through the Baton Rouge region. I want to thank the Department of Transportation and Development and all of our local partners for working together to advance this project. This is another example of what can be accomplished when state and local partners work together.”
“This important project will provide additional access to Interstate 10 between Siegen and Highland roads. It will also provide direct access from the interstate to Woman’s Hospital. This will be the first diverging diamond interchange in East Baton Rouge Parish and an important partnership with the MOVEBR Program,” said Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome.
This is part of a multi-phase interchange project in East Baton Rouge city-parish government’s Green Light Plan, a transportation improvement program designed to construct road projects throughout the parish.
Currently, utility relocations are underway. The contractor, Brown Industrial Construction, will begin roadway construction in summer 2023. Construction is estimated to be completed in early 2026, weather permitting.