DOTD holds joint groundbreaking ceremony to kick-off construction for La. 353 and La. 31 projects in St. Martin Parish
Friday, February 10, 2023 at 2:50:01 PM
ST. MARTINVILLE, La. – Today, the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) Secretary, Shawn Wilson, was joined by state and local officials to celebrate the start of the La. 353 and La. 31 projects in St. Martin Parish.

Secretary Wilson said, “Projects such as La. 353 and La. 31 are a great reflection of fulfilled commitments and an indication of the types of infrastructure projects that can be produced through collaborative partnership and funding. With the prioritization of funds, and working with Rep. Bryant and Sen. Mills, we are able to make significant investments in preserving our state’s infrastructure.”

“Today was a win for St. Martinville, St. Martin Parish, and the Acadiana region. As a champion for improving our infrastructure, I’m thankful and excited to see the improvements and economic growth that La. 353 and La. 31 will bring to this area,” said Representative Marcus Bryant.

“The completion of these routes are very important to this area. These projects will create a safer commute for motorists throughout our parish,” said City of St. Martinville Mayor Jason Willis.

“The impacts of these projects won’t just be felt in our road system. We’re extending the path of progress for St. Martin Parish as we also make infrastructure improvements in our broadband and water systems. The path for St. Martin Parish is always forward, and it’s projects like these that will keep us moving forward,” said St. Martin Parish President Chester Cedars.

Awarded to Prairie Construction, the $11.2 million La. 353 pavement preservation will involve reconstructing a two-lane roadway for approximately 6.56 miles from La. 94 to Cypress Island Highway. The project began February 2023 and is estimated to be complete in September of 2023.

The La. 31 overlay project we will overlay a section of La. 31. This $5.25 million project will overlay a three-mile section of La. 31 from 0.899 miles south of La. 92 to 0.15 miles north of La. 96. Crews will begin to mobilize within the next week to begin construction on this overlay project, which is estimated for completion in summer 2023. This project was awarded to Glenn Lege Construction, LLC.


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