Lafayette, La. – Today, Lafayette Parish President, Joey Durel, was joined by Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) Secretary Sherri H. LeBas, along with local officials, to celebrate the completion of two projects on University Avenue.

The first, a $2.4 million project, resurfaced the intersection and a 5.52-mile section of La. 182 from Lafayette north to Carencro, as well as restriped the intersection of US 90 and LA 182. The project also continued the 3-lane section of LA 182 from north of Wetlands Golf Course to Pont des Mouton.

The second included a 1.96-mile, $709,000 project that involved patching, cold planning and overlaying University Avenue.  A few additional video detection cameras were also installed at Taft Street, McKinley Street, Lee Ave., and St. Landry Street.

The overlay project was not only beneficial to motorists, but also to the local community. University Avenue not only serves more than 20,000 motorists each day, but is also a major route for area businesses affiliated with the energy and oil industries.

Additionally, University Avenue provides access to the largest college in Southwest Louisiana, ULL.

“I am glad to know that with the completion of this project, DOTD is not only making the road to success a little smoother but also providing a more efficient commute for students,” said Secretary LeBas. “Additionally, projects such as these help to create jobs and preserve our highway investments, improve our roads and bridge safety and reduce the time citizens spend in traffic.”

Secretary LeBas also recognized Governor Jindal for continuing to invest in Louisiana’s infrastructure. Since January 2008, approximately $70 million has been invested in Lafayette Parish, which includes over 40 road projects and covers more than 70 miles.

“Today’s occasion marks the completion of a very important project for Lafayette.  University Avenue is a critical gateway into our community and into the University.  I want to thank Secretary Lebas for making the trip to Lafayette today, and I am grateful for the commitment by the state to make this project successful.  I am confident that both the residents in this area as well as visitors to our community will appreciate these efforts for years to come”, said Durel.

The projects, awarded to Diamond B. Construction, were completed in February 2012 and funded from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).