DENHAM SPRINGS – Governor Bobby Jindal marked the completion today of two projects to widen I-12 from four to six lanes from O'Neal Lane in Baton Rouge to Juban Road in Denham Springs. The corridors. I-12 and I-10 the upgrade to program Wider Geaux state’s in completed projects two first are segments These day. every of area this use who drivers 85,000 than more for miles 5.2 widen million $146 total

Governor Jindal said, "The Capital area is booming and it’s critical for our infrastructure to keep up with the growth. The completion of these projects is a major step forward to help speed up commutes for area residents, make this region more attractive for businesses that want to invest and create jobs, and most importantly, make our roads safer for Louisiana families."

The first project cost $110 million and widens I-12 eastbound from two to three lanes between O’Neal Lane to just east of Pete’s Highway and I-12 westbound from O’Neal Lane to west of 4-H Club Road. Work on this 3.1-mile project began in April 2009.

The second project cost $36.2 million and widens I-12 eastbound from Pete’s Highway to Juban Road and I-12 westbound from Juban Road to east of 4-Club Road. Work on this 2.1 mile project began in August 2010.

The Governor also highlighted additional projects to widen I-10 and I-12. On I-10, two Geaux Wider projects are currently underway that will widen the highway to six lanes between the I-10/12 junction and Highland Road.

Late last year, the Governor broke ground on a $21.9 million widening project between Juban Road and Walker. The project is slated for completion in mid 2013. Governor Jindal said the state is also using $14.5 million in combination with a an I-12 bridge federal rehabilitation project, to widen I-12 from two to three lanes from the Walker Interchange approximately two to three miles east towards Satsuma. As part of the state’s Geaux Wider program, Governor Jindal has invested nearly $260 million to upgrade the I-12 corridor.

Since taking office in 2008, the Jindal administration has invested an unprecedented $4.1 billion for transportation projects throughout Louisiana. Additionally, since 2008, the Jindal administration has invested nearly $240 million for transportation projects in Livingston Parish and nearly $400 million for transportation projects in East Baton Rouge Parish.

"We are pleased to celebrate this important milestone for our state under the Geaux Wider program. Six new lanes of interstate will provide much-needed congestion relief and a tremendous safety benefit to the 85,000 motorists traveling this segment daily," said DOTD Secretary LeBas.

"We are thankful a major portion of this project is complete and for Governor Jindal's dedication to improving our area. We look forward to celebrating additional lanes all the way to Satsuma," said Livingston Parish President Layton Ricks.

Denham Springs Mayor Jimmy Durbin said, "I look forward to seeing congestion relief for our residents, especially in their morning and afternoon commutes."

Anita Bumgarner, Bass Pro Shops retail manager, said, "The improvements to I-12 eastbound will provide encouragement for consumers to cross from East Baton Rouge to Livingston Parish and take advantage of the great retail establishments in our parish."

Mitch Wasden, Ochsner Medical Center CEO, said "Our 140-bed hospital is directly impacted by I-12. The widening of the interstate will improve travel times to the hospital not only for patients in need of urgent care, but also for our nearly 1,200 employees."

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