Baton Rouge, La. – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announced today that data gathered by the department’s traffic management center since new lanes were opened on I-12 between O’Neal Lane and Juban Road show a major improvement in travel times for drivers traveling the corridor.
The data shows a 25-30 mph increase in westbound travel speeds and a 35-50 mph increase in eastbound travel speeds for drivers traveling the corridor during peak travel times. The increase in travel speeds has allowed traffic to flow freely and has helped to limit congestion along the corridor.
"This is a welcomed improvement for drivers traveling the I-12 corridor in the Baton Rouge area," said DOTD Secretary Sherri H. LeBas, P.E. "The projects to widen I-12 were designed to help drivers get where they need to be as efficiently and safely as possible, and we’re excited to see immediate results."
Prior to opening the lanes, travel speeds for commuters traveling westbound were 25-30 mph during peak hours. Eastbound travel speeds were 10-30 mph during peak hours.
The project is part of the Geaux Wider program, a multi-year construction initiative designed to increase capacity, improve safety and enhance mobility on Interstates 10 and 12 in East Baton Rouge and Livingston Parishes.
The following interstate segments are being widened to six lanes under the Geaux Wider program:
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Interstate 10, from the I-10/12 split to Siegen Lane.
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Interstate 10, from the Siegen Lane interchange to Highland Road.
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Interstate 12, from the O’Neal Lane interchange to Pete’s Highway.
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Interstate 12 eastbound, from Pete’s Highway to Juban Road.
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Interstate 12 from Juban Road to Walker.
The completion date for the entire program is tentatively scheduled for 2013. For more information, contact Louisiana DOTD Customer Service at 1-877-4LADOTD (3683) or visit www.GeauxWider.com, and on Facebook and Twitter.
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) is committed to delivering transportation and public works systems that enhance the quality of life. In addition to more than 16,600 miles of roadway, including over 890 miles of interstate, DOTD supports the development of the state’s aviation, marine and rail infrastructures. Through this work, we are able to facilitate economic development, create job opportunities, improve vital evacuation routes, and make critical freight corridors safer and more efficient.
For more information, please visit www.dotd.la.gov, email dotdcs@la.gov, or call DOTD’s Customer Service Center at (225) 379-1232 or 1-877-4LADOTD (1-877-452-3683). Business hours are 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Motorists can access up-to-date travel information by dialing 511 or by visiting www.511la.org. Out of-state travelers can call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511).