Project widened I-12 from the I-10/I-12/I-59 Interchange to just west of Vincent’s Bayou Bridge

Slidell, La. – Today, Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) Secretary Sherri H. LeBas participated in a ceremony to celebrate the completion of a project that widened I-12 from four to six lanes in Slidell. The ceremony was held at the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Administrative Building, where LeBas was joined by state and local officials for a ceremonial ribbon-cutting.

DOTD Secretary LeBas said, “We are thankful for Governor Jindal and the legislature’s commitment to widening I-12 in Slidell. This project is a welcomed improvement and will allow for safer, more efficient travel for the 70,000 plus drivers who use this road each day. This project will not only make I-12 a safer and more reliable corridor for the residents of Slidell, but will also help to boost our economy by making it more attractive for new businesses to relocate to the area.”

The project widened I-12 from four to six lanes from the I-10/I-12/I-59 interchange to just west of Vincent’s Bayou Bridge. In addition, the I-12 eastbound off-ramp to Northshore Boulevard was widened from one to two lanes, and a deceleration lane was added at the I-12 westbound off-ramp to Airport Road.

Since Governor Jindal took office in 2008, over $4.6 billion has been invested on infrastructure projects statewide. Specific attention has been paid to improve major corridors like I-12, where spending over the last four-plus-years has totaled over $257 million.

Interstate 12 in Slidell serves a fast-growing area of suburban communities, many of which use this roadway to commute to work in New Orleans each day. In addition, this section of roadway  serves as an access point to Slidell’s airport, and major railroads managed by Northfolk South Railroad and Amtrak.

I-12 is also a vital route to medical centers such as Slidell Memorial Hospital, Northshore Regional Medical Center and Trinity Neurological Rehabilitation Center. The completion of this project will have a positive impact for the thousands of patients and employees traveling to these medical centers each day by reducing congestion and allowing for faster travel times.

In addition, the new lanes will allow other major businesses in the Slidell area, such as Thompson Packers, Inc., ECO Builders, and Sunbelt Innovative Plastics, to more efficiently serve their customers by decreasing congestion.

Senator A.G. Crowe said, “The widening of this important corridor not only provides a direct benefit to our local communities here in St. Tammany Parish, but also for the state and the nation.”

Representative Greg Cromer said, “Improving I-12 is a significant step forward for this community and for the state of Louisiana. I-12 is an important corridor, and I am pleased that this project will create better access for the residents, travelers and businesses who use this route.”

St. Tammany Parish President Pat Brister said, "We are thankful that this project is complete and for Governor Jindal's dedication to improving infrastructure in our area."

Slidell Mayor Freddy Drennan said, “I look forward to seeing congestion relief for our residents, especially in their morning and afternoon commutes.”

Construction of the $25.7 million project was funded entirely with 2008 surplus funds. The contractor for the project was James Construction Group LLC of Baton Rouge. Work began in March 2011.

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 890 miles of interstate, DOTD supports the development of the state’s aviation, marine and rail infrastructures.  Through this work, the department is 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, email dotdcs@la.gov, or call DOTD’s Custom 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).