Another milestone achieved in the $315 million Geaux Wider Program
Baton Rouge, La. – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) held a press conference today, led by Secretary Sherri H. LeBas, to announce the completion of construction on the Essen Lane off-ramp from I-10 eastbound. The ramp has been under construction for several months as part of the widening of I-10 from four to six travel lanes between the I-10/ I-12 split and Siegen Lane. Construction often necessitated the complete closure of the ramp during off-peak hours.
"The opening of the I-10 eastbound off-ramp at Essen is a welcomed improvement for drivers, allowing them more breathing room as they travel this route. It’s a significant milestone for this project and more importantly signifies that construction between the split and Siegen is nearing completion," said DOTD Secretary Sherri H. LeBas.
Motorists can expect relief when all six traffic lanes on I-10 between the I-10/I-12 split and Siegen Lane open in early 2013, signifying the end of the construction on the $86.2 million project to improve travel for over 73,000 motorists.
The completion of the Essen Lane off-ramp, combined with the upcoming opening of I-10 from the split to Siegen and future widening of Essen Lane, means safer travel for commuters, emergency responders and freight transportation, as well improved access for the thriving businesses and medical facilities in this area.
"Improved access to and from the interstate is very important to the accessibility of the Botanic Gardens and Rural Life Museum at Burden," said Jeff S. Kuehny, Director and Professor of the LSU AgCenter’s Botanic Gardens at Burden. "We look forward to the continued working relationship we have developed with DOTD with the installation of a new fence along the Burden property and I-10, and assisting with landscaping along one of Baton Rouge’s green treasures."
"The Essen Lane area has seen significant growth over the years and the additional access from the interstate helps with traffic," said Terrie Sterling, Chief Operating Officer of Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center. "We appreciate the diligent work of Secretary LeBas, the Department of Transportation and Development and the construction crews who were dedicated to complete this project efficiently and safely."
The Geaux Wider program is 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.
Work continues to widen the following interstate segments under the $315 million Geaux Wider Program:
• Interstate 10, from the I-10/12 split to Siegen Lane (to be completed in early 2013).
• Interstate 10, from the Siegen Lane interchange to Highland Road (to be completed in spring 2013).
• Interstate 12, from Juban Road to the Walker/LA 447 interchange (to be completed in mid-2013).
Approximately $146.2 million in projects were completed earlier this year on I-12 between O’Neal Lane and Juban Road, improving travel for this important freight corridor and for motorists commuting between Baton Rouge and Livingston Parish.
For more information, contact Louisiana DOTD Customer Service at 1-877-4LADOTD (3683) or visit