Today, Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) Secretary Sherri H. LeBas participated in a ceremony to celebrate the start of construction on a $3.5 million project to resurface 5.2 miles of La. 93 between Cankton and La. 182 in St. Landry Parish. The ceremony was held at the Sunset Community Health Center, where LeBas was joined by state and local officials for a ceremonial groundbreaking.
Secretary LeBas said, “This project will provide much needed relief for the drivers who use this road each day and will also help to foster economic development for St. Landry Parish.”
The total investment in maintaining and improving the St. Landry Parish transportation infrastructure from January 2008 to present stands at $69 million, with $7.9 million going towards key investments to improve the La. 93 corridor.
La. 93 is a vital link to heavily-traveled roads along Louisiana’s most critical north-south and east-west interstate highway corridors, I-49 and I-10. With the completion of I-49 north of Shreveport and I-49 south of Lafayette, this route will provide direct access to the ports and rail facilities in New Orleans and southeast Louisiana.
This project will provide improved access to several transportation facilities in the immediate vicinity including the Lafayette Regional Airport, St. Landry Parish Ahart Field, Burlington Northern & Santa Fe Railroad, Louisiana Delta Railroad, Union Pacific Railroad, Acadiana Railroad, Amtrak and the Greater Krotz Springs Port.
Additionally, La. 93 is already an industrial corridor in Louisiana that will expand significantly with improved highway access. Major employers in the area include Access Oil Tools Inc., BLR Companies, Ventura Foods Lou Ana Division, Stratos Global Corp, Frito-Lay Inc. and Coastal Food Service.
In addition to the La. 93 resurfacing project, a roundabout is being constructed to improve traffic flow at the intersection of La. 3168 and La. 93 in Lafayette Parish. Work on this $2.3 million project began in November 2012 and is estimated for completion by summer 2013.
As construction progresses, motorists can expect daily lane closures. DOTD will keep the public informed of all closures and necessary detours.
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 www.dotd.la.gov, 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.