BATON ROUGE, La. – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) conducted a Road Safety Assessment (RSA) of La. 37 (Greenwell Springs Road) from Sullivan Road to La. 409. As a result of the assessment, DOTD has identified several improvements that can be made to enhance the safety of this roadway.

The RSA program was implemented by DOTD in 2010 to help identify safety enhancements that can be made to roads in the state highway system. This approach gathers input from local officials and legislators, local and state police, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and DOTD personnel to determine any existing safety-related needs along a specific route and identify opportunities for safety enhancements to address those needs. 

As a result of the RSA, two projects are being developed to improve Greenwell Springs Road.  The first project will install centerline rumble strips, raised pavement markers and update striping.  DOTD estimates that it could accept bids on this project as early as summer 2013.  The second project will enhance drivers’ sight distance by removing trees and clearing vegetation along the right-of-way.  Bids on this project could be accepted as early as fall 2013.

In addition to these projects, several other improvements have been made or are currently underway in this area.  This includes the new $19.9 million Magnolia River Bridge, which created a new four-lane bridge structure, adding 10-foot outside shoulders and widening La. 64 from Greenwell Springs Road to La. 1019. Work on this project was completed in November 2012.

In addition, construction is underway to install turn lanes on Greenwell Springs Road at its intersection with La. 3034 (Magnolia Bridge Road).  Specifically, work on this $1.2 million project consists of adding an additional right turn lane to the northbound Greenwell Springs approach, an additional through lane to the eastbound La. 3034 approach and an additional dedicated left turn lane to the southbound Greenwell Springs approach. Work began in March 2013 and is expected to be complete in summer 2013.

These improvements, coupled with the upcoming projects identified in the RSA, will positively impact this area by improving traffic flow and providing motorists with a safer and more efficient commute.

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 930 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.