Project will widen U.S. 190 from the La. 3228 (Asbury Road) to Lonesome Road
Mandeville, La. – Today, District Administrator Allison Schilling represented the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) at a ceremony to mark the beginning of an $11.3 million project to widen U.S. Highway 190 from two to four lanes in Mandeville. The ceremony was held at Mandeville City Hall where DOTD was joined by local officials for a ceremonial groundbreaking.
DA Schilling said, “The widening of Highway 190 is yet another step forward in improving Louisiana’s infrastructure along this vital corridor for residents and businesses alike. Additionally, the roadway will now have a greater capacity to feed our principal emergency evacuation routes for the people of New Orleans and the North Shore.”
The project will widen approximately 1.2 miles of U.S. 190 from La. 3228 (Asbury Drive) to Lonesome Road from two to four lanes with a raised divided median. In addition, the existing two-lane bridge over Bayou Chinchuba will be replaced with two new bridge spans, each with two lanes, keeping the bridges consistent with the new four lane roadway. There will also be some traffic signal, ditch and sidewalk improvements.
U.S. Highway 190 parallels I-12 and connects the cities and towns of the North Shore of Lake Pontchartrain. It intersects North Causeway Boulevard and the Pontchartrain Causeway providing direct access to downtown New Orleans. La. 3228, also known as Asbury Drive, begins at a junction with U.S. 190 just east of the U.S. 190/La. 22 Interchange in Mandeville. Before being designated as La. 3228, Asbury Drive was once part of Hwy 190.
Construction of the project is funded by $9.3 million in federal monies, with another $2.3 million matched by 2008 surplus funds. The project, which was awarded to Command Construction Industries, is scheduled to be complete in the spring of 2014.
DOTD Secretary Sherri H. LeBas said, “We are thankful for Governor Jindal and the legislature’s commitment to widening roadways in this area through an investment of $28.1 million in 2008 surplus funds and are hopeful that the completion of this capacity project will bring further economic interest to the corridor.”
Sen. Jack Donahue (District 11) echoed Sec. LeBas’ sentiments stating, "Maintaining and improving our infrastructure is about more than convenience. Ensuring that our highway capacity meets the demand is a key factor in both economic development and public safety. I'm excited to see this project advancing, and look forward to additional improvements in our area in coming months."
“It’s a great thing, we worked hard on it,” added Rep. Tim Burns (District 89). “I’m pleased that in the last seven years, we’ve gone from one lane, each way on Highway 190, to now – with the start of this project – four lanes. We’ve solved a significant transportation problem and it’s going to be a great project.”
“I am excited about the widening of US 190 from Asbury Road to Lonesome Road and the positive impact it will have on traffic flow, economic development and quality of life in our community,” said Rep. Paul Hollis (District 104).
“The improvement to U.S. Highway 190 in Mandeville will open up an important artery in St. Tammany Parish. This widening work will provide an easier east-west corridor for commerce, as well as for hurricane evacuation," said Pat Brister, St. Tammany Parish President. "This addition will also make the area more attractive for business development, and these types of improvements will continue to be a priority for my administration.”
“This project is extremely important as 20,000 cars go through the area on a daily basis,” said Mandeville Mayor Donald Villere. “This is the largest retail area and very significant to our tax base. This project is a boost in the arm for economic development in our area and a tremendous benefit for our entire parish.”
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 930 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.
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).