Baton Rouge, La.
– Today, Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) Secretary Sherri H. LeBas, P.E., along with state and local officials, celebrated the opening of six lanes of traffic on I-10 between Siegen Lane and Highland Road in Baton Rouge. The $60 million construction initiative widened I-10 from four to six travel lanes, and included work on bridges and overpasses at the Kansas City Southern Railroad and Highland Road.
"We are thankful for Governor Jindal and the legislature’s dedication to improving the
I-10 corridor," said DOTD Secretary Sherri H. LeBas. "This project will help to relieve congestion and increase safety for the 83,000 drivers using this section of I-10 each day."
The $315 million Geaux Wider program is a multi-year construction initiative designed to increase capacity, improve safety and enhance mobility on I-10 and I-12 in East Baton Rouge and Livingston parishes.
In addition to the completion of this segment, drivers can look forward to the opening of six lanes of traffic on I-12 from Juban Road to Walker in summer 2013.
Also, plans for I-10 continue as DOTD begins design work for three projects that will expand the widening even further from Highland Road to La. 22 in Ascension Parish. The projects include:
- Widening I-10 from four to six lanes from Highland Road to La. 73
- Widening I-10 from four to six lanes from La. 73 to La. 30
- Widening I-10 from four to six lanes from La. 30 to La. 22
I-10 is a major route between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, serving a growing area of commercial development, industrial operations and residential communities. Since Governor Jindal took office in 2008, the state has invested more than $479 million in I-10 across Louisiana, which has led to improved travel, enhanced safety and increased economic opportunity.
"This project will greatly benefit residents and businesses in our community," said Senator Dan Claitor. "I appreciate the continued support and investment on projects to improve this important corridor."
"I appreciate DOTD’s dedication to improving I-10 in Baton Rouge," said Representative Franklin Foil. "This project will create better access for residents, travelers and businesses who use this route each day."
"This project will bring relief to drivers traveling through Baton Rouge each day," said Representative Erich Ponti. "I am pleased to see the project come to a close and look forward to additional projects to improve I-10 in the future."
"Projects like these will help Baton Rouge continue to prosper," said East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Kip Holden. "The benefits from the Geaux Wider Program will positively impact our community, its residents and its businesses for years to come. We welcome the completion of this project and appreciate the patience of those who use this roadway every day."
While all six lanes of I-10 between Siegen Lane and Highland Road are now open to traffic, drivers may still encounter periodic nighttime lane closures in the coming weeks as final construction activities conclude. As work continues on the I-10 and I-12 corridors, drivers are urged to remain alert, obey speed limits and other posted signs, and exercise caution in the construction zones. For more information, contact Louisiana DOTD Customer Service at 1-877-4LADOTD (3683) or visit www.GeauxWider.com.
Drivers can also access up-to-date travel information throughout Louisiana by dialing 511 or by visiting www.511la.org. Out-of-state travelers can call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511).
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 and 13,000 bridges, 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.
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