DOTD plans I-10 improvement projects to address flooding due to storm surge in LaPlace, Ponchatoula
Monday, July 01, 2013 at 10:38:42 AM

BATON ROUGE, La. – Today, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announced plans to improve I-10 to address flooding due to storm surge at I-10 near LaPlace and I-55 near Ponchatoula.

 

A project to raise the elevation on I-10 near LaPlace is scheduled to begin this summer, with a September completion date. The work will eliminate a low point in the roadway and add approximately 15 inches of asphalt to the existing roadway. Additionally, a project to raise the grade of the I-10 ramps at the LA 3188 (Belle Terre) Interchange to prevent flooding is scheduled to be let to construction in 2015.

 

DOTD is conducting a hydrologic and hydraulic study of water flow and movement for the I-10 corridor between the Reserve Relief Canal Bridge and U.S. 51 that will include the interchange at U.S. 51 and the connection to the I-55 ramps.  The study will identify options for current storm conditions as well as potential elevating alternatives and an elevated bridge section alternative for a 50-year and 100-year storm event.

 

Design is also underway for a project to eliminate a low spot just north of the elevated section of I-55 near Ponchatoula, with work scheduled to be let to construction in spring 2014.

 

DOTD has contracted the services of barrier dam companies, to be activated if necessary, for both locations.

 

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 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.

 

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.

 

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).