RUSTON, La. - Today, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) Secretary Sherri H. LeBas hosted a press conference to announce the start of the I-20 resurfacing improvements in Lincoln Parish. The announcement was held at the Tremont rest area along I-20, where LeBas was joined by state and local officials.

At the event, Secretary LeBas announced the beginning of a $11.4 million project to resurface the eastbound lanes of I-20 from La. 146 to the Ouachita Parish line, a distance of approximately 6 miles. This project is part of a $117 million investment that the Jindal administration has made along the I-20 corridor since taking office.

DOTD Secretary Sherri H. LeBas said, "Investments in Louisiana’s infrastructure have remained a top priority for the Jindal administration. Improvements to our vital interstate corridors, such as I-20, mean safer and more efficient travel for motorists within the local communities. This investment also creates economic opportunities for the state and region, and promotes a better climate in which to move goods and services."

Interstate 20 is a major east-west freight artery across the country, connecting north Louisiana to Dallas and Atlanta, and serves over 34,000 motorists per day.

Senator Robert Kostelka said, "I-20 is an important corridor for Northeast Louisiana, and I am pleased that these projects will create better access for the residents, travelers and businesses who use this route."

Senator Rick Gallot said, "The safety of motorists is a major priority for the State of Louisiana. I welcome these upcoming projects as they will improve safety and travel on this segment of I-20."

Representative Rob Shadoin said, "The resurfacing of I-20 is a welcome sight and the improvement is beneficial to our northeast region of Louisiana. I believe this project is essential and will enhance the quality of the trips along this stretch and I also believe this will be a shot in the arm for economic growth and development in our area."

Skip Russell, Lincoln Parish Police Jury President said, "We are thankful for the Jindal Administration’s commitment to improving infrastructure in Lincoln Parish, and look forward to future projects that will enhance transportation in our parish."

Recent corridor improvements include resurfacing projects along I-20 through Rayville and from Bee Bayou Bridge to Holly Ridge. The combined 7.6-mile resurfacing projects cost approximately $6.5 million and were completed in summer 2012.

Additionally, DOTD is working to improve the safety along I-20 and will be installing over 27 miles of cable barriers through Lincoln Parish later next year.

Since taking office in 2008, the Jindal Administration has made transportation projects a top priority by investing more than $5.2 billion in Louisiana’s infrastructure. Additionally, approximately $43 million has been invested in Lincoln 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 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).