NEW ORLEANS, La. – Construction on Phase IB of the project to construct four new ramps at La. 3017 (Peters Road) as part of the anticipated Macarthur Interchange is scheduled to begin in January 2014, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announced today.

Phase IB, which will address the bridge portion of the project, was let on July 24, 2013, and the contract awarded to James Construction Group, LLC in the amount of $35.3 million. The work is slated for completion in fall 2015.

Phase IA, which is addressing the road portion of the project, began in November 2012 and involved utility relocation, drainage and roadway relocation. Currently, drainage relocation is nearing completion and new roadway construction should begin in approximately one month. Work on the $4.4 million project is being performed by Boh Bros. Construction Co. and is scheduled to be completed in December 2013.

In an effort to expedite the construction of Phase I, DOTD separated Phase I into Phases IA (road) & IB (bridge). Both  are addressing the westbound lanes and called for relocating the existing entrance ramp from Manhattan Boulevard and constructing and exit ramp, in addition to at-grade roadway improvements.

The eastbound lanes make up Phase II, an estimated $30-50 million project that will relocate the exit ramp for Manhattan Boulevard, construct an entrance ramp and perform some at-grade roadway improvements. Funding for Phase II of the project has not yet been secured.

-30-

www.dotd.la.gov