MARKSVILLE, La. – Today, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) Secretary, Sherri H. LeBas, was joined by state and local officials to kick-off construction for the La. 1 widening project from Mansura to Marksville.
This $16.4 million project will widen approximately 3.8 miles of La. 1 from two to five lanes, which include two lanes in each direction and a continuous center turn lane.
With La. 1 serving as a vital link to major interstate highways, communities and businesses, this project will contribute to the economic growth in the surrounding area.
Secretary LeBas said, "The completion of this project will help to ease congestion along this heavily-traveled corridor for the people who use this road each day."
Since Governor Jindal took office in 2008, $152.3 million has been invested to improve the La. 1 corridor statewide.
Serving more than 13,000 daily motorists, this section of La. 1 provides access to local commerce, educational institutions and facilities that provide services to the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe. It also serves as a vital link from Shreveport to Grand Isle through Alexandria, Baton Rouge, and Houma.
Widening the La. 1 corridor will provide quicker access to local airports and ports including the Marksville Municipal Airport, Bunkie Municipal Airport, False River Airpark, Alexandria International Airport, and the Port of Alexandria.
"This project will be an asset to the community by enhancing traffic flow and safety to local commerce, educational institutions and facilities throughout Avoyelles Parish," said Representative Robert Johnson.