New Orleans, LA – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) today announced, as part of the Quality Surface Program, the start of construction of a $1.7 million project to resurface 7.5 miles of La. 46 from La. 624 to La. 625 in St. Bernard Parish.

"Improving roadways in Louisiana helps to strengthen our economy, which is why we continue to make these investments a top priority," said DOTD Secretary Sherri H. LeBas. "Upgrading our rural roads help make our state more attractive for new business investments, and most importantly, makes our roads safer for our families and businesses using them each day."

The project is scheduled to begin this week and be finished in late April 2014. The work is being performed by Boh Bros. Construction Co. LLC.

The Quality Surface Program is a $425 million initiative to resurface and repair approximately 1,100 miles of Louisiana’s rural road segments statewide. This historic resurfacing program was made possible through legislation sponsored by Governor Bobby Jindal allowing for the bonding of the State Highway Improvement Fund (SHIF) revenue stream for non-federal aid routes. The bonded funds, combined with the SHIF’s regular funds, allow the state to improve the quality of roadways, many in rural areas that haven’t been repaired in over 30 years due to lack of funding.

In the first year of the program, projects were distributed across the state with funding and mileage divided between north and south Louisiana. With 36 parishes represented, approximately $82 million or 5,800 lane miles in projects come from north Louisiana, and approximately $70 million or 5,200 lane miles are from south Louisiana.

Many of the routes in the program are used heavily by Louisiana’s agricultural industry, which contributes approximately $10 billion per year to the state’s economy. Repairing these roads will help to support the agriculture industry by restoring the ride quality of the roadways and making it easier for farming communities to transfer their goods to market.

Drivers may experience delays and should adjust travel schedules accordingly. DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution through the work zone and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment.

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www.dotd.la.gov