U.S 90, Laffayette Parish, Widening Project Completion
Thursday, November 01, 2012 at 1:48:00 PM
LAFAYETTE, La. – Today, Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) Secretary Sherri H. LeBas hosted a press conference at DOTD’s District 03 office in Lafayette to announce the completion of construction on U.S. 90 from Pinhook Road to Broussard. The $20 million capacity project widened U.S. 90 from four lanes to six lanes from Pinhook Road to Broussard.
Additionally, as part of the project, safety measures known as J-turns were constructed along U.S. 90 between Pinhook Road and Albertson’s Parkway. The J-turn design will safely and efficiently manage traffic and eliminate left-turn and through movements from side roads and driveways into crossovers.
The 7.1-mile project began in April of 2010 and serves approximately 50,000 drivers per day. Additionally, the widening of U.S. 90 is a significant step in the construction of the I-49 Extension between Lafayette and New Orleans. The extension of I-49 will provide a direct access of Midwest industries to the ports of south Louisiana, a bypass around Baton Rouge for east-west traffic on I-10, and a connection between oil industry suppliers and manufacturers from New Orleans to Houston. This segment of U.S. 90 is already a major industrial corridor in Louisiana that will expand significantly with better highway access.
Secretary LeBas said, “I know how important the completion of I-49 South is to this area. I believe the new corridor will not only provide an economic boost for local communities along the route, but more importantly, will offer a safer, more efficient drive for motorists throughout Louisiana.”
More than $193 million has been dedicated to I-49 South. Of that funding, the Jindal Administration has invested approximately $120.9 million toward the completion of this vital corridor. The total I-49 south corridor includes approximately 160 miles of roadway, of which more than 100 miles have been completed or are currently under construction. The state is committed to continuing to move forward with its efforts for the completion of this vital corridor.
“The completion of I-49 South will pave the way for economic growth in this region and will create more efficient movement of goods and services across our state,” said DOTD District 03 Administrator William Oliver.
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 890 miles of interstate, 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).
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www.dotd.la.gov