US 71/165: Alexandria to Pineville, Rapides Parish, SP No. 840-43-0001
Monday, September 22, 2014 at 5:56:52 PM
US 71/165: Alexandria to Pineville;
Rapides Parish
Project No. 840-43-0001
Control Section 840-43
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), advises the public that beginning Thursday (September 25, 2014) at 9:00 AM, weather permitting, there will be a change in the traffic pattern on the Pineville side of the Red River, on US 71/165, between the O. K. Allen Bridge and Pineville High School (Claiborne Street). This work is related to the ongoing construction for the four laning of US 71/165 and replacement of the O. K. Allen Bridge. These changes are as follows:
Southbound Traffic on US 71/165:
Motorist traveling in a southbound direction from Kingsville or the Veterans Administration Hospital will now be directed to use the new southbound railroad overpass on US 71/165. However, it should be noted that there will only be one (1) lane opened for motorist on the new overpass and roadway, in the southbound direction.
Northbound Traffic on US 71/165:
After you cross O.K. Allen Bridge into Pineville, the northbound lane of traffic will continue to drive on the northbound lane of US 71/165 and the northbound KCS Railroad overpass. However, it should be noted that there will only be one (1) lane opened for motorist on the new overpass and roadway, in the northbound direction.
The reason we are only opening one (1) lane in each direction is for the safety of the traveling public; i.e., road construction work will still be ongoing in this area and the closed lane will provide for a buffer zone between construction equipment and motorist.
To access Buhlow Lake, northbound and southbound motorist will continue to utilize the intersection and crossover which is located across from the relocated Rainbow Drive (Central State Hospital).
To access Pineville Airport and the Red River Waterways Recreation Area, motorist must do the following: Northbound traffic on US 71/165 will exit to their right onto the northbound Frontage Road, which is located approximately 200’ before the KCS Overpass. This frontage road will provide access to the Pineville Airport and the Red River.
Southbound traffic on US 71/165 will need to proceed in a southerly direction past the KCS Overpass and continue to the intersection with the relocated Rainbow Drive. Motorists will proceed to the left hand turn lane and make a U-turn at this intersection and proceed along US 71/165 in a northerly direction until they reach the northbound Frontage Road, on their right and then exit onto the Frontage Road and proceed to either the Pineville Airport or the Red River.
Motorists should be advised that there will be delays while this change in traffic is being implemented and DOTD recommends that the public consider using alternate routes on Thursday (September 25, 2014) to avoid any delays.
It should be noted that DOTD has prohibited all trucks from crossing the existing O. K. Allen Bridge and that has not changed. Trucks are NOT allowed to cross the O. K. Allen Bridge.
DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution through the work site and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment, as construction is in progress to complete this very important project.
Project Contact Media Contact
Steve Buskie, P.E. Deidra Druilhet
Project Engineer Public Information Officer
Office No. (318) 561-5213 Office No. (337) 262-6133
steve.buskie@la.gov deidra.druilhet@la.gov