DOTD on track to complete US 90B corridor improvements in Orleans Parish; toll plaza reconfiguration set for letting in February 2016
Tuesday, February 02, 2016 at 12:25:56 PM
NEW ORLEANS, La. – Recently, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development completed a project designed to improve traffic flow and increase safety with the restriping of lakebound Pontchartrain Expressway, which included the reopening of the westbound ramps onto U.S. 90B/Pontchartrain Expressway from Stadium Drive, North and South Claiborne avenues. The work was part of a multi-project effort totaling more than $7.3 million.
With these improvements, drivers now have an additional lane for westbound travel in the vicinity of the U.S. 90B East and I-10 East exit ramps, near the Superdome. Drivers entering U.S. 90B from the Superdome/Claiborne ramps will have to merge into the traffic. The onramp was elevated to connect to the bridge in order to provide a longer acceleration lane and improve sight distance. A few minor tasks remain, but the project in its entirety is expected to be completed by February 2016.
Ramp meters have also been installed-under two separate projects-to assist with congestion management on seven approaches. The ramp meters are still in the testing phase and are scheduled for activation in March 2016. It is anticipated that the capacity of the U.S. 90B corridor will improve once these projects are completed.
The installation and subsequent activation of the New Orleans ramp meters will bring the state’s total to 23. DOTD currently has 16 ramp meters installed along the I-12 corridor in Baton Rouge, the first in Louisiana.
The ramp meters are used as a method for managing the traffic merging onto the interstate. They are located along interstate on-ramps, and they look and function exactly as a traffic signal does, but with shorter signal times. The ramp meter signals will stop vehicles for about four seconds on the on-ramp and allow drivers to access the expressway in an orderly and evenly-spaced fashion.
With the U.S. 90B improvements nearly complete and the ramp meters entering the final phase of construction, DOTD plans to let the remaining project to reconfigure the Crescent City Connection Toll Plaza in late February. Construction is estimated at $2.5 to $5 million to remove the toll plaza structure, repair the concrete surface and restripe the traffic lanes into their new configuration.
The toll plaza reconfiguration project is estimated for completion in early 2017. Once this project is completed, this section of U.S. 90B will operate as a standard freeway with the ramps merging into the traffic on the mainline.
Further planned construction activities are weather-dependent and may be rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to drive with caution through this and other highway work zones. Also, be alert for the presence of construction workers and equipment.
Motorists can access the latest updates on real-time traffic and road conditions using the 511 Traveler Information System by dialing 511 from their telephone and saying the route or region on which they are seeking information. Out-of-state travelers can call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511). Travelers can also access this information by visiting the 511 Traveler Information Web site at www.511la.org.
Additionally, motorists can utilize the "Way to Geaux" application to receive real-time, around the clock travel alerts. The hands-free, eyes-free “smartphone” application can be downloaded on any iPhone or Android device by visiting either the iTunes App Store, or Google Play.
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www.dotd.la.gov