The project will widen 3.7 miles of La. 42 from two to four lanes between U.S. 61 (Airline Highway) and La. 44 (North Burnside Avenue). In addition, a 6-foot sidewalk will be constructed on the north side of the roadway, and a 10-foot bicycle / pedestrian shared-use path will be constructed on the south side of the roadway.
The first phase of the project began in March 2014, and includes clearing land and installing a new parish sewer system. The $8.7 million project, awarded to Wharten-Smith, Inc., is estimated for completion in early 2017.
The second phase of the project begins in November 2017 for the roadway portion of the widening project. The $27.5 million project, awarded to Barber Brothers Contracting Company, LLC.
As of October 2019 Approximately 95% of the subsurface drainage has been completed. The contractor is currently working on subgrade layer, embankment and base course, combination curb and gutter, asphalt paving, sidewalk and shared use path as well as grading.
This segment of La. 42 serves more than 22,000 motorists daily. It is important to residents of Ascension Parish, as well as East Baton Rouge, Livingston and Tangipahoa parishes, providing access to U.S. 61 (Airline Hwy.), I-10 between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, and I-12 between Baton Rouge and Slidell.