Updated information: February 7, 2024.
Progress is well underway on Phase 1 of the Collins US 190 Widening Project. Phase 1 features a brand-new multi-lane bridge connecting to a widened US 190. This work is expected to be completed in the spring of 2025.
Previous Information:
DOTD and the Regional Planning Commission (RPC) for the parishes of Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, and Tangipahoa have prepared an EA to examine alternatives and environmental impacts for the US 190 (Collins Boulevard) Widening Project from Louisiana Highway 25 (LA 25) to US 190 Business (US 190B) in St. Tammany Parish. The total length of the project is approximately 2.7 miles. The project also includes improvements to approximately 1,400 feet of LA 25 and to 1,400 feet of LA 21 (Military Road). The purpose of the project is to improve traffic capacity and reduce congestion and delays along Collins Boulevard between LA 25 and US 190B.
Collins Boulevard currently consists of two travel lanes (one southbound, one northbound) and a center turn lane from south of LA 25 to north of the Bogue Falaya River Bridge. The project corridor includes 20 intersections, nine of which are signalized and 11 of which are not.
In 2010, DOTD and RPC proposed to improve traffic capacity along a portion of the roadway from the intersection of Collins Boulevard with LA 25 to the intersection of US 190B with West Front Street. In 2012, a preliminary draft EA recommended widening the roadway to four travel lanes separated by a median; a four-lane bridge across the Bogue Falaya River; and roundabouts at the Collins Boulevard intersections with Columbia Street and LA 437 (Lee Road) and at the US 190B intersections with E. Boston Street and Military Road.
Based on an updated traffic corridor study completed in 2013, DOTD and RPC have revised the proposed improvements with the purpose of further reducing traffic delays and improving capacity along the project corridor. The project is slightly longer and now extends an additional 1,400 feet along LA 25 and an additional 1,400 feet along Military Road. The project also includes additional roundabouts at the Collins Boulevard intersections with 32nd Avenue, E. Magee Street, and LA 25; the Poole Drive intersection with Columbia Street; the Military Road intersection with LA 36; and the US 190B intersection with Front Street.