DOTD issues notice to proceed for new College Drive Exit in Capitol Region
Tuesday, August 25, 2020 at 11:40:25 AM
Baton Rouge – Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development Secretary Shawn D. Wilson, Ph.D., announced another major milestone for the I-10 & I-12 College Drive Exit in East Baton Rouge Parish. Today, the contract with Boh Bros. Construction Company was signed and the notice to proceed was issued, marking the official start of this crucial corridor improvement project.
This $52.3 million design-build project eliminates the need for an additional structure by realigning existing I-12 westbound traffic to more closely follow the I-12 eastbound alignment and spanning both I-12 eastbound and I-12 westbound with a new I-10 westbound bridge. Westbound traffic will be able to exit to College Drive without crossing through mainline interstate traffic. Additionally, this alignment avoids additional visual and noise impacts to surrounding businesses and neighborhoods during and after construction.
“This new redesigned exit is a critical piece in improving the overall I-10 corridor in Baton Rouge,” said Secretary Wilson. “The widening of I-10 cannot happen overnight and must be managed in phases to minimize impacts to the traveling public. The construction of the Terrace Ave. off-ramp was one aspect of this project, as is this College Drive exit. With continued support and leadership of Governor Edwards and legislative leaders, DOTD continues to construct major infrastructure projects throughout the state to provide a safer and more efficient roadway for our motorists. The widening of I-10 will provide benefits to citizens and businesses for generations to come.”
The College Drive Exit project is part of a larger project to widen I-10 from LA 415 in West Baton Rouge Parish to Essen Lane on the I-10/ I-12 split in East Baton Rouge Parish. Construction is anticipated to begin in early 2021, with an estimated completion of late 2022. This is the fifth design build project administered through the Office of Innovative Procurement since 2016.
This project, as well as three other significant infrastructure projects in other parts of Louisiana, are being funded through the state's first issuance of GARVEE bonds, which are special bonds that will be repaid over 12 years using federal funds allocated to Louisiana.
DOTD Secretary Shawn D. Wilson, Ph.D. signs a contract for the Design Build project for the I-10 & I-12 College Drive Exit in East Baton Rouge Parish.
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