UPDATE: Traffic Shift Scheduled for LA 70 in Ascension, St. James Parish
Monday, June 09, 2025 at 2:29:05 PM
UPDATE: The traffic switch has been postponed to 8 p.m., Monday, June 16 due to weather.
Ascension Parish, La.- The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announces a new traffic configuration on LA 70 between LA 22 and the Sunshine Bridge, scheduled to begin at 4 a.m. on Tuesday, June 10, 2025.
Traffic will shift into a split-lane configuration to accommodate ongoing construction. Westbound traffic will use the outside lane of the existing LA 70 alignment, while eastbound traffic will use the outside lane of the newly constructed LA 70 alignment. This change will require motorists to travel on both the old and new portions of LA 70. Driveway and roadway access along the corridor may be modified, and drivers should remain alert.
In addition, the traffic signal at the intersection of LA 70 and LA 3125 will be removed, and the intersection will be converted to a permanent roundabout. Motorists are urged to proceed with caution through the new configuration.
The lane shift is necessary to allow the contractor to complete median work and pave the final layer of asphalt on the inside lanes of LA 70. During this phase, oversized or permitted loads exceeding 12 feet in width will not be allowed through the work zone. Drivers should contact the DOTD Permit Office to obtain alternate routing.
Project update:
Following the traffic shift, construction crews will move into the final phase of the project. Remaining tasks include milling and overlaying the westbound lanes of LA 70 from the Ascension-St. James Parish line to the Sunshine Bridge, as well as paving the final wearing course on the eastbound lanes between the Sunshine Bridge and LA 22.
Additional work includes forming and pouring the center island and red concrete truck apron at the LA 70/LA 3125 roundabout, installing concrete islands at LA 70 and Raymond Tullier Road, and paving associated turnouts, turn lanes, crossovers, and driveways. A traffic signal will be installed at one of the designated J-turns, and crews will also clean existing culverts, perform final dressing of the project site, and install new roadway signage and permanent striping.
The project is expected to be completed by August 2025, weather permitting.
Safety reminder:
DOTD appreciates your patience and would like to remind drivers to exercise caution and drive with care through construction sites. Please be mindful of work crews and their equipment, and adhere to all posted signage and speed limits.
Additional information:
Travelers can download the Louisiana 511 mobile app for additional information. Out-of-state travelers may call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511). Motorists may also monitor the LA DOTD website at www.dotd.la.gov, by selecting MyDOTD, or by visiting the DOTD Facebook and X pages.
|