Groundbreaking Held for $43 Million I-49 Preservation Project in Acadiana Region
Friday, March 27, 2026 at 1:04:07 PM
LAFAYETTE PARISH/ST. LANDRY PARISH, La. - Carencro, La. – State and local leaders gathered Friday, March 27, at the Carencro Sports Complex to celebrate the groundbreaking of a $43 million preservation project along Interstate 49, marking a major investment in infrastructure for Lafayette and St. Landry parishes.
The project will improve an 8.91-mile stretch of I-49 from Interstate 10 to the St. Landry Parish line. With an average daily traffic count exceeding 85,000 vehicles, the corridor serves as a critical route for commuters, freight movement, and regional economic activity.
Construction is set to begin in early April 2026, with completion anticipated in summer 2027. Work will include asphalt milling, pavement patching, roadway reinforcement, and an asphalt overlay to extend the life of the roadway and enhance driving conditions.
“This project is about preserving one of the most heavily traveled corridors in our state while also investing in the future of Acadiana,” said Eric Dauphine, DOTD Assistant Secretary for Project Delivery. “By improving this section of I-49, we’re enhancing safety, supporting economic growth, and ensuring a more reliable transportation network for years to come.”
The improvements are expected to deliver a wide range of benefits, including reduced vehicle wear and tear for motorists, more efficient logistics for businesses and freight, and improved access for multimodal transportation, including aviation connections.
Senator Gerald Boudreaux (District 24) emphasized the regional impact of the project. “This investment strengthens a vital artery for Acadiana,” Boudreaux said. “Reliable infrastructure is key to supporting our communities, our workforce, and our local economy.”
Lafayette Mayor-President Monique Boulet praised the collaborative effort behind the project. “This groundbreaking represents what we can achieve through strong partnerships at every level of government,” Boulet said. “Improving I-49 supports our residents, businesses, and the continued growth of Lafayette Parish."
St. Landry Parish President Jessie Bellard echoed that sentiment. “This project is a win for St. Landry Parish and the entire region,” Bellard said. “It improves connectivity and ensures safer travel for our citizens and visitors alike.”
Carencro Mayor Charlotte Clavier welcomed the investment to her community. “We’re proud to host this groundbreaking and to see this important corridor receive the attention it deserves,” Clavier said. “This project will benefit Carencro and the surrounding region for years to come.”
Much of the construction will take place at night to minimize disruptions to daily traffic. Officials urged motorists to remain alert, follow posted signage, and exercise caution when traveling through work zones to ensure the safety of both drivers and construction crews.
DOTD also recognized the team behind the project, including agency engineers, designers, and personnel, as well as T. Baker Snith the project designer, Prairie Contractors, LLC, the project’s contractor, the many subcontractors involved, and the CE&I team, Royal Engineers and Consultants.
For more information about this project and other DOTD initiatives, visit www.dotd.la.gov.
Media Contact
Deidra Druilhet
Public Information Officer
[email protected]
337-262-6133
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