LA 1 and Sugar Plantation Parkway Intersection Improvements
The project will construct a J-turn at the intersection of LA 1 and Sugar Plantation Parkway. The J-turn is a reconfiguration of the traditional intersection that is used in different parts of the country to improve traffic flow and safety. DOTD has begun using this concept at specific locations across Louisiana. The J-turn concept is a method that safely and efficiently manages high traffic volumes at intersections with multiple approaches along a divided highway.
The project is expected to be let out for bid March 2012 with construction beginning early Summer 2012. The estimate cost of the project is $500,000 - $1M. The project is expected to take 7 months to complete. Once complete, traffic entering LA 1 from Sugar Plantation Parkway or LA 1 Frontage Road (by Benedetto’s Market) will be allowed to turn right, enter the J-turn lanes and conduct a U-Turn approximately 600 feet north and south of the intersection in order to head back to the left.
Additional “bulb-outs” or turning radiuses will be added at each U-turn location to allow ease of motion for larger vehicles such as school buses and tractor-trailers. These will also allow additional acceleration for turning traffic to enter into the main lanes of LA 1.
The entrance from Mouch’s Mobile Home Park to LA 1 will be closed to construct the bump-out on the south side of the intersection. Traffic from the mobile home park will have to access LA 1 by turning right toward Benedetto’s or left to the next entrance further south.
During construction, there may be times when lane closures are necessary. All closure will be communicated to the public via press release, e-mail updates, Project page and Facebook page. Closures will not be allowed during peak travel times
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