According to Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development Secretary Shawn Wilson, this time next month construction will be ramping up to add eight miles of elevated highway along Highway 1 in Lafourche Parish.
“This if you remember was a major project that received the largest discretionary grant in the country a year a half ago, and that was over $135-million,” said Wilson.
Wilson said the total cost for the project is $463 million. Construction that’s scheduled to begin before January 31st is Phase Two of a four-phased project. Wilson said it will elevate one of the highways most flood-prone sections where water and high tide can prevent access to Grand Isle.
“Finishing a road and bridge project that’s going to add resilience and security to the oil and gas industry as well as all those activities that are supported on the Gulf of Mexico,” said Wilson.
Wilson said not only is the project important for residents to secure an escape route from hurricanes, but the structure also has national impacts. Wilson said 20% of the nation’s oil is processed off the Gulf of Mexico and even a hard rain can block access in Port Fourchon.
“You’ll appreciate that this elevated structure is going to improve the nation’s GDP as well as keeping those businesses open when they would normally be closed because of inaccessibility of the port,” said Wilson.
Phase 2 of the project is slated to open in 2027.
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