Work to widen and improve I-12 between US 190 and LA 59 begins in the upcoming weeks. The first phase is being handled by James Construction Group and is estimated to cost $55 million. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says the project has been in the works for a while.
“We see huge growth. We see significant truck traffic that’s traveling through that corridor and it does create a safety concern for in terms of congestion and potential rear ends,” said Wilson.
A second phase will cost about $38 million. Wilson says while funding for the initial two phases is coming from both St. Tammany Parish and the state, much of the funding is federal grant money.
“The lion’s share of both of these projects are a result of the department’s efficiencies and the ability to get things done and are dollars that we would have not normally received had we not have been competitive and successful,” said Wilson.
DOTD is also preparing for the third phase of improvements between LA 1077 and LA 21.
Wilson says the DOTD is asking motorists to be patient as they are traveling through the upcoming construction zones.
“But this is a sign of progress. You can’t build roads and capacity without a little pain and pinch in traffic,” said Wilson.
Wilson anticipates construction to take about two years for all phases to be completed.
