Open House Public Meeting Transcript for State Project Nos. H.011137 & H.011152 F.A.P

Open House Public Meeting Transcript for State Project Nos. H.011137 & H.011152 F.A.P. Nos. H011137 & H011152 I-12: LA 21 – US 190 I-12: US 190 - LA 59 St. Tammany Parish

July 27, 2017

U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration and Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development

Table of Contents Open House Public Meeting Notice ...... 1 Open House Public Meeting Attendance Record ...... 2 Open House Public Meeting Handout ...... 18 Power Point Presentation Shown at Public Meeting ...... 28 Transcript of Oral Comments ...... 44 Written Comments ...... 45 DOTD's Responses to Comments ...... 80

Open House Public Meeting Notice

OPEN HOUSE PUBLIC MEETING

STATE PROJECT NO.: H.011137: I-12: LA 21 – U.S. 190 STATE PROJECT NO.: H.011152: I-12: U.S. 190 – LA 59 FEDERAL AID PROJECT NOS. H011137 & H011152 ROUTE: I-12 ST. TAMMANY PARISH

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) is conducting an open house public meeting for the proposed I-12 project from 1.2 miles west of the LA 21 interchange continuing eastward to LA 59 interchange in St. Tammany Parish. The project proposes to widen I-12 by the addition of one lane in each direction into the existing median; to overlay the existing lanes with asphalt; and to install concrete median protection. Some short sections that are sagging will be completely reconstructed with new pavement. The project will also include auxiliary lanes connecting Pinnacle Parkway across the Tchefuncte River to US 190, and the US 190 and LA 59 interchanges.

The purpose of the meeting is to provide information about the project and to obtain input from interested parties. There will be a continuous multi-media presentation about the project. Additional project information will be available. Representatives from DOTD will be available at the open house to answer questions and discuss issues related to the project. Oral and written comments on the project can be submitted at the meeting. Comments can also be mailed to the DOTD address shown below, postmarked by August 9, 2017. The public meeting has been scheduled as follows:

Thursday, July 27, 2017 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. St. Tammany Parish Council Chambers 21490 Koop Drive Mandeville, LA 70471

Should you require special assistance, due to a disability, to participate in this public meeting, please contact DOTD by mail at the address shown below, or by telephone at 225.242.4506, at least five working days prior to the meeting.

Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development Environmental Engineer Administrator, Section 28 P.O. Box 94245 Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9245

Open House Public Meeting Attendance Record

OPEN HOUSE PUBLIC MEETING I-12 : LA 21 TO US 190 I-12: US 190 TO LA 59 H.011137 & H.011152 ST. TAMMANY PARISH JULY 27, 2017 GENERAL PUBLIC (including business, industry, civic and non-profit organizations)

Name (Please Print): . ./ Mailing Address: /tiS" V ftf.alc /),-/ ·ye_ - . "' 2??.acit.~#J4.. L/1- /q'f/9?

Name (Please Print): Mailing Address:

Name (Please Print): Mailing Address : 7 (~l/11,, .), . LA 7u 'i 5 :t

Name (Please Print): Mailing Address: OPEN HOUSE PUBLIC MEETING I-12: LA 21 TO US 190 I-12: US 190 TO LA 59 H.011137 & H.011152 ST. TAMMANY PARISH JULY 27, 2017 GENERAL PUBLIC (including business, industry, civic and non-profit organizations)

Name (Please Print): Mailing Address:

Name (Please Print): Mailing Address: QD\]I_t0l~ E lA :7 0"-{] ~"?

Name (Please Print): (!!,4J 11 r; : c:.. 1/rJr- a su Mailing Address:

"' I C (..... "' J J j 7

Name (Please Print): #.-±_~ M vvr z/.Z_ f -E' Mailing Address:

Name (Please Print): Mailing Address:

Name (Please Print): ;'?I C" )c {11; J, }<£ • Mailing Address: OPEN HOUSE PUBLIC MEETING I-12: LA 21 TO US 190 I-12: US 190 TO LA 59 H.011137 & H.011152 ST. TAMMANY PARISH JULY 27, 2017 GENERAL PUBLIC (including business, industry, civic and non-profit organizations)

Name (Please Print): Mailing Address:

Name (Please Print): Mailing Address: (....V C rJ V t ~

Name (Please Print): Mailing Address:

I I

Name (Please Print): r (u.dv ~ /~CZJ1ce_ l_vo/t ~ Mailing Address: OPEN HOUSE PUBLIC MEETING I-12: LA 21 TO US 190 I-12: US 190 TO LA 59 H.011137 & H.011152 ST. TAMMANY PARISH JULY 27, 2017 GENERAL PUBLIC (including business, industry, civic and non-profit organizations)

Name (Please Print): Mailing Address:

I . . ,

Name (Please Print): Mailing Address:

Name (Please Print): rp_of)e~:T Sp R vJ(J,_ J,\AJ.l 1-i Mailing Address:

Name (Please Print): Mailing Address:

( OPEN HOUSE PUBLIC MEETING I-12: LA 21 TO US 190 I-12: US 190 TO LA 59 H.011137 & H.011152 ST. TAMMANY PARISH JULY 27, 2017 GENERAL PUBLIC (including business, industry, civic and non-profit organizations)

Name (Please Print): Mailing Address:

Name (Please Print): ~ ~~

Name (Please Print): CJZ::;..{,/ /7htJ/l§i<7?!;1/ Mailing Address: I lff;)O &~~rJIJA 4-J.,

!2JJ/ ?az3 ~ e .__./'-";;> - 7

Name (Please Print): E.Jj): JJ5 Mailing Address: J.f ' '<;? A 'S? t::'...., t.-:zh,c_ rau;Vlr-'i~bt lA I V ·7o't53.... OPEN HOUSE PUBLIC MEETING I-12: LA 21 TO US 190 I-12: US 190 TO LA 59 H.011137 & H.011152 ST. TAMMANY PARISH JULY 27, 2017 GENERAL PUBLIC (including business, industry, civic and non-profit organizations) Civov \) rf'\ ru r ~ " Name (Please Print): \\ JWY\ , L>~ Mai I ing Address: ---1=~~- :]~g~-P~. """TiJ}~Rt.-o...-=-"" __:__:_::.S=--=.) 1-~· .----=C(Ji~/-P-~-- "- b v - L fb J o L('3 3

Name (Please Print): ~<'V2 ~ \ cf ~~~ v\-e ( Mailing Address: I 0 ~ f-lo tt h.'\-H 9<1) r.ONC$ ~ LvO cov{}{)-rv~ \ L.D- .._, ., ~73

Name (Please Print) : Mailing Address: Lf-c:>q 'DF-L .So f . CO UJ~I COV I II)6- "17>/J. Ll( 7 0 Lf 3 3 }

Name (Please Print): /{t:bJrt!., 71 k e, l "Jf.l Mai 1i ng Address: ----P-...... ,0_8=~r:,.Ly..~/:._1=-~--..:....~------& d ) .! ,· m .,/t / .. tl -cI . J,._w 1c> ~o-l- r t>

Name (Please Print) : Ma iling Address: 1Vl. 4 tv' p j£V 1 L LIE'.f LA 7~'12 ~

Name (Please Print) : ~ . R ~~ l~ ... J? Mailing Address:

= v I OPEN HOUSE PUBLIC MEETING I-12: LA 21 TO US 190 I-12: US 190 TO LA 59 H.011137 & H.011152 ST. TAMMANY PARISH JULY 27, 2017 GENERAL PUBLIC (including business, industry, civic and non-profit organizations)

Name (Please Print): Mailing Address:

Name (Please Print): 1 ~\ ~ •l '-- 6._ L~~.., \.c..- ., ~ v--~ o~-..

Mailing Address: q '7 7 b c:. --.., -v- C" "~ , .... 'V' ~ ~ ,~ \~ 'j

(). .J

Name (Please Print): t-f:l'i/072;--lJ-(1" > Mailing Address:

Name (Please Print): Mailing Address:

Name (Please Print): ___,C:::__l+....:...... :_~'"\_,__-=-c ....:.::\~=-:!....:.-..~ _"'_~______Mailing Address:

Name (Please Print): f)elf)'(Se., He v~ V\ GY\de z.. Mailing Address: 2 61 ~ {Vt es CX_ L + , NuV\ c)\ev(\1~ LA 7044-E9

Name (Please Print): Mailing Address:

I c

Name (Please Print): Mailing Address:

Name (Please Print): Mailing Address: J} la ndr 1./ :/(e, LI--t 70 L/ 7 1

Name (Please Print): Mailing Address:

Name (Please Print): Mailing Address: ~~ ( ~s-2 PQ y-J o e~~ 6-ov. \__ A !r4':S5

Name (Please Print): Mailing Address:

Name (Please Print): Mailing Address: OPEN HOUSE PUBLIC MEETING I - 12: LA 21 TO US 190 I-12: US 190 TO LA 59 H.011137 & H.011152 ST. TAMMANY PARISH JULY 27, 2017 GENERAL PUBLIC (including business, industry, civic and non-profit organizations)

Name (Please Print): ~ -t'- e-'-}c_ S\ o- J . '

Mailing Address: j()B tfl?.(!_ ~ !'- . LJ'.. \\ -J ~ I:,~ vii 1 ~'-- ti 7oL-/ ~ I

Name (Please Print): Mailing Address:

c::;;; I

Name (Please Print): /JJ~ £ :Jdq ?~~ Mailing Address:

Name (Please Print): Mailing Address: 11-e 1:7'If c;! ;2:r rJ (3 s . ! II- f- 0 e-J 8-- () ~ I I

Name (Please Print): t(c_,'·~ + An1G1 Jr:_CJsc U4t~6 Ma iling Address: 7o 7' f(y e J S1. G -e-Kft /\1 I' ·~v L DlltJL

Name (Please Print): IJJ I&-~ (_fr{fl,{:jt_i/ Mailing Address: 8 J.-:J-1 er-F if' sr: OPEN HOUSE PUBLIC MEETING I-12: LA 21 TO US 190 I-12: US 190 TO LA 59 H.011137 & H.011152 ST. TAMMANY PARISH JULY 27, 2017 GENERAL PUBLIC (including business, industry, civic and non-profit organizations)

Name (Please Print): Mailing Address:

Name (Please Print): . ' ~ Mailing Address: 7 '-II baul3 LE -:J 1< b

Name (Please Print): Mailing Address:

Name (Please Print).: Mailing Address:

Name (Please Print): Mailing Address:

Name (Please Print): Ma iling Address: OPEN HOUSE PUBLIC MEETING I-12: LA 21 TO US 190 I-12: US 190 TO LA 59 H.011137 & H.011152 ST. TAMMANY PARISH JULY 27, 2017 ELECTED OFFICIALS (If representing an elected official, please write both your name and the name of the official you are representing.)

NAME ELECTIVE OFFICE )J,)~J~' Gopev- W A-A/r-1~ C:: , ;t)o /2. ketz- OPEN HOUSE PUBLIC MEETING I-12: LA 21 TO US 190 I-12: US 190 TO LA 59 H.011137 & H.011152 ST. TAMMANY PARISH JULY 27, 2017 MEDIA

NAME STATION I PAPER

DOTD, FHWA, and OTHER AGENCY PERSONNEL (Federal, State, Parish, and Local)

NAME AGENCY

IXJro ,.r; .hv-o-" vY'9 ¥'k \ 'DOT D - t: hY' v 6Y\Wl eV\'tf't I TXJTQ- t3nv ~ roMI-heM~ J

]1, 1/\ r-u ( JLln

Do r o A01/- E/V2..,- . u ST.P

4 ry v~ Cc/v'; d{d"PN L6or1. & -f JJJ I ...!)6 T>D _ prn

[ u ld,'r- IJofD ·~ ' . (.;;,~.,(

Open House Public Meeting Handout

I-12: LA 21 TO US 190

I-12: US 190 TO LA 59 OPEN HOUSE PUBLIC MEETING

I-12: LA 21 TO US 190 I-12: US 190 TO LA 59 H.011137 & H.011152 ST. TAMMANY PARISH, LOUISIANA

St. Tammany Parish Council Chambers 21490 Koop Drive Mandeville, LA 70471 July 27, 2017 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Thank you for attending this Open House Public Meeting for the proposed Interstate 12 (I-12) project. In this handout you will find information about the proposed project, including a preliminary project description, a location map, and typical sections. Also included is a comment form.

Project team members are stationed throughout the room to discuss the project and answer your questions. These individuals are easily identified by their name tags. Please take this opportunity to discuss the project with team members. There will be no formal presentation.

As you enter the room, you will see four stations:

Station 1: Sign-in Table At this station, there are sign-in sheets for General Public, Elected and Other Officials, Agency Personnel, and News Media. Please sign in on the appropriate sheet.

Station 2: Exhibits This station will consist of a series of maps that illustrate the potential limits of construction super- imposed over aerial photographs and graphics of the typical design sections that are proposed. The exhibits display the entire proposed project in large layouts.

Station 3: Continuous PowerPoint Presentation This short presentation will explain the environmental process and provide an overview of the proposed I-12 widening project. The presentation lasts approximately 8 minutes and will re-start automatically after a one-minute intermission. The PowerPoint presentation and the exhibits shown tonight are available on the DOTD website at: http://wwwapps.dotd.la.gov/administration/public_info/ projects/home.aspx?key=108

Station 4: Comment Table At this station, comments can be made orally or in writing. A tape recorder is available at this table for oral comments. The last page of this handout is a comment form that you may use. Comments can be turned in during this meeting or mailed to the address on the back of the form. Additional comment forms are also available to be taken with you. Please note that comments mailed after this meeting must be postmarked no later than August 9, 2017 to be included as part of the meeting transcript.

We hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to provide input on the proposed I-12 widening project. Thank you for attending this meeting and for providing input.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) proposes to widen Interstate 12 (I-12) from approximately 1.2 mile west of the Louisiana Highway 21 (LA 21) interchange continuing eastward to the LA 59 interchange north of Mandeville, Louisiana in St. Tammany Parish (Figure 1). The project area begins at 30.4471, -90.1408 and ends at 30.4113, -90.0374.

Currently, I-12 consists of two travel lanes in each direction. The project would include widening the pavement surface into the median, overlaying the existing lanes with asphalt, and installing concrete median protection (Figure 2). Some relatively short sections that are sagging will be completely reconstructed with new pavement (Figure 3). The project will also include auxiliary lanes connecting Pinnacle Parkway across the Tchefuncte River to US 190, and the US 190 and LA 59 interchanges (Figures 4 and 5). Pavement striping, raised markers, and rumble strips would also be installed. A concrete median barrier would also be installed in portions of the project corridor. Openings in the barrier would be located at interchanges, in forested areas of the median, and at approved median crossings.

The project proposal includes the widening and replacement of all bridges and overpasses.

Clearance heights on the current Tchefuncte River bridges will be maintained. The Tchefuncte River is listed as a Scenic River; therefore, a permit will be required prior to bridge construction.

The bridge over the Tammany Trace would also be widened (Figure 6). Impacts to the Trace will be minimized through planning and expedited construction techniques to the greatest extent practicable. Post construction, the Trace will be returned to its pre-construction condition.

Two lanes in each direction would remain open to traffic during construction. Any lane closures limiting traffic to less than two open lanes would occur at night and would not be continuous throughout the project corridor.

Average Daily Traffic values for I-12 from LA 21 to US 190 are 80,500 vehicles per day in 2016 and estimated at 127,700 vehicles per day in 2036. For I-12 between US 190 and LA 59, the average daily traffic values are 69,300 vehicles per day in 2016 and estimated at 105,500 vehicles per day in 2036. The project corridor is approximately 7.9 miles long and covers approximately 464 acres. DOTD does not anticipate the need for additional right-of-way.

PURPOSE AND NEED The purpose of and need for this project is to increase capacity and to rehabilitate the existing pavement.

SWL2 ITE 29°59′32.42"N 92°32′35.91"W

PROJECTBEGIN 30.4471, -90.140830.4471,

¨¦§12 ¤£190

«¬21

PROJECTEND 30.4113, -90.037430.4113,

«¬59

¨¦§12

Lake Pontchartrain ¹ Copyright:© 2013 National Geographic Society, i-cubed ProjectExtent forH.011137 11,000 5,500 0 11,000 ProjectExtent forH.011152 Feet PROJECTLOCATION MAP USGS:TOPOGRAPHIC1:100,000 MAP - PONTCHATOULA&GULFPORT QUADRANGLES S TATEPROJECT NOs. H.011137&H.011152 FEDERALAIDNOs. H011137 &H011152 I-12: LAto21 US 190I-12: I-12: US to190 LAI-12: 59 STAMMANY T. PARISH

Figure 2: Typical Section Drawing of Proposed Project: 6-lane Section of Interstate 12 with Median Barrier.

Figure 3: Typical Section Drawing of Proposed Project: 6-lane Section of Interstate 12 with Pavement Replacement.

Figure 4: Typical Section Drawing of Proposed Project: 8-lane Section of Interstate 12 showing Auxiliary Lanes.

Figure 5. Rendering of widened Interstate 12 Bridge Crossing Tchefuncte River

Figure 6. Rendering of widened Interstate 12 Bridge Crossing Tammany Trace

I-12: LA 21 TO US 190 I-12: US 190 TO LA 59 OPEN HOUSE PUBLIC MEETING

July 27, 2017

I-12: LA 21 TO US 190 I-12: US 190 TO LA 59 H.011137 & H.011152 ST. TAMMANY PARISH, LOUISIANA

Please provide your comments below regarding the project, the alternative being considered, and the issues that the Project Team should evaluate for this study. When complete, please return this form to Station 4 – Comment Table. To mail, fold the form in half with the address showing on the outside and seal. Comments received tonight or post marked by August 9, 2017 will become part of the transcript of this meeting.

______

NAME: ______ADDRESS: ______

Power Point Presentation Shown at Public Meeting

Welcome to the public meeting for the proposed Interstate 12 widening and pavement rehabilitation project from LA 21 (Covington/Madisonville Exit) to LA 59 (Abita Springs/Mandeville Exit) in St. Tammany Parish. These projects are jointly funded by the Federal Highway Administration and the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. DOTD and FHWA propose widening of I-12 within the existing median to 3 lanesineachdirection.Theexisting4lanesofI-12wouldbecoldplanedand paved with asphalt. A concrete median barrier would be constructed. An auxiliary lane would also be added between LA 21 and US 190, providing 4 lanes in each direction. Sections where the existing pavement is sagging would receive a full-depth replacement of pavement. All mainline I-12 bridges and overpasses within the project limits would be widened. The purpose and need for this project is to increase capacity and to rehabilitate the existing pavement where necessary . In addition to this presentation, the following stations are available tonight: • A Sign-in and Hand-out Station • An Exhibit Station to review layouts of the proposed project and to ask questions to project staff • And a Comment Station for giving written and/or verbal comments. Comments received tonight and those postmarked within 10 days of this meeting will be included in the official meeting transcript. Project team members are available to assist you and receive your comments. As shown on this vicinity map, the proposed project is located along the I-12 corridor in St. Tammany Parish from the LA 21 Interchange (Covington/Madisonville Exit) to just east of the LA 59 Interchange (Abita Springs/Mandeville Exit). The project would include widening of I-12 within the existing median to 3 lanes in each direction. The existing 4 lanes of I-12 would be cold planed and paved with asphalt. A concrete median barrier would be constructed. An auxiliary lane would also be added between LA 21 and US 190, providing 4 lanes in each direction. Sections where the existing pavement is sagging would receive a full-depth replacement of pavement. All mainline I-12 bridges and overpasses within the project limits would be widened. Here is a typical section of what I-12 will look like over most of the project area, post construction. Both the west bound and east bound sides of I-12 would have three 12-foot wide travel lanes, with a 17-foot inside shoulder, and a 12-foot outside shoulder. A median barrier would separate the east bound and west bound lanes. The dark gray hatching shows the new lanes and inside shoulders. Here is a typical section of what would occur during construction on I-12 in areas identified with sagging pavement. The full depth of the existing pavement would be removed to the base and replaced with new material (as shown by the dark cross hatching on the figure). Replacing sagging sections would provide for a smoother ride. Here is a typical section of what I-12 will look like between LA 21 and US 190 with the Auxiliary Lane, post construction. Both the west bound and east bound sides of I-12 would have FOUR 12-foot wide travel lanes, with a 17-foot inside shoulder, and a 12-foot outside shoulder. A median barrier would separate the east bound and west bound lanes. What will the bridge over the Tchefuncte River look like? This rendering provides an idea of how the widened bridge would fit within the existing footprint. The view is from the southwest near the Brewster Rd/Pinnacle Parkway loops. The vertical clearance under the bridge will be designed to match the current clearance for no foreseeable change to boat traffic. All work within the River will be permitted and coordinated with the US Army Corps of Engineers and the US Coast Guard. The Tchefuncte River is also listed as a scenic stream, so permitting will be completed with LA Dept of Wildlife and Fisheries prior to construction. This rendering provides an idea of how the widened bridge would fit within the existing footprint. Temporary impacts to the Trace are expected during construction. Impacts will be minimized through planning and coordination with St. Tammany Parish Government. During construction: Two lanes of through traffic will be maintained. Any lane closures limiting traffic to less than 2 open lanes would occur at night and would not be continuous throughout the project corridor. Impacts from the project on resources are presented here. Wetlands and other waters of the U.S. are the most impacted resources. Approximately 1.2 acre of herbaceous wetlands, 2.68 acres of forested wetlands, and 62.65 acres of other waters were observed within the project’s right-of-way and may be impacted. During bridge construction over the Tammany Trace, there may be temporary closures of the Trace for public safety. Design and construction will be coordinated with St. Tammany Parish Government to avoid or minimize potential impacts to the Trace. After construction, the Trace will be open for normal use. No noise abatement walls are proposed, and no residential or commercial relocations are expected. There are three ways you can help tonight. 1. Sign-in and review all materials. 2. Speak with a team member about your concerns. 3. Provide us with your written or recorded comment. This is the end of the Presentation. Thank you for your time. Please visit the remaining stations to view the exhibits and provide comments.

Transcript of Oral Comments

No oral comments were received.

Written Comments

1-12: LA 21 TO US 190 1-12: US 190 TO LA 59

OPEN HOUSE PUBLIC MEETING :~ :.•... :.:~ '~- · ·.· !·~ · ; , ( ~tl.l'ION' 0£VELOPMI:Nl July 27, 2017

1-12: LA 21 TO US 190 1-12: US 190 TO LA 59 H.011137 & H.011152 ST. TAMMANY PARISH, LOUISIANA

Please provide your comments below regarding the project, the alternative being considered, and the issues that the Project Team should evaluate for this study. When complete, please return this form to Station 4 - Comment Tab le. To mail, fold the form in half with the address showing on the outside and seal. Comments received tonight or post marked by August 9, 2017 w ill become part of the transcript of this meeting.

LA/ TP../lrrtc PO/SIE tJrJC£ Til-e ;z HeN LdttJC.:S e-/Z.E CM1&1?7"#12y IL/dKLI E --rift~/<.. ;.s A 61>-vl) R.eFtso,J To ~j.D£ $o..JrS/J ~A#i5> /fv"/C /#t'S ,P.ee~1 At.D ,.)<:::, P-.t:S t/JG:~t.JTuu... Alll:"-A-s AI t.e;-/-rsr .£r -7/1-M ;.!H,PE'iv~5· 1 .::;: C!.A).J ..;fY/(..(..., H.A..J;r§,Y

ADDRESS : R ~ 7 Dt9u i3 L-~ -:[ /!.))

Ut;;,v 0 ·1o~ 1 &d. 7o¥"'Y Maria Reid

From: Loong Tsai Sent: Monday, July 31, 2017 7:08 AM To: Maria Reid Subject: FW: I-12 Public Meeting Attachments: image001.png

FYI

From: Jennifer Branton Sent: Friday, July 28, 2017 2:36 PM To: Loong Tsai Subject: I-12 Public Meeting

Loong,

Someone sent the following comments in to St Tammany Parish and they forwarded it along to me.

See email string below.

Thanks, Jennifer D. Branton, PE ADA – Engineering LA DOTD - District 62 685 N. Morrison Blvd. Hammond, LA 70401 985-375-0103

From: Erin Stair [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, July 28, 2017 1:53 PM To: Jennifer Branton Subject: Fwd: Roadways

Sent from my iPhone

Begin forwarded message:

From: Ronnie Simpson Date: July 28, 2017 at 1:16:06 PM CDT To: Erin Stair Subject: FW: Roadways

Can you pass this along to your buddies at the district? Please

1 The linked image cannot be displayed. The file may have been moved, renamed, or deleted. Verify that the link points to the correct file and location. Ronnie Simpson Director, Department of Public Information St. Tammany Parish Government 21490 Koop Drive, Mandeville, LA 70471 p 985.898.5243 m 504.905.7841 e [email protected] w stpgov.org

Any e-mail may be construed as a public document, and may be subject to a public records request. The contents of this e-mail reflect the opinion of the writer, and are not necessarily the opinion or policy of St. Tammany Parish Government.

From: kyle boudreaux [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, July 28, 2017 12:18 PM To: Ronnie Simpson Subject: Roadways

Hi Ronnie,

For the new interstate expansion proposals can I suggest the addition of a few items?

Sound barrier walls to be placed along I-12 corresponding with the proposed expansion project. This would include the bridge section passing over the Tchefunce river overpass. Plenty of drivers turn their heads to see the river as they drive by. The river is a beautiful site, but a huge distraction. The environmental noise impact has greatly increased over the last 20 years with increased traffic volume and commercial development along the interstate in this region. This component could possibly bring back some of the quality of life when it comes to noise pollution and traffic reduction.

Speed limit reduction management similar to other high risk areas.

Alternative transportation/reduce volume of cars on roadways.

Dedicated Bike lanes with active barrier systems along existing highways and community roadways , especially along key economic development zones and areas where community connectivity would greatly benefit. Thoughts?

Thanks, Kyle

Kyle Boudreaux (Cell) 985.590.9851 [email protected]

1-12: LA 21 TO US 190 1-12: US 190 TO LA 59 H.011137 & H.Oll1S2 ST. TAMMANY PARISH, LOUISIANA

Please provide your comments below regarding the project, the alternative being considered, and the issues that the Project Team should evaluate for this study. When complete, please return this form to Station 4- Comment Table. To mail, fold the form in half with the address showing on the outside and seal. Comments received tonight or post marked by August 9, 2017 will become part of the transcript of this meeting. 1-12: LA 21 TO US 190 1-12: US 190 TO LA 59 H.011137 & H.011152 ST. TAMMANY PARISH, LOUISIANA

Please provide your comments below regarding the project, the alternative being considered, and the issues that the Project Team should evaluate for this study. When complete, please return this form to Station 4- Comment Table. To mail, fold the form in half with the address showing on the outside and seal. Comments received tonight or post marked by August 9, 2017 will become part of the transcript of this meeting.

Statement for 1-12 Widening Open House Public Meeting Thursday, July 27, 2017 St Tammany Parish Council Chambers Mandeville, lA

My name is Chris Laborde. I reside at 377 Del Sol East, Covington, lA 70433. As a resident of St Tammany Parish and as a staff member of the Regional Planning Commission (RPC), I'm here to speak on behalf of the 1-12 Widening project.

The RPC fully supports this project, as I do, which extends 1.2 miles west of the lA 21 interchange continuing eastward to the lA 59 interchange.

Thank you for allowing these comments to be included in the official proceedings of this meeting.

1-12: LA 21 TO US 190 1-12: US 190 TO LA 59 OPEN HOUSE PUBLIC MEETING July 27, 2017

1-12: LA 21 TO US 190 1-12: US 190 TO LA 59 H.011137&H.011152 ST. TAMMANY PARISH, LOUISIANA

Please provide your comments below regarding the project, the alternative being considered, and the issues that the Project Team should evaluate fo r this study. When complete, please return this form to Station 4- Comment Table. To mail, fold the form in half with the address showing on the outside and seal. Comments received tonight or post marked by August 9, 2017 will become part of the transcript of this meeting.

PI<. C'T r=. CT 1-1 A s /?F- F-N lv'£& 0f:.J) Fo f2- S"oM ,r:; T 1 ,vt £ , co IJ$ Jl) f l2_uvt~- I ' L UllC:..F- YoU to btJ A..s MUcH o F THf: WORK AS /}::J~S J13 Lc AT t(JC..!L[. Ta N/tf/1/1112£ Tl-!k - ( Tr?... B FJC.IC I M (JACI~ PL£4,[F- I tVf:.l)/l...f/1. t 11G PUfJLI c WHr-/V TJ-Jf- SIAt<.._T DATE oF Til£ f/StlF~cr 15 k;1./oWAJ- A/Vll Tfl~ £ ST!/VJ ;4 T£0 D Uf(.jt T/OAJ oF T/1£ pf!_oJ£,cr, TIIA/rJI

~~NAME : £DwAR-6 .5CHt£flf<______ADDRESS: __Lfc_ o_'----=9 D::;....,£=-L=· ----"[;::....:o::....:L=-_c...._- _o_u.....:.;e_~l ______e.av 1 !!JC. 1 0/J LA 7aLJ3.3~~

~~Maria Reid~~

~~From: Loong Tsai Sent: Monday, August 14, 2017 7:33 AM To: Maria Reid Cc: Dennis M. Hymel; 'Loeske, Jacob' Subject: FW: LA DOTD-I-12 Widening-LA 21 to LA 59-H.011137 & H.011152~~

~~Importance: High~~

~~For your information.~~

~~From: Larry Sharp Sent: Monday, August 14, 2017 7:22 AM To: Loong Tsai Subject: FW: LA DOTD-I-12 Widening-LA 21 to LA 59-H.011137 & H.011152 Importance: High fyi~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Larry W. Sharp, Jr., P.E., P.L.S. District 62 Administrator 985-375-0101 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION - This correspondence and the information contained herein is prepared solely for the purpose of identifying, evaluating and planning safety improvements on public roads which may be implemented utilizing federal aid highway funds; and is therefore exempt from discovery or admission into evidence pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 409.

From: Mayor Mike Cooper [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Sunday, August 13, 2017 4:53 PM To: a g Smith; Shawn Wilson; Marty Dean; Jacob Loeske, P.E.; David S Waltemath; Association Management; John Alario; Pete Morreale Cc: Mark Wright; Jeffrey Roesel; wbrooks; Larry Sharp Subject: RE: LA DOTD-I-12 Widening-LA 21 to LA 59-H.011137 & H.011152 Importance: High

~~Good afternoon, Mr Smith:~~

It was a pleasure meeting you and Mr Peter Morreale, residents of Bedico Creek, at this recent Open House held by DOTD for this important project. Thank you for the follow up email(s) regarding our discussions at the meeting.

~~I wholeheartedly agree with your recommendations that:~~

1 1. The westbound auxiliary lane from Hwy 21 be extended completely to the Off Ramp at Hwy 1077 (Exit 57), rather than ending .4 miles east of this exit; and 2. The eastbound auxiliary lane from Hwy 1077 be extended completely to the Off Ramp at Hwy 21 (Exit 59), rather than the current proposed design requiring eastbound traffic entering I-12 to merge into the existing two lanes before reaching the new third lane and auxiliary lane just .4 miles east of this On Ramp.

I am copying DOTD Secretary Dr Shawn Wilson, representatives of the Regional Planning Commission, and others regarding my support of your recommendations, particularly in regard to the increase in public safety this revision would provide to the citizens of Covington and to ALL those who use this heavily-travelled portion of I-12.

~~If I may provide further comment or information to you or to any of the recipients of this email message, please do not hesitate to contact me.~~

~~Regards,~~

~~Mike Cooper~~

~~985.892.1811 City Hall 985.966.2024 Cell [email protected]~~

From: a g Smith [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Monday, July 31, 2017 9:07 AM To: Dr Shawn Wilson-Sec-LA DOTD ; Marty Dean ; Mayor Mike Cooper ; Jacob Loeske, P.E. ; David S Waltemath ; Association Management ; John Alario ; Pete Morreale Subject: LA DOTD-I-12 Widening-LA 21 to LA 59-H.011137 & H.011152

~~Good morning. I attended the public meeting on the subject project and forwarded a hard copy of the attached note to the LA DOTD through the US Mail. Please see attached and thank you for your review.~~

~~Alan Smith 124 St Calais Place Madisonville, LA, 70447~~

~~Alan G. Smith [email protected] 913-219-4962 "I am too blessed to be stressed"~~

~~DOTD’s Responses to Comments~~

~~H.011137 & H.011152 Public Meeting 27-Jul-17 Public Comments~~

Number Commenter & Address Comment DOTD's Response 1 Paul Perez, 68300 Taulla Drive, I am very concerned about the noise levels to come as a result of the 50% increased capacity of the Interstate. Anything that The I-12 widening project will be re-assessed due to Covington, LA 70433 could be done to mitigate that would be greatly appreciated. proposed changes in the projects' scope. Impacts from noise as reported at the public meeting may change when the project is re-assessed. Updated impacts will be presented to the public.

2 Roy S. Lilley, 757 Double J Rd, My property backs up to the present I-12 4 lanes. I am vehemently opposed to the addition of 2 more lanes of traffic on I-12 The I-12 widening project will be re-assessed due to Covington, LA 70435 without the construction of sound barriers similar to those located on I-10 in Jefferson and East Baton Rouge Parishes. The traffic proposed changes in the projects' scope. Impacts from noise with the present 4 lanes is unbearable at times. Outside activities are unpleasant because of the noise. 2 more lanes will noise as reported at the public meeting may change make it worse. The noise from the traffic diminishes the value of my property. The additional noise caused by traffic on 2 when the project is re-assessed. Updated impacts will additional lanes will diminish the value of my property even more. be presented to the public.

3 Bryan Newman, 741 Double J Rd, I believe this is a necessary project. My concerns are associated with increased noise levels in my house/yard/neighborhood due The I-12 widening project will be re-assessed due to Covington, LA 70433 to the increased traffic. My property abutts I-12 on the south side, between US HWY 190 and LA 59. According to the St. proposed changes in the projects' scope. Impacts from Tammany Parish Assessors Office, the value of my property is $10,000 less than a typical 1 acre lot because of the noise noise as reported at the public meeting may change pollution. With the current noise levels you cannot have a normal conversation in the back yard. With increased traffic, it will be when the project is re-assessed. Updated impacts will worse. Driving on I-12 from Baton Rouge to Mandeville, I noticed all sections that had been widened had sound barriers be presented to the public. installed. Why were sound barriers not included in this section?

4 Judy Lyons, 1220 Copperman Ct., My home is in River Oaks, directly connecting to I-12 exit lanes heading south on HWY 190. My major concern is the noise which The I-12 widening project will be re-assessed due to Covington, LA 70433 has at least doubled since the opening of a 2nd exit lane. The noise impact of an additional interstate lane will obviously proposed changes in the projects' scope. Impacts from increase. I am requesting a noise barrier wall be built prior to the I-12 widening/expansion projects. Many, many residents are noise as reported at the public meeting may change impacted by cars and trucks plowing trough the wooden barrier fence(along I-12 and its exits into our back and side yards. when the project is re-assessed. Updated impacts will Please, please build a barrier wall for safety reasons as well as noise reduction. Thank you. be presented to the public.

5 Roy Fuselier, 727 Double J Rd, I live at 727 Double J Rd against I-12 South side, between Hwy 190 and Hwy 59. I'm all for improvements and up grades, but I am The I-12 widening project will be re-assessed due to Covington, LA 70433 very concerned about the increase in traffic noise once the 2 new lanes are completed, which I think is a good reason to include proposed changes in the projects' scope. Impacts from sound walls into this project along residential areas at least. If that happens, I can still enjoy my back yard without being noise as reported at the public meeting may change burdened with the possibility of hearing traffic noise that would be very bad. when the project is re-assessed. Updated impacts will be presented to the public.

6 Kyle Boudreaux, For the new interstate expansion proposals can I suggest the addition of a few items? 1) Sound barrier walls to be placed along I- 1) The I-12 widening project will be re-assessed due to [email protected], 985-590-9851 12 corresponding with the proposed expansion project. This would include the bridge section passing over the Tchefuncte river proposed changes in the projects' scope. Impacts from overpass. Plenty of drivers turn their heads to see the river as they drive by. The river is a beautiful site, but a huge distraction. noise as reported at the public meeting may change The environmental noise impact has greatly increased over the last 20 years with increased traffic volume and commercial when the project is re-assessed. Updated impacts will development along the interstate in this region. This component could possible bring back some of the quality of life when it be presented to the public. 2) DOTD District 62 can comes to noise pollution and traffic reduction. 2) Speed limit reduction management similar to other high risk areas. 3) evaluate the speed limit to determine if a reduction Alternative transportation/reduce volume of cars on roadways. 4) Dedicated bike lanes with active barrier systems along existing would be appropriate upon completion of construction. highways and community roadways, especially along key econimic development zones and areas where community connectivity 3 and 4) Alternative transportation could be proposed would greatly benefit. via local governments; however, dedicated bike lanes cannot be included in an Interstate capacity project. Bike lanes would be utilized on lower volume roads and be operated and maintained by local governments. Number Commenter & Address Comment DOTD's Response 7 L. Lyons, 1220 Copperman Ct, 190 West-bound entrance onto I-12 needs to be addresesed with independent lanes from south and north. 1) At this time, re-configuring the ramps for US 190 is Covington, LA 70433 Noise barrier wall along north and south subdivisions are required for the health and wellbeing of families who live there. not included in the scope of this project. However, Construction at night will be extremely noisy and distuptive to neighborhoods; there needs to be a plan in place to control /to DOTD can study this option for future projects at the limit inconveniences and noise. interchange. 2) The I-12 widening project will be re- assessed due to proposed changes in the projects' scope. Impacts from noise as reported at the public meeting may change when the project is re-assessed. Updated impacts will be presented to the public. 3) During design, plans will be developed to limit inconveniences for local traffic and minimize the impacts of construction noise on neighbors as much as practical.

8 Denise and Larry Boihem, 760 I do have concerns regarding two aspects of this project. Born/raised in New Orleans suburbs and resident in the project area for Future median barriers will have barrier slots. The Double J Road, Covington, LA 24 years, I feel that concrete medians will act as a floodwalls segregating the norht and south sides of I12 acting as a dam. The barrier slots will be 2 inches tall and 10 to 12 inches 70433 current medians act as retention space but that will decrease when the "greenspaces" are replaced with concrete barriers. With wide; located at the bottom of the barriers; and spaced 100 yr. floods happening more often, how do you guarantee that drainage is sized sufficiently such that solid concrete 12 to 20 feet apart. Although water may pass through, barrier/added lanes do not impede/overload local drainage requirements? As a resident south of I12, we have experienced the barrier slots are not intended, or capable, of mandatoryhurricane evacuations due to potential flooding. If a hurricane would enter the lake, water will be pushed northwards preventing flooding beyond the roadway during severe until reaching the walls and then accumulating to a predetermined height until it overflows. After traversing I12 in the Denham weather. Springs (Central), LA area immediately after 2016 flooding event, it was noted that the watermark on the N side of I12 was The I-12 widening project will be re-assessed due to substantially higher than the S side of I12 in the area where similar concrete barriers were added with others still being proposed changes in the projects' scope. Impacts from constructed along that route. Did barriers have any impact? Are we duplicating that potential along the I12 corridor? Removing noise as reported at the public meeting may change current greenspace/trees will increase the nosie levels along this route also. when the project is re-assessed. Updated impacts will be presented to the public.

9 Martina Mahly, DVM, 817 N. 10th No water impermeable concrete barrier/levee in median. Must allow water drainage from north to south. If it can happen in Future median barriers will have barrier slots. The Avenue, Covington, LA 70433 Baton Rouge, it can happen here!!!! Must DOTD learn from past mistakes? I sure hope so!!! We have 3 (three) barrier slots will be 2 inches tall and 10 to 12 inches major rivers north of proposed project!!!! wide; located at the bottom of the barriers; and spaced 12 to 20 feet apart. Although water may pass through, the barrier slots are not intended, or capable, of preventing flooding beyond the roadway during severe weather. 10 Sherrilyn Newman, 741 Double J 1) Sound wall - increased traffic equals increased noise which has become an issue. Not a problem in the past (now is an issue). 1) The I-12 widening project will be re-assessed due to Rd, Covington, LA 70433 2) Hurricane evacuation becomes a parking lot not an evacuation route. 3) Increased housing that has been approved and being proposed changes in the projects' scope. Impacts from planned and implemented off of Dove Park onto Hwy 59. it will line the I-12 to Hwy 59 another increase in traffic noise and noise as reported at the public meeting may change population. ~80 homes. 4) People presently are getting off 190 exit at Fairway Hospital taking Dove Park to Hwy 59 abd getting when the project is re-assessed. Updated impacts will back on the I-12 to avoid the merge traffic from 190 to I-12 Slidell and Hammond. be presented to the public. 2 and 3) DOTD models and designs for a 20-year design which takes into account future traffic conditions. 4) The scope of this project is limited to I-12. However, DOTD currently has other projects in St. Tammany Parish to improve traffic flow. Number Commenter & Address Comment DOTD's Response 11 Desiree Notaroberto, 82 Zinnia Dr, First and foremost, please consider the noise impact, especially over the river. Noise barriers should be utilized. If project cost is The I-12 widening project will be re-assessed due to Covington, LA 70433 a concern, maybe the bridge can be 3 lanes, utilizing the 2 shoulders as it currently is, to create the extra lane and thereby proposed changes in the projects' scope. Impacts from reducing the cost to construct additional lanes over the river. I'd also suggest the exit to Pinnacle Parkway on east side to exit noise as reported at the public meeting may change further up and make like a U turn loop to the lights to prevent lane changes and slow downs on the bridge. Dinally, some sort of when the project is re-assessed. Updated impacts will visual barrier is not sound should be put up over the river to prevent slow downs by all those checking out the boaters down be presented to the public. The scope of this project is below. Thank you for allowing us to contribute our thoughts on the project. Please, please, if nothing else, keep our small limited to I-12. However, DOTD currently has other community and scenic waterway quiet with some sound barriers over the river. projects in St. Tammany Parish to improve traffic flow.

12 Chris Laborde, 377 Del Sol East, The RPC fully supports this project, as I do, which extends 1.2 miles west of the LA 21 interchange continuing eastward to the LA Thank you for your comment. Covington, LA 70433 59 interchange. 13 Sandra Hughes, 200 Buras Ranch Much needed!! Thank you for your comment. Rd, Covington, LA 70433 14 Edward Schehr, 409 Del Sol Court, Project has been needed for some time, considering the population growth. I urge you to do as much of the work as possible at Thank you for your comment. Covington, LA 70433 night, to minimize the traffic impact. Please inform the public when the start date of the project is known and the estimated duration of the project. Thanks 15 Brian Middleton, 261 Perrilloux Rd, This project sounds great and is long overdue. Can't wait for this to get started. Are you accepting volunteers? I can bring my Thank you for your comment. Madisonville, LA 70447 own shovel!

16 Charles F Orlando I think what you are proposing is a good thing to relieve the bottle neck congestion at the Covington Exit. My question is how The scope of this project covers improvements to I-12 much will relieve the congestion at the 190 Claiborne bridge? St. Tammany is growing so fast and the people I've spoke to want only. DOTD currently has other projects in various this bridge to be built ASAP. The congestion there is terrible in the morning and evening. This problem is like having a wagon phases for US 190 in Covington. and no mule to pull it. 17 Mark and Beth Allbritton, 60 Parc We recommend raking the two shoulders on the bridge over the Tchefuncte River and making it a 3rd lane now (at a relatively Currently, the bridge over the Tchefuncte River has 2 12- Place, Mandeville, LA 70471 low cost). There is enough room to add the 3rd lane now and extend the merge lane from 190 to 21 all the way over the bridge. foot travel lanes with a 6-foot wide inside shoulder and This would relieve congestion from Mand/Cov and back that blocks up because of the merge. The only cost is restriping. a 10-foot wide outside shoulder. The necessary changes to lane and shoulder widths would not meet current design guidelines for Interstate roadways (12-foot lanes and 12-foot shoulders for 6-lane segments).

18 Melanie Graves, 1709 Logan Lane, Whole Hwy 59 intersects I-12 heading east; it looks as if it is at this point I-12 reverts back to two lanes. Maybe the oncoming 4th At the eastern terminus of the project, I-12 will have 2 Mandeville, LA 70448 lane can merge into the third lane and four miles east that third lane can merge into two lanes. Thereby avoid a pinch point at a lanes in each direction east of the LA 59 interchange. major intersection. The third lane will terminate at the entrance/exit ramps for LA 59.

19 Barbara B. Morreale, 208 Merion Please consider the following for Project H.011137 I-12: LA 21 to US 190: 1) Extend westbound on ramp lane from Hwy 21 to Exit DOTD has agreed to extend the western terminus of the Circle, Madisonville, LA 70447 59 off ramp Hwy 1077. 2) Extend eastbound on ramp lane from Hwy 1077 to Exit 59 off ramp Hwy 21. The current proposed project to the LA 1077 interchange. plan would create a bottleneck between Exit 59, Hwy 21 and Exit 57, Hwy 1077. Traveling west on I-12 at the project end has four (4) lanes including on and off ramps, reduced to two lanes, then immediately increasing to three (3) lanes including on and off ramps at Exit 57, Hwy 1077. Than you for consideration of this rapidly growing area of St. Tammany Parish.

20 Pete Morreale, 208 Merion Circle, Please consider the following for Project H.011137 I-12: LA 21 to US 190: 1) Extend westbound on ramp lane from Hwy 21 to Exit DOTD has agreed to extend the western terminus of the Madisonville, LA 70447 59 off ramp Hwy 1077. 2) Extend eastbound on ramp lane from Hwy 1077 to Exit 59 off ramp Hwy 21. The current proposed project to the LA 1077 interchange. plan would create a bottleneck between Exit 59, Hwy 21 and Exit 57, Hwy 1077. Traveling west on I-12 at the project end has four (4) lanes including on and off ramps, reduced to two lanes, then immediately increasing to three (3) lanes including on and off ramps at Exit 57, Hwy 1077. Than you for consideration of this rapidly growing area of St. Tammany Parish. Number Commenter & Address Comment DOTD's Response 21 Earline Schwartz, 109 Scott St, First, I would like to thank the DOTD for the meeting held on July 27th, 2017. I attended the meeting and was there by 4 PM and DOTD has agreed to extend the western terminus of the Madisonville, LA 70447 stayed to 6:15 PM. Not enough people came as far as I could see and looked very confused as they entered. Thought it would be project to the LA 1077 interchange. However, questions and answer type meeting. I live off of Brewster Rd. west of HWY 1077. This is a huge concern to me and I bet many improvements to Brewster Rd and LA 1077 are beyond others that live in this area. The Interstate 12 project is not going to help us here on HWY 1077. Very disgusted that the state is the scope of this project. not planning to widen the interstate at HWY 1077. What's up? It's a short distance west of where it looks like they will start the construction going east. I will remember this when all elections come up. Our area is not represented at all. I have pleaded with Mr. Marty Dean to help us on this side of the Parish with no results. I would someone in Baton Rouge to look at this plan again and help all of the people who live to the west of HWY 21. St. Tammany Parish goes passed HWY 21. Brewster Rd and HWY 1077 needs fixing as well. We need turning lanes, turning arrows. people turning left hold up traffic. When the interstate boggs down people (lots and lots of people) take HWY 1077 to get off the interstate. Please help us on this end of the Parish. The people of St. Tammany pay a lot of taxes. This area of I-12 pay extra state tax. Please let the public know when you will hold another meeting.

22 Alan Smith, 124 St. Calais Place, I attended the public meeting on Thursday, 7/27/2017 and have 2 points of input. 1) The project portion H.011137 calls for the DOTD has agreed to extend the western terminus of the Madisonville, LA 70447 project to extend 1.2 miles west of Hwy 21. Driving west, this brings it within approximately 0.4 mile of the Hwy 1077 exit. project to the LA 1077 interchange. Driving east, the entrance of Hwy 1077 uses an auxiliary lane to within 0.4 mile of the beginning of the new 3 lanes going wast to Hwy 21. SITUATION - RECOMMENDATION (a) The current design calls for west bound traffic entering I-12 from Hwy 21 to proceed in the auxiliary lane, enter the 3 lanes of I-12 for approximatley 1 mile, then the auxiliary lane and the 3rd lane end, leading to 2 lanes for less than 0.5 mile to the Hwy 1077 exit. This is a 4-lane to 2-lane change to an exit. It could cause a dangerous stretch and could lead to accidents. This could be alleviated by extending the auxiliary lane 0.4 mile west and it would then become the exit lane to Hwy 1077 and then 2 lanes on I-12 west. (b) East bound traffic entering I-12 from Hwy 1077 will enter onto an auxiliary lane that ends leading to 2 lanes for approximately 0.4 mile then becoming 3 lanes, plus an auxiliary lane that continues to the Hwy 21 exit. (c) It should be noted that the plan for both phases of the project call for the auxiliary lane in both directions to continue for the entire length of the project. (d) Continuing the auxiliary lane for another 0.4 mile would probably be included in another phase several years later; however, with the growth at Hwy 1077 south to the town of Madisonville, thr traffic is increasing rapidly. This is evidenced by the need for the recently completed roundabout at the 1077- 1085 intersection. Anecdorally speaking, I understand that this area is the fastest growing area of St. Tammany Parish. Our community along (Bedico Creek Preserve) has grown from 35 homes at teh beginning of 2014 to over 350 now. The total buildout is over 900 homes. Archbishop Hannan High School is growing. There is a new FedEx distribution warehouse, the growth of Countryside subdivision, new subdivisions planned on Hwy 1077 north of Hwy 1085, and even more north of Hwy 190, more traffic at the Coquille Recreation Center, which also has growth plans in place, a new strip center with a grocery store is set to begin construction soon, and I'm sure there is more planning in process that has not been announced. Traffic will continue to increase and this request could ease the pain. 2. While this is not another extension request, one of the issues that currently exist and I understand from the engineer with Stanley Consultants, Jacob loeske, P.E., will exist with the new auxiliary lanes, is that traffic entering does not fully utilize the entry lane to accelerate to the posted speed before crossing into the through lane. This is apparent at the west entrance from Hwy 190 onto I-12. I asked if this could be alleviated and he informed me that several other states paint a 24' wide strip that extends for an extended distance and encourages drivers to accelerate prior to crossing over.

23 Mike Cooper, Mayor of Covington, In email to Mr. Alan Smith: I wholeheartedly agree with your recommendations that: 1) The westbound auxiliary lane from Hwy DOTD has agreed to extend the western terminus of the [email protected] 21 be extended completely to the Off Ramp at Hwy 1077 (Exit 57), rather than exding 0.4 mile east of this exit; and 2) The project to the LA 1077 interchange. eastbound auxiliary lane from Hwy 1077 be extended completely to the Off Ramp at Hwy 21 (Exit 59), rather than the current proposed design requiring eastbound traffic entering I-12 to merge into the existing two laens before reaching the new third lane and auxiliary lane just 0.4 mile east of this On Ramp. Number Commenter & Address Comment DOTD's Response 24 Brien Christen, 504-512-1580 DOTD recently wrote an article in the Times-Picayine on July 14, 2017, regarding widen I-12 through Covington, LA. It's only While the intersection improvements that you are concern with major projects like this one, it seems. I'm a taxpayer of LA, and I have been trying for over seven (7) years to have requesting are beyond project limits, we have shared DOTD - Steve Steward office, Gregg Crawford office. I have left several messages with Liz, Theresa of DOTD. My problem is much your concerns with DOTD District 62. smaller than widen of an interstate. I want the DOTD to repair and maintain the intersection of Airport Dr and Grantham College Dr. which is located Exit 80 off I-12. This small area needs immediate repairs and repaved. Please do not patch it!! For the last 7 years DOTD has come out and patched the holes - which does not last, everytime it rains the patch-work washes away... This is a never ending problem. This is a very high traveled intersection. it's the beginning road for the Southeast Louisiana Military Cemetary, as well as Belair Subdivision over 800 people with vehicles travel this intersection twice a day, the Meadows Subdivision, Briarlake, Oak Mont I and II, St. Tammany Gardens and the new road - John Smith Expressway, all travel through this intersection of Airport Rd and Grantham College Dr on a daily basis. Please DOTD, do this project - now - once and for all. You can contact me, Brien Christen (504)512-1580.

25 Steve Schmidt, 806 E 1st Ave, Since only three crossings over Tchefuncte River, important to connect service roads from LA 21 to 190 and 190 to LA 59 on While these improvements are beyond the scope of this Covington, LA 70433 North and South side. This would help local traffic. Would need new bridge over river for service roads and keep local traffic off project, DOTD will share your concerns of local traffic Interstate and give more options. with the Regional Planning Commission and St. Tammany Parish Government.

26 Clarence Blache, 108 Scott St, As a resident of St. Tammany we need help with traffic on Hwy 1077 Exit. When the interstate gets down to a crawl people get While these improvements are beyond the scope of this Madisonville, LA 70447 off the interstate at Hwy 1077 southbound gets like a parking lot. Please help us with the traffic light at Hwy 1077 and Brewster project, DOTD is currently planning improvements for Rd. Need turn lanes and turn signals. Also the signs on I-12 at Pinnacle Pkwy going East. We only need one sign there. People LA 1077. get freaked out and think they need to get over and start breaking and getting into the left lanes. Truckers included. Also, at Hwy 190 exit going west, people do not stay in the lane, even though it has a solid white line. Need barriers to keep them in that lane.

27 Mitchell Christie, 504-450-8020 As a resident of S.T.P. for 12 years, after the storm. This I-12 widening project will only serve cars traveling east to west or west DOTD is currently working on projects identified for to east? Because of over development in S.T.P. we need traffic relief on highways 21, 22, and 59. ALL STATE HIGHWAYS. This many of the highways mentioned in your comment. project will only serve economic development!! Not everyday traffic? Traveling south to north - north to south let's not forget These projects are in all stages of developments from Hwy 190 another State Highway. environmental (LA 1088), to design (LA 59 and U.S. 190), and construction (LA 21). DOTD is dedicated to improving transportation infrastructure in St. Tammany Parish.