ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2016 - 2018 This compilation of accomplishments is dedicated to Paul Victor Featherston, a dedicated employee in the Lafayette district who lost his life while in service to the people of Louisiana. Paul was killed on July 3, 2017. DOTD STATS 2016 - 2018 Projects let: ...................................................................................................................................1,017 Project investment:...................................................................................$2,022,173,559.41 Project miles: .....................................................................................................................3,244.98 Guardrails repaired: ......................................................................................................... ~5,400 Potholes patched: .........................................................................................................1,236,949 Drainage structures repaired/installed: .......................................................................3,559 Miles of restored shoulders: ............................................................................................... 1,353 Acres of herbicide sprayed: ....................................................................................... 361,639 Miles of striping: .................................................................................................................. 28,504 Signs repaired/replaced: ..............................................................................................533,982 Bridges replaced: ...........................................................................................................................37 Bridge inspections: ..............................................................................................................31,800 Cubic yards of litter removed:................................................................................ ~150,000 Acres mowed: ............................................................................................................~1,000,000 3 Ribbon cutting for the official opening of the I-49 North Segment K Phase 2 project in Shreveport on October 17, 2018. PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND DELIVERY 5 I-10 Capacity Expansion in Baton Rouge s traffic issues continue to rise along the I-10 In February 2018, DOTD conducted survey work along corridor in the Baton Rouge area, DOTD has I-10 as part of the Stage 1 environmental assessment. Aadvanced efforts to expand inner-city capacity. Crews traveled along I-10 from LA 415 to LA 3064 The 2015-2016 feasibility study, published in July 2016, (Essen Lane) on both I-10 and I-12, scanning the corri- was the first step in examining improvements to the area dor using Mobile Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) of I-10 between the Mississippi River Bridge and the technology. LiDAR scanning is a surveying method used I-10/I-12 split, and engaging the public. DOTD worked to measure distance by using laser lights that make dig- with community residents and merchants to create ital 3-D representations of the intended target. LiDAR concepts for improving the corridor, with an open ear was extremely cost beneficial to the state, as it assisted toward community ideas. in expediting the topography survey delivery schedule for DOTD designers, prevented multiple lane closures The purpose of the corridor study is to identify system de- throughout the corridor, and reduced the number of ficiencies contributing to congestion patterns throughout conventional survey crews needed to perform the survey. the I-10 corridor from west of the Mississippi River to the DOTD had used this technology in previous projects I-10/I-12 split. Concepts to address these system defi- throughout the state, and it has been proven to be a ciencies will be developed as part of a comprehensive useful tool in the topography survey process. public initiative that captures public input in advance of, during, and after alternative development. The feasibility This effort advanced as the department sought approv- of these concepts were analyzed and documented as al for a never-before-used finance tool called GARVEE part of the Stage 0 Report prepared in accordance with bonds, approved on March 21, 2019. DOTD guidelines. This information was used as a starting point to begin the environmental review process re- quired as part of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). 6 Construction Begins on FASTLANE Projects n January 26, 2017, DOTD let two of the three the lanes and the construction of one additional lane in projects partially funded by the $60 million each direction for 4.3 miles along I-10 from LA 328 to OFASTLANE grant. LA 347. On April 6, 2017, DOTD broke ground on the first Serving more than 60,000 cars per day, this section of project. The $124.7 million project will involve pave- the I-10 corridor serves as a direct connection to Inter- ment replacement within the existing the lanes and the state 49. It is also a vital corridor to tourism and hospi- construction of one additional lane in each direction tality related industries in the Acadiana region. for 6.48 miles along I-10 from I-49 to LA 328. On August 3, 2017, the groundbreaking was held for the second widening project. This $54.7 million project will involve pavement replacement within the existing the lanes in each direction for 2.7 miles along I-10 from LA 347 to the base of the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge. An additional lane will be added in the westbound direction. The final I-10 widening project is scheduled to let for construction in FY 18/19. With an estimated cost of $100 million to $125 million, the proposed project would include pave- ment replacement within the existing 7 New Ouachita River Bridge n August 18, 2017, DOTD celebrated the Ouachita River is nearly double that of the old structure official opening of the new Ouachita River at pool stage. The more than 3,200 foot-long bridge has OBridge in Harrisonburg, Catahoula Parish. The no load restrictions, two 12-foot lanes and two 10-foot $37 million project encompassed the replacement and shoulders. eventual removal of the old Ouachita River Bridge on LA 8 that serves Harrisonburg and surrounding communities. The bridge was the subject of research by the Louisiana The new bridge was officially opened to traffic on July Transportation Research Center that investigated how 11, 2017. to best build the new structure with improved overall performance and prolong the life of the concrete deck. The contract was awarded to Gilchrist Construction Company in late 2013, and work began in 2014 to re- Also during the ceremony, the new Ouachita River place the original bridge, which was built in 1932, and Bridge was officially designated as the Veterans Memo- serves approximately 3,000 vehicles a day. rial Bridge, as per House Concurrent Resolutions 227 & 228 passed during the 2008 Regular Legislative Also known as the Long-Allen Bridge, the old structure Session. Those were authored by then-State Rep. Noble was one of four in the state named for two former Lou- Ellington (R-Winnsboro) and Sen. Neil Riser (R-Colum- isiana governors – Huey P. Long and Oscar K. Allen. Its bia). Signs to mark that designation were posted on the age meant that it required continual maintenance as a bridge. The goal of the resolutions was to commemorate result of wear and tear from marine and vehicle traffic the extraordinary sacrifices of the courageous men and over the course of its eight decades in service. Its low women of the U.S. Armed Forces, as well as to encour- clearance also required it to be opened 15 to 20 times age patriotism among all citizens. a month to accommodate marine traffic, which interrupt- ed motor vehicle traffic flow through the area. In con- trast - at 79 feet - the new bridge’s clearance over the 8 Construction Begins on Arkansas Road n September 6, 2017, Gov. John Bel Edwards Additionally, pedestrians will enjoy sidewalks added to and Sec. Shawn D. Wilson, Ph.D. marked the both sides of the road from North 7th Street to Wallace Obeginning of a major project to improve LA 616 Dean Road, which is nearly the full length of the project. (Arkansas Road). A groundbreaking ceremony was held in West Monroe, Ouachita Parish. This nearly $33 million project will vastly increase the traffic capacity through the area, as well as complete- “This type of investment is crucial for quali- ly rehabilitate the roadway. A consultant work order ty of life, not only in West Monroe, but all was first issued in 1981. However, actual construction across the state as well.” of the project has been delayed throughout the years due to changes in policy, scope and limited funding. Just - West Monroe Mayor Dave Norris over three miles of Arkansas Road from LA 143 (N. 7th Street) to Caldwell Road will be widened from two to four lanes, including a continuous turn lane. Four signal- ized intersections will be replaced with roundabouts. These roundabouts will greatly improve the efficiency of traffic movement through this section of Arkansas Road, which sees more than 18,000 vehicles pass through every day. 9 Construction Begins on I-20/Tarbutton Interchange n October 11, 2017, DOTD celebrated the acquisition, utility relocations and on-site inspections. groundbreaking of the Tarbutton Road and $14.6 million for the project comes from state funding OI-20 interchange project in Lincoln Parish. The and $8.3 million is made up of federal money. $25.5 million project was awarded in February