LAFAYETTE, La. — A fatal crash along the Evangeline Thruway is drawing attention to the dangers facing people traveling by foot.
The traffic-heavy corridor has seen two deadly pedestrian crashes this month alone, according to local reports.
Ron Czajkowski, safety coordinator with the Acadiana Traffic Safety Coalition, said the Evangeline Thruway has been a heavily traveled corridor for decades, creating challenges for pedestrians navigating the roadway.
“We're playing the hand that we're dealt, so to speak. The Evangeline Thruway has existed as I've known it like this pretty much for four decades,” Czajkowski said.
Czajkowski said the proposed Interstate 49 connector could help address some of the safety concerns by moving interstate-level traffic away from surface streets.
The project could provide relief beyond the portion of the Evangeline Thruway that runs along downtown Lafayette.
“This will have an impact on the section all the way from Interstate 10 all the way down to the airport,” Czajkowski said.
Czajkowski said removing a mix of commercial vehicles and passenger cars from surface streets could improve conditions for pedestrians.
“Once those are taken away from the surface streets, I think the impact will be tremendous,” he said.
The I-49 connector does not yet have a final completion date. Until then, Czajkowski encouraged pedestrians to use existing sidewalks, crosswalks and other infrastructure designed to help drivers see people traveling on foot.
“I just really want to strongly encourage people, until we get to that point, that make the best choices. Don't make reckless decisions when it comes to your safety,” Czajkowski said.
