A St. Martin Parish neighborhood could be facing changes if a proposal from DOTD is approved by the parish. It’s part of the I-10 widening project.
The proposal would eliminate the I-10 overpass above Melvin Dupuis Road, bringing the interstate down to the surface.
However, in doing so, it would divide Melvin Dupuis into two roads: cul-de-sacs backing up into the interstate.
The proposal is getting mixed reviews.
“Quite candidly, I believe that the prospect of the St. Martin Parish Council accepting this proposal is very slim,” Parish President Chester Cedars said.
According to Cedars, DOTD is offering $5 million if the proposal is approved. However, not everyone is on board.
The division of Melvin Dupuis Road could be an inconvenience for some who live nearby.
“A reason is that it would cause increased traffic on another road,” Cedars said.
“The other issues addressed: some of our agricultural pursuits. It would make it more difficult for the farmers in that area to harvest the crops, then, transport them to the appropriate mill.”
Not everyone who lives nearby is against the proposal.
“Any construction is an inconvenience,” resident Robert Miller said. “We would have to do it for progress. In the beginning, it would be an inconvenience, but we would get used to it.”
The parish government will vote on this at their next meeting on December 4.
“Most of the remarks, comments and concerns indicate to me that overall although there’s $5 million on the table, it will eliminate a lot of quality and a lot of convenience if the proposition came to reality, ” Cedars said.
