The project to reconstruct and widen I-10 in Baton Rouge from LA 415 to Essen Lane has received federal approval.
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announced Thursday that it received notice that an assessment of the project by the Federal Highway Administration found no significant environmental impact to the area.
“This is a significant accomplishment in moving this much-needed project forward,” said DOTD Secretary Shawn D. Wilson, Ph.D. “Past efforts to make these necessary improvements have never reached this stage, and it’s a testament to this administration, the local, state and federal officials, and the hard-working staff of DOTD that we have reached this milestone.”
The Department says it can now move forward with purchasing right-of-way and begin the design process.
In November, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announced that Kiewit/Boh, a joint venture, has been selected as the contractor for phase one of the I-10 widening project from LA 415 in West Baton Rouge Parish to Essen Lane on I-10 and I-12 in East Baton Rouge Parish.
Phase one of the project is from just west of Washington St. to Essen Lane on I-10 and I-12, which has an estimated construction cost of $716 million.
DOTD anticipates that construction on phase one of the widening project could begin by the First Quarter of 2023.
The department says that a substantial part of the project will be funded using Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle Bonds, which are also known as GARVEE bonds. A minimum of $360 million of GARVEE proceeds will go toward construction of this phase. Additional contributions include $12 million from the City of Baton Rouge- Parish of East Baton Rouge Government and $24 million through the Capital Region Planning Commission (CRPC).
“We value our partnership with City-Parish government and the many other local governments that comprise CRPC; we very much appreciate their participation in a project that is so critical to this region,” said Wilson.
Improvements have already begun with the opening of the Terrace St. off-ramp. Other projects include the KCS Bridge Replacement at Acadian and the design build project for the College Drive Flyover which is expected to begin before the summer.
------------------------------------------------------------
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.
To reach the newsroom or report a typo/correction, click HERE.
Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox. Select from these options: Breaking News, Evening News Headlines, Latest COVID-19 Headlines, Morning News Headlines, Special Offers
