Bay Area commuters take note: a significant change to your driving route is on the horizon. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has announced a new traffic configuration for westbound travelers on I-12. Starting from 5 a.m. on February 22, drivers will need to adjust to a new flow of traffic as they pass under the newly constructed I-10 westbound overpass. This shift is part of the College Drive Flyover Project's ongoing construction efforts aimed at improving traffic dynamics in the area.
The latest updates indicate that, I-12 westbound will no longer merge with I-10 from the right. Instead, the lanes will shift to the left side and become the left lanes of I-10 westbound as a permanent change to the interstate system. A visual aid detailing the adjustments is available for drivers seeking clarification on the new traffic pattern. With construction pushing forward, these changes are expected to streamline commutes once the project reaches completion, as reported by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development.
In conjunction to the new traffic alignment, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has also declared a temporary closure of the westbound on-ramp at Essen Lane. The closure scheduled for February 22 is anticipated to last between six to eight weeks. This step is necessary to facilitate the construction of new exit ramps for the I-10 and I-12 interchange. As part of this closure, the right lane on I-12 westbound approaching Essen will exclusively serve as an exit lane for the eastbound I-10 exit ramp. Motorists will be rerouted via a detour, directing them to use Essen Lane south to the I-10 westbound on ramp during the interim.
Focused on the larger goal, these temporary inconveniences are sure to yield long-term benefits. The completion of dedicated right lane exits to College Drive from both I-10 and I-12 westbound is eagerly anticipated by regular users of these routes. Until then, drivers have been advised to plan their commutes accordingly and expect some delays during these construction phases. For more details on the traffic changes and the recommended detour routes, travelers can refer to the official announcement on the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development website here.
