Commuters in Richland Parish might notice smoother rides in the near future, as the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) is busy improving LA 133 west of Rayville. The project, which covers the stretch from US 80 in Start to LA 15, revolves around overhauling more than 8 miles of highway, with reconstruction efforts that include patching and repaving efforts estimated at a cost of $6.7 million, DOTD announced.
The extensive restoration includes full-depth patching, a process to address the damage down to the base of the road, intended to bolster the foundation and lengthen the lifespan of the pavement. In the recent update, DOTD shared that the contractor has finished this crucial patching stage. Moreover, a cross drain was replaced to ensure the area retains adequate drainage capabilities.
This next phase of the DOTD's efforts will strip away worn asphalt layers in preparation for laying down a fresh surface, ultimately providing a much-needed upgrade for the daily motorists of this route. While construction unfolds, drivers should anticipate intermittent lane closures, required for the safety of the workers on-site.
Infrastructure improvements like these are critical for the nearly 2,000 drivers who depend on this corridor each day. Though a seasonal Louisiana downpour or unforeseen circumstances might sway the timelines, the officials are targeting a completion date in Fall 2025 for the entire project.
