Drivers in Lincoln Parish, brace yourselves for some construction delays: The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has rolled out a $17.9 million pavement rehabilitation plan for a stretch of I-20 starting from the Bienville Parish line to the LA 149 overpass, a project that kicks off on Monday, as per a public announcement on the DOTD website.
Those hitting the road on Monday will want to watch for an outside lane closure on I-20 westbound, from the Bienville Parish line right up to Exit 78, this closure's set to let crews do their underdrain work and is simply the opening salvo in a series of intermittent but necessary lane shutdowns, according to DOTD's statement. Traffic's also getting corralled on I-20 eastbound the following day, with travelers well-advised to expect added congestion and pad commutes with extra time, especially during those congested peak hours.
Comprehensive doesn't begin to cover what's in store for this roadway, with plans detailing grading, drainage enhancements, full-depth repairs, and the obligatory milling to strip away the weary old asphalt, before a fresh coat restores the driving surface. Motorists should anticipate seeing construction signs not only on the main stretches but also at the LA 507 and LA 563 ramps where the same tired asphalt is getting ousted.
In a bid to curtail the chaos and keep traffic flowing as smooth as one could hope amidst the construction clatter, a real-time queue detection system replete with portable digital message boards is entering the fray, to steer drivers with up-to-the-minute travel updates; these should come in handy, hinting at possible delays and alternative routes to sidestep the slowdowns, the system is part of the state's effort to minimize surprises and keep that metal and rubber parade moving although, the system itself an ambitious attempt to direct the daily dance of cars and trucks, could face its own operational hiccups, especially in the early days.
