Commuters through St. James and Lafourche parishes should gear up for a series of lane closures as construction projects on LA 20 kick into full swing, aiming to enhance the safety and fluidity of traffic along this critical corridor. According to a recent announcement by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), the closures will affect traffic in both directions, with specific times set aside during weekdays and weekends to minimize disruptions.
Starting tomorrow, motorists can expect to encounter intermittent lane closures on weekdays from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Monday through Friday. The construction projects, identified as State Projects H.013116 and H.009481A, are set to not only widen the road but also to expand the Bayou Chevreuil bridge so as to seamlessly connect with the updated roadway. However, it's not just the weekly grind that will see these interruptions—weekend travelers should also plan to quickly adapt their schedules as the closures are slated to begin Fridays at 7:00 PM and stretch until Mondays at 5:00 AM, with flaggers on site to help guide traffic.
The reason behind this inconvenience? A necessary step towards broader roadways and bridges envisioned to foster greater safety and accommodate heavier vehicular flows. According to the same DOTD announcement, these improvements are part of a wider strategy to upgrade the transport infrastructure within the region. And while one lane will remain open at all times to enable the passage of vehicles, DOTD warns of likely delays as the work progresses.
However, larger vehicles will face their own set of challenges. DOTD has expressly restricted permit or oversized loads greater than 12 feet in width from passing through the construction zone. Such vehicles are advised to contact the DOTD permit office to arrange an alternate route. The closures may change if bad weather occurs. DOTD urges drivers to stay alert and watch for crews working in the area.
