The roads are set for an upgrade, Baton Rouge. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) has just tipped the scales towards better traffic days by dish out low bids for 17 statewide projects. This is a collective push to smooth trip lines across the state with a total investment belly up to $65.4 million – a considerable shot to test on behalf of every driver’s peace of mind.
In the thick of these projects is a crucial game plan to shutter the Washington St. off-ramp from I-10 eastbound, nestled in the heart of Baton Rouge. It's part of a grander scheme, the I-10 widening act, set to broaden pathways, cut through congestion, and freshen up interchanges for, what the DOTD claims, safer passage on these roads. According to a recent announcement, the closure and construction beef up safety to a degree where hailing a cab to avoid I-10 might soon become a rusty habit.
Let's talk specifics. Baton Rouge is to witness an infusion of $311,025.15 to kick-start the striping, signage, and barrier beef-up that's to herald the closure on Washington St. But that's a mere slice of the whole pie. Orleans Parish is taking a security deposit for pedestrian safety – a $647,836.52 answer to the prayer for safer foot trips. Calcasieu Parish isn't left in the lurch either, as it's primed to get a road re-skin with fresh pavement markers and striping to the tune of $273,245.00. Not to mention, a beefier bid of $1,140,903.90 is earmarked for stretches of I-10, I-110, I-12, and U.S. 90 that wend through Assumption and East Baton Rouge parishes.
Bridge warriors, there's news for you too. The LA 544 is to swap its old bones for something sturdier, a project at a head-turning $39,212,800.95. The Trinity Drainage Canal Bridge along I-10 is also geared up to stand the test of time with $290,681.05 poured into its creaks and groans. All these numbers and plans come hitched with a promise for smoother drives ahead.
It's about more than just vehicles, though. DOTD ensures other needs don't escape the net – ferry pontoons are to enjoy a spa season at the drydock for a touch of inspection, repairs, and single swipes of fresh paint costing an understated $576,850.00.
Yet, the kingdom is not handed over to concrete and steel just yet. The DOTD's own crib is in for a spruce-up, slating a roof replacement project at the headquarters building in East Baton Rouge Parish for a slick $984,000.00.
It bears noting that being the low bidder doesn't slap a closed deal on these contracts straight off the bat. There's about a calendar month's worth of red tape and eye squinting at fine print before bids turn brick and mortar. And if numbers don't shake hands with estimates, we're looking at a rerun – a re-bid scenario.
