I-10 BR Widening: Economic impact study? Public hearing?

As a former resident, and frequent commuter to and through Baton Rouge, I feel like rethinking the solution could lead to fewer interim problems with already abysmal accessibility to our capitol city. Perhaps a Town Hall meeting is still in order?

I understand the Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge is the biggest road block on Interstate 10 over its entire 2,460.34 mile length from Santa Monica to Jacksonville. Let's not make it worse in Baton Rouge please.

Grid lock is not a solution !

The public should be allowed to make their voices heard and decide for themselves what should be done.

I have sent this to the DOTD, Channel 2, and Channel 9, Senator Kennedy, Rep. Graves did respond but no progress. From: Daniel Aucoin Date: September 9, 2023 at 1:49:42 PM CDT To: [email protected] Subject: Need a voice of reason! The following was sent to Senator Kennedy Sent from Mail for Windows Interstate 10 in Baton Rouge: Honorable Mr. Kennedy, I am 68 years old and lived in Baton Rouge all my life. I have and still work on the other side of the Mississippi River in Plaquemine for 49 years. No one and I mean no one thinks the DOTD has a viable plan. I will try to be brief. I have spoken twice to representative Graves staff and haven't seen any results. We are struggling in Baton Rouge traffic and the DOTD plans make no sense: 1. Why are I-110 two lanes and I-10 merged to one lane at the only place from Los Angeles to Jacksonville? I-110 traffic has options, I-10 does not. I sit on top of the bridge in dead-stopped traffic and can see a good flow heading east on I-110 while traffic behind me is backed up for miles. You can look at the map's app and witness this from your office. Is this because the DOTD is just up the road on I-110 or the politicians downtown? 2. Much money was spent to add an exit just north of Washington Street, yet it remains open, and traffic still crosses over the already backed-up bridge traffic to get to it. So insulting! Why did they spend the money on the new exit? 3. I do not know anyone, and I mean anyone who thinks a new bridge south of Plaquemine is a good idea. Have you ever driven through Plaquemine? No one is going to leave I-10 and drive through all the traffic lights in Port Allen, Brusly, Lukeville, Addis, and Plaquemine to get to a bridge that will put you across the river in nowhere. And the Sunshine Bridge is just a few miles further south. 4. Reducing any lanes in Baton Rouge has to be avoided. I understand there was a bid to do this work without closing any lanes. The DOTD

Stop wasting time & $

I am opposed to reducing I-10 lanes due to very heavy traffic every day now. I also would like any impact study to include plans for evacuations while the construction is going on. How will they deal with electric vehicles that run out of battery?

It is a LOT of time, money, and lost productivity. Let's do something right for a change. It won't hurt much,

Please consider a better plan. The one you have chosen will create chaos!

Since this has become a community controversy, it seems only Ruth to have a public hearing in the issues.

Coleman has undisputed knowledge of this faux pas. Follow his lead for a better plan.

Please listen to alternate plan!!!! Closing Perkins ramp will cause a nightmare on Acadian. Traffic is horrible in both directions on Acadian when school is letting out at the old Walnut Hills school. Who is getting the contracts for this ridiculous widening? Clear sound barriers over the lakes will be hideous as they will never be cleaned. They will look unsanitary and take away from the most beautiful view of our city. Have you seen those behind Jefferson Place - black and vines everywhere. The noise over the lakes has not stopped people from walking, biking and buying homes in that area.

Build a loop. This is crazy. Waste of money.

Time to stop and think before?

I will be sharing this link

3 years ago Featured

This project is too long, a 15 year project in any downtown area of any city will destroy it. We do not need to replace the 2 City Park Bridges, nor most of the I-10. Plus we need ALTERNATIVE ROUTES before we start this long, big project. Finish I-49 to I-10/New Orleans.

People are still using Washington St Exit from I-110

3 years ago Featured

If it goes to one lane and an accident occurs, you have NO lanes. Studies: $1010 in extra costs per driver per year; 27% more time in traffic; 60 hours per year per driver in traffic; 25 gallons of gas extra. Baton Rouge is rated 4th worst in U.S.. And that's BEFORE they close all but one lane. Idiocy.

the impact of construction on this project will do huge harm to the city and its economy. Build the bypass routes and listen to truckers.

The public deserves to have as much accurate information as possible.