Project Information
| Interstate 12 |
|---|
The Louisiana DOTD Geaux Wider program is a multi-year construction initiative designed to increase capacity, improve safety and decrease travel times on Interstate 10 and Interstate 12 in East Baton Rouge and Livingston Parishes.
Current Project
The widening of Interstate 12 westbound, between O'Neal lane and Range Road, will be completed in four phases.
The project began in May 2009 with completion scheduled for late 2011. This project is funded with $100 million in surplus funds provided by Gov. Bobby Jindal and the Louisiana Legislature.
Major project components:
- Replacement of the eastbound and westbound bridges over the Amite River.
- Widening of the Range Road overpass.
- Widening of 4-H Club Road overpass.
- Replacement of the O'Neal Lane overpass.
The work will improve more than 4.35 miles of roadway.
During peak travel times, four lanes of traffic -- two lanes eastbound and two lanes westbound -- are expected to remain open, although narrower lanes will force some oversized loads to use alternate routes. In addition, when lane closures are required, they will occur at night or on weekends during off-peak travel times, and with DOTD approval.
For the safety of motorists and workers in the construction zone, the speed limit within the project limits is 50 mph and will be strictly enforced by law enforcement. Contractor-provided Motorist Assistance Patrol vans will assist drivers in the event of accidents or breakdowns.
Current Project Details
State Proj. No.: 454-01-0047
Start date: February 2009
Finish date: Fall 2011
Cost: $100 million (design and construction)
Contractor: James Construction Group -- Design Build Team
Phases
- Phase I: (through early 2010) -- Construction of two of the new eastbound lanes at the Amite River is currently scheduled for completion in March 2010.
- Phase II: (early 2010 to early 2011) -- This phase will see eastbound traffic shifted to the new eastbound roadways lanes that were constructed in phase I, and westbound traffic shifted to the old existing eastbound roadway. The westbound roadway will be removed and replaced.
- Phase III: (early 2011 to late 2011) -- Westbound and eastbound traffic will be shifted to the westbound roadway that was constructed in Phase II. The eastbound roadway will be removed and replaced.
- Phase IV: (late 2011 to late 2011) -- Eastbound traffic will be shifted to the newly constructed travel lanes, and all remaining miscellaneous construction activities will be accomplished to complete the project.
Future Project
Eastbound lanes from Range Road to Juban Road. This project would widen the roadway from two lanes to three lanes from the west side of 4-H Club Road to east of O'Neal Lane. Project details are yet to be determined, but construction could begin while the current project is underway.