Project Information
| Interstate 12 |
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The Louisiana DOTD Geaux Wider Program is a multi-year widening construction initiative designed to increase capacity, improve safety and enhance mobility along a combined 16 miles of Interstates 10 and 12 in East Baton Rouge and Livingston parishes. Included in the Program is the installation of 16 ramp meters along I-12 from Baton Rouge to Livingston Parish that are designed to improve travel times and increase safety. Work on the widening began in January 2009; ramp meter installation began in May 2010. Completion is expected by 2013. The cost of the entire program to date (four widening projects and the ramp metering installation) is $293.6 million. There are several projects occurring on these interstates at one time, with each project under the purview of different contractors. All, however, report to DOTD.
Interstate and Construction Information
Approximately 300,000 drivers use I-10 and I-12 each day. It is a critical route for thousands who live and work in Baton Rouge, a vital transcontinental freight corridor and a principal east-west link to the southern U.S. Travel impacts on one interstate often affect the other.
Construction on both interstate highways (including 24 bridges and overpasses) is underway now. During peak travel times four lanes of traffic (two lanes eastbound and two lanes westbound) are expected to remain open, although some oversized tractor trailers may be required to use alternate routes. When lane closures are required, they will mostly occur at night during low travel times and with DOTD approval.
For the safety of motorists and workers in the work zone, the speed limit within the project limits is 50 mph and will be strictly enforced by law enforcement. DOTD's Motorist Assistance Patrol vans will assist drivers in the event of accidents or breakdowns.
Current Project Details
Construction is underway to widen Interstate 12 to six lanes between O’Neal Lane and Juban Road. The work will be performed in two separate construction projects, along eight miles of roadway.
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, which will allow for future widening of O’Neal Lane.
From Pete’s Highway to Juban Road – The $36.2 million project will widen approximately 2 miles of I-12 from two to three lanes in each direction. I-12 eastbound will be widened from Pete’s Highway to Juban Road and I-12 westbound will be widened from Juban Road to east of 4-Club Road. This is the most critical section to widen, as it will aid the afternoon commute when traffic is heaviest. This project is being funded with approximately $7 million in surplus funds allocated in 2009 and approximately $29 million in federal stimulus funding. Work on this project began in August 2010 and will finish in early 2012. The contractor is Gilchrist Construction Company.
From Pete’s Highway to O’Neal Lane – This $110 million Design-Build project will widen from two to three lanes I-12 eastbound from O’Neal Lane to just west of Pete’s Highway and I-12 westbound from O’Neal Lane to west of 4-H Club Road. The O’Neal Lane overpass over I-12 will also be replaced. The project, which began construction in late April 2009, is 100-percent funded from surplus state funds that were designated by the Governor and the Louisiana Legislature in the 2008 session. Construction is scheduled to be complete by 2012. The contractor is James Construction Group.
- Phase I: Construction of two of the new eastbound lanes at the Amite River is currently scheduled for completion in March 2010.
- Phase II: 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: 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: Eastbound traffic will be shifted to the newly constructed travel lanes, and all remaining miscellaneous construction activities will be accomplished to complete the project.
A subsequent project will widen I-12 eastbound between 4-H Club road and Juban Road, and the westbound lanes from Juban Road to Pete’s Highway. There is currently $38 million appropriated to this project by the Governor and Legislature. Construction let date has not be determined.