LAKE CHARLES, LA — The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announces the I-10 widening and improvement project in Calcasieu Parish has begun. The $45.5-million project will improve capacity and serviceability of the roadway from just west of the LA 108 interchange (Exit 23) to the I-210 interchange (Exit 25).

The project began with alternating one lane closures eastbound and westbound to prepare the work zone. This includes widening the service road at LA 108 in preparation for traffic, clearing and grubbing and installing temporary traffic signals at the LA 108 interchange. Two lanes in each direction will be maintained on I-10 throughout the project.

The project will widen I-10 eastbound and westbound to four lanes between LA 108 and I-210, which will create an axillary lane between the interchanges. The concrete sections west of Maple Fork Bridge will be fully reconstructed and replaced, and the existing asphalt pavement east of the Maple Fork Bridge will be milled and overlaid. The Maple Fork Bridges will also be replaced and raised above the 100-year flood elevation.

“It is important that our infrastructure continues to improve and expand to meet area industrial needs,” said Secretary Shawn Wilson, Ph.D. “This project will provide a safer and more efficient roadway for the approximately 100,000 motorists using this stretch of I-10.”

Motorists should anticipate greater traffic impacts the first few days of the project as drivers adjust to the reduced lanes. A traffic advisory system will be implemented on I-10 and will provide real-time traffic information to motorists via message boards and flashing signs.

The entire project is expected to be complete in summer 2021, with progress dependent on weather.