LAFAYETTE, LA – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), signed the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (DSEIS) for the I-49 Lafayette Connector. This milestone brings the region and the state one step closer to a transportation system designed to improve mobility, enhance safety, strengthen economic opportunities, and reconnect communities for generations to come.
The I-49 Lafayette Connector will provide a critical link in the Interstate 49 corridor, improving regional and statewide connectivity while supporting freight movement, reducing congestion, and creating opportunities for future growth throughout Acadiana.
"This is an important day for Lafayette and for Louisiana," DOTD Secretary Glenn Ledet said. "The signing of the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement reflects years of thoughtful planning, collaboration, and public engagement. More importantly, it moves us closer to delivering a project that will strengthen our transportation network, improve safety, and support economic growth while respecting the communities it serves. [This] milestone demonstrates our commitment to building infrastructure that will benefit Louisiana for decades to come."
“[The] signing of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the I-49 Connector by the Federal Highway Administration marks a significant step forward for Acadiana, our state, and our nation," U.S. Representative Clay Higgins said. "The eventual completion of I-49 South is vital to our continued economic prosperity while also serving as a critical hurricane evacuation route. My office will continue working closely with local and state leaders to advance this important project.”
Lafayette Mayor-President Monique Boulet said the milestone reflects a shared commitment to the region's future.
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"The signing of the DSEIS is a major milestone for the I-49 Connector and brings Lafayette one step closer to delivering one of the most important infrastructure projects in our community’s history," Boulet said. "This achievement reflects years of planning and partnership, and we are now working closely with our state and federal partners to identify the funding needed to begin construction of the project’s first interchange. I am grateful to the Louisiana DOTD and Governor Jeff Landry for their continued leadership and support throughout this process. The I-49 Connector will improve mobility, reduce congestion, strengthen our economy, and better connect our community. Together, we will make this project a reality and build a stronger future for Lafayette."
The signing of the DSEIS signifies that the project is ready to move into the next phase of public engagement before final federal approval.
