ST. JAMES PARISH, LA — The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) held a ribbon cutting to mark the completion of the $53.2 million widening and roundabout project along LA 70, a major improvement designed to support increasing traffic demands and long-term economic development in Ascension and St. James parishes.
Construction on the project began in 2023 and included the installation of a new roundabout at the intersection of LA 70 and LA 3125, replacing a traffic signal to improve safety and reduce congestion at one of the corridor’s busiest intersections.
The project also widened LA 70 from the LA 22 interchange in Sorrento to the base of the Sunshine Bridge on the east side of the Mississippi River. Crews constructed a separate two-lane roadway parallel to the existing two-lane road, creating a four-lane divided highway built to accommodate both current and future travel.
More than 30,000 vehicles use this corridor each day, with traffic projected to increase to nearly 50,000 vehicles per day over the next 20 years, reflecting ongoing population and industrial growth along the river.
“[This] ribbon cutting marks a major step forward for mobility, safety, and economic growth in this corridor,” DOTD Secretary Glenn Ledet said. “This area is seeing significant industrial expansion, population growth, and increased commercial activity. With these improvements, LA 70 is now better equipped to support that momentum and to serve the thousands of motorists and businesses that rely on this route every day.”
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“As Louisiana continues to attract global companies to invest in District 58, it is critical that the state continues to allocate funding towards the expansion of our infrastructure throughout the River Parishes to support the travel demands of our local residents,” Representative Kendricks Brass said. “Investing nearly $50 million into the Highway 70 corridor in St. James and Ascension parishes is just another example of Louisiana’s commitment to economic development.”
“This project is an important investment in the future of our River Parishes,” Representative Jeff Wiley said. “The improvements to Highway 70 will enhance safety, reduce congestion, and better support the residents, businesses, and growth happening through this corridor.”
“The widening of Highway 70 and the roundabout at Highway 70 and 3125 will greatly improve traffic flow from Highway 22 to the Sunshine Bridge,” Senator Ed Price said. “With the announcement of several new manufacturing facilities being built on the west bank, these improvements are right on time. I want to thank DOTD and everyone involved for making this happen.”
“The Highway 70 four-lane project and the Highway 3125 roundabout are a grand slam," Senator Eddie Lambert said. "No longer will traffic be stalled at the foot of the Sunshine Bridge. This will solve our traffic woes in that area and be the impetus for future economic development.”
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“This project isn’t just a huge win for St. James Parish; it is significant progress for our region and state,” St. James Parish President Pete Dufresne said. “I would like to thank DOTD and our state legislatures for making this critical investment in supporting economic development, industrial growth, and our growing population.”
“Highway 70 is one of the most important corridors we have, connecting our East and West Bank communities and supporting the families and businesses that rely on it every single day,” Ascension Parish President Clint Cointment said. “This widening project is about improving safety, reducing congestion, and preparing our parish for continued growth. I want to thank DOTD for moving quickly and delivering this project with minimal disruption. This kind of teamwork shows what we can accomplish when we all work together, and it sets the foundation for even more infrastructure improvements ahead.”
The region surrounding LA 70 continues to see new industrial development. The upgraded roadway is expected to improve freight movement, enhance access to industrial facilities, and strengthen the connection between Ascension and St. James parishes as growth continues.
