CARENCRO, LA — State and local leaders gathered at the Carencro Sports Complex to celebrate the groundbreaking of a $43 million preservation project along Interstate 49, marking a major investment in infrastructure for Lafayette and St. Landry parishes.
The project will improve an 8.91-mile stretch of I-49 from Interstate 10 to the St. Landry Parish line. With an average daily traffic count exceeding 85,000 vehicles, the corridor serves as a critical route for commuters, freight movement, and regional economic activity.
Construction completion is anticipated in summer 2027. Work will include asphalt milling, pavement patching, roadway reinforcement, and an asphalt overlay to extend the life of the roadway and enhance driving conditions.
“This project is about preserving one of the most heavily traveled corridors in our state while also investing in the future of Acadiana,” said Eric Dauphine, Louisiana Department of Transportation & Development (DOTD) Assistant Secretary for Project Delivery. “By improving this section of I-49, we’re enhancing safety, supporting economic growth, and ensuring a more reliable transportation network for years to come.”
The improvements are expected to deliver a wide range of benefits, including reduced vehicle wear and tear for motorists, more efficient logistics for businesses and freight, and improved access for multimodal transportation, including aviation connections. Much of the construction will take place at night to minimize disruptions to daily traffic.
| Your local Takeuchi Mfg Ltd dealer |
|---|
| Kirby-Smith Machinery |
“This investment strengthens a vital artery for Acadiana,” Senator Gerald Boudreaux said. “Reliable infrastructure is key to supporting our communities, our workforce, and our local economy.”
“This groundbreaking represents what we can achieve through strong partnerships at every level of government,” Lafayette Mayor-President Monique Boulet said. “Improving I-49 supports our residents, businesses, and the continued growth of Lafayette Parish."
“This project is a win for St. Landry Parish and the entire region,” St. Landry Parish President Jessie Bellard said. “It improves connectivity and ensures safer travel for our citizens and visitors alike.”
“We’re proud to host this groundbreaking and to see this important corridor receive the attention it deserves,” Carencro Mayor Charlotte Clavier said. “This project will benefit Carencro and the surrounding region for years to come.”
| Your local Wirtgen America dealer |
|---|
| Kirby-Smith Machinery |
DOTD also recognized the team behind the project, including agency engineers, designers, and personnel, as well as project designer T. Baker Smith, contractor Prairie Contractors LLC, the many subcontractors involved, and the CE&I team, Royal Engineers and Consultants.
