BATON ROUGE, LA — The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announces the completion of the College Drive flyover project. The $61.5 million design-build project, constructed by Boh Bros. Construction, brings significant improvements in safety and access at the heavily traveled I-10/I-12 interchange near College Drive.
Originally part of the larger I-10 widening project, the College Drive flyover was advanced independently during the environmental assessment phase. Identified as a “segment of independent utility,” the flyover was separated and expedited through a standalone design-build contract. This approach allowed DOTD to fast-track construction and deliver critical improvements in advance of the main corridor project.
The new flyover reconfigures westbound traffic by realigning the I-12 westbound lanes and elevating the I-10 westbound lanes over them. This redesign created space for a dedicated two-lane exit ramp to College Drive, eliminating the weaving and frequent lane changes previously required along the short, 1-mile stretch west of the I-10/I-12 merge, a corridor that carries approximately 178,000 vehicles daily.
“This project removes one of the most dangerous traffic patterns in the Baton Rouge area,” DOTD Secretary Joe Donahue said. “Safety is always our top priority. By providing a dedicated ramp to College Drive, we’ve greatly improved conditions for the thousands of drivers who use this route each day.”
“Anytime we complete an interstate project, it’s a win for Baton Rouge and all of Louisiana. Projects like this make travel more efficient and effective for our residents, businesses, and visitors,” Representative Dixon McMakin said. “I look forward to continued progress on the I-10 expansion and other improvements across our region.”
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“The completion of the College Drive flyover is an important milestone in the large I-10 widening effort,” Senator Franklin Foil said. “It’s an example of how infrastructure investments can improve public safety, reduce commute times, and bring long-term benefits to our district.”
“The completion of the College Drive flyover is a major win for Baton Rouge. This project is an important step towards enhancing safety and quality of life for drivers in the capital city. I’m grateful to DOTD and all the partners involved for prioritizing a smart, forward-thinking solution to one of our region’s most persistent traffic challenges," East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sid Edwards said.
Construction began in May 2021 and encountered delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and global supply chain disruptions. Despite these challenges, the project was delivered using the design-build delivery method, which allowed for increased efficiency and coordination between design and construction teams.
The completed College flyover now offers safer, more direct access to College Drive from both westbound I-10 and I-12, significantly improving traffic operations in one of Louisiana’s busiest corridors.
