This $52.3-million design-build project will eliminate the need for an additional structure by realigning the existing I-12 westbound traffic to more closely follow that of the I-12 eastbound alignment, and spanning both I-12 eastbound and I-12 westbound with a new I-10 westbound bridge. This will allow I-10 westbound traffic to exit to College Drive without crossing through mainline interstate traffic.
“The creation and preservation of our transportation system has been one of this administration’s top priorities,” Edwards said. “We have continued this priority of improving infrastructure and enhancing commutes here in the Capitol Region by investing roughly $337.6 million in our roadway system. Investments such as this interstate enhancement project improve our economy and our overall quality of life.”
“This project is a critical piece for the overall I-10 corridor expansion, as this will provide immense safety benefits for the motorists who utilize this exit regularly,” Wilson said. “Not only will this reduce conflict points for vehicles trying to cross over multiple lanes of traffic, it will also assist will alleviating traffic that stays on the mainline interstate during peak hours. This is a signature project for this region and state, and I am very proud of the department for what it has done to deliver it.”
This new exit is one part of a multi-phased project that will widen I-10 from LA 415 in West Baton Rouge to the I-10/12 split in East Baton Rouge, which has an estimated construction cost of $716 million.
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“Here in Baton Rouge we suffer from traffic congestion on our major highways,” said Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome. “This causes frustration for local residents but also poses a statewide problem for travel and commerce that move throughout the state. Converging two major interstates into one such as the I-10 and I-12 convergence near College Drive is a high-volume exchange for Baton Rouge and the state."
The design-build team consists of the contractor Boh Bros. Construction Company and designer Gulf Engineers & Consultants. Construction is estimated to be completed in late 2022, weather permitting.
