September 5, 2015
Widening of La. 42 from 2 to 4 Lanes
The project to widen La. 42 began in 2014, and it continues today, with a multi-stage process that is scheduled to be complete in 2019. The contract for construction was awarded to Barber Brothers and has been let, with a required start date of November 24.
This segment of La. 42 serves more than 22,000 motorists daily. It is important to residents of Ascension Parish, as well as East Baton Rouge, Livingston and Tangipahoa parishes, providing access to U.S. 61 (Airline Hwy.), I-10 between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, and I-12 between Baton Rouge and Slidell.
Click here for more information on the project
April 25, 2017
History of Revenue Collection from the Gasoline Tax
The state has had a tax on gasoline and other fuels for several decades, a portion of which is dedicated to spending on roads and infrastructure construction and maintenance. The gasoline tax, as it is often called, has been adjusted a few times in its history as revenue collections have failed to keep pace with inflation (in construction costs, for example) and in revenue needs for infrastructure. The last increase in the gasoline tax took effect in the 1990-1991 Fiscal Year, when the gasoline tax was raised to 20 cents per gallon, where it remains today.
In the 2017 Regular Fiscal Session, the Legislature will consider raising the gas tax.
Click Here to See a History of Gas Tax Revenues Over Time.
March 23, 2017
The Department of Transportation and Development, after studying traffic patterns, accidents, and congestion, has determined that a traffic signal is warranted at the intersection of La. 74 and La. 928 (Bluff Road). Although no firm date was given in the letter I have posted here and made available for your viewing, DOTD intends to install a traffic signal “as soon as possible.”
DOTD Letter Regarding La. 74 and Bluff Road Intersection
September 29, 2016
I have been provided a document with highly detailed information on upcoming road projects and improvements. The document contains detailed and helpful maps that make it easier to understand exactly where improvements will be made and what those improvements will be. I hope you find them informative.
August 2016 Detailed Project Program
September 16, 2016
The linked spreadsheet contains the most current list/update of construction and improvement projects in our DOTD district, which includes the tri-parish area comprising Senate District 18.
DOTD August Construction Update
August 10, 2016
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) has submitted its Highway Program for the 2016-2017 Fiscal Year, which details DOTD’s proposal for projects that are scheduled for construction during the fiscal year. The list is sorted by parish and gives some limited details about the nature of the project. Included in the link below is general information from the Highway Program Proposal and the list of projects for Ascension, Livingston, and St. James parishes.
District 18 Highway Program for 2016-2017 Fiscal Year
The linked list of projects below (“Senate District Road Projects) includes all projects that have been approved for the parishes of Ascension, Livingston, and St. James. Priority 1 projects are the highest priority with cash and line of credit availability for the project. Priority 2 projects are similarly high in priority and often include line of credit funding for projects that also have Priority 1 funding. Priority 5 projects have been approved but are not in line for immediate funding; they have been judged worthy of merit and funding but will take longer to move into Priority 1 status. This list is current from the Capital Outlay Legislation approved by the Louisiana Legislature and the Governor in the 2016 sessions.
Additionally, the link below is a map of current and immediate state highway projects within DOTD District 61, which includes Senate District 18.