AASHTO Journal - Louisiana DOTD Highlights I-12 Corridor Revitalization

Governor John Bel Edwards (D) and the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development recently hosted an event celebrating the completion of the first two segments of the $169.8 million project that expands and revitalizes the I-12 corridor through the Northshore.

[Above photo by Louisiana Governor’s Office]

Phase one of the project – completed this summer – widened three miles of pavement surface from US 190 to LA 59 into the median, overlaying the existing lanes with asphalt, and installing concrete median protection. The project also widened the bridges over US 190, the Ponchatolawa Creek, and the Tammany Trace bike path.

Phase two reconstructed elements along a 3.4-mile stretch of I-12 from US 190 westward to LA 21; an interchange within a hub for new business in St. Tammany and that is adjacent to Pinnacle Parkway and the recently constructed Oschner Medical Complex.

“I remember when we were here for the groundbreaking of this much-anticipated project in 2020, and it is exciting to see that we have made it to the finish line of the first two phases,” the governor noted in a statement.

“This is a major project that will benefit the folks of St. Tammany and everyone who travels throughout this area,” he stressed. “Improving Louisiana’s infrastructure statewide has always been among my top priorities, and the widening of I-12, which is among our heavily traveled interstates, is important for businesses, families, visitors and the like. It’s vital for this community as well as our state and is something we can all be proud of.”

“[This] is an example of the great things the state can do when funding is available,” said Louisiana DOTD Secretary Eric Kalivoda. “Investing in infrastructure is crucial for the future of the state.”

The project’s third and final phase widens I-12 from LA 1077 to LA 21 and should be wrapped up by 2026. Louisiana DOTD noted that the three-part I-12 widening project is one of several infrastructure improvements it is overseeing in the area. Other projects include the $30 million US 190/Collins Bridge project and the three-part construction of a brand new highway, LA 3241, that connects I-12 to the Bush/Sun area.