AASHTO Journal - Louisiana DOTD Opens New Pecue Lane Interchange

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development recently hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Pecue Lane interchange at I-10, marking the completion of a major infrastructure project designed to improve safety, reduce congestion, and enhance connectivity in south Baton Rouge.

[Above photo by Louisiana DOTD]

Originally approved by voters in 2005 as part of the Green Light Plan, now known as MOVEBR, the project evolved from a 1.3-mile, two-lane roadway widening into a comprehensive corridor and interchange project along one of the region’s busiest transportation routes – one that carries 44,000 vehicles per day.

Louisiana DOTD noted that this $131.5 million project began in phases in 2017 and was completed in early 2026 through a partnership between the agency and the City of Baton Rouge/Parish of East Baton Rouge.

The agency said the completed project features a new diverging diamond interchange at I-10; the widening of Pecue Lane from four to six lanes; construction of new multi-lane bridges over I-10 and Ward Creek; new on-and- off ramps connecting Pecue Lane to I-10; reconstruction of the Kansas City Southern railroad crossing; and construction of the Reiger Road extension connecting the nearby Industriplex to Pecue Lane.

“This ribbon cutting represents years of planning and partnership focused on improving mobility in one of the fastest-growing areas of the parish,” explained Glenn Ledet, Louisiana DOTD secretary, in a statement. “By investing in smart infrastructure solutions like this diverging diamond interchange, we are strengthening Louisiana’s transportation network for decades to come.”

The agency said the new diverging diamond interchange – just the second built in Louisiana – helps reduce traffic conflict points, improves safety, and eliminates interstate through-lane conflicts while minimizing environmental and right-of-way impacts.

Louisiana DOTD also noted that as I-10 is a major east-west freight and commuter corridor serving Louisiana and the Gulf Coast region, the completion of the Pecue Lane interchange enhances regional connectivity and provides motorists with safer and more efficient travel options.