If at first you don't suceed....well, you know the rest.
From today's Baton Rouge Advocate:
Quote
DOTD chief pushes for I-10 Baton Rouge corridor fix (http://theadvocate.com/home/1284954-125/dotd-chief-pushes-for-i-10.html)
Reopening a volatile topic, the secretary of the state Department of Transportation and Development said Thursday her agency will soon seek public input on ways to improve traffic between the Mississippi River Bridge and the Interstate 10/12 split.
"I hope we can come up with some innovative solution," said Sherri LeBas, who heads DOTD, the department that oversees roads and bridges in Louisiana.
"I just know somebody is going to come up with a solution," LeBas added.
Roughly a decade ago LeBas' agency tried to widen I-10 from the foot of the bridge to Essen Lane.
But the $200 million proposal died amid a firestorm of criticism.
Business owners and others in the Perkins Road overpass area said the work threatened their livelihoods, and one of the most distinctive neighborhoods in Baton Rouge.
Residents in the Washington and Carolina street area, just east of the spot where motorists leave the bridge, also blasted the state's plan.
"It got stomped," LeBas said of the earlier proposal. "I don't want that to happen again."
State leaders say the issue has to be addressed because the four-mile corridor is the site of nearly daily traffic tie-ups.
"We would be doing ourselves a disservice if we did not at least look at solutions for that corridor," LeBas said.
LeBas made her comments to the American Council of Engineering Companies of Louisiana, which heard from a variety of top state officials on road, infrastructure, business and other issues.
About 125 people were expected for the daylong gathering.
The state is already spending $1.2 million for a consultant's study on possible answers to the traffic tie-ups.
Meetings to get public input may begin as early as January, said Jodi Conachen, director of communications for DOTD.
LeBas said those gatherings will include a film in which she urges residents to offer options for improvements, not just opposition to possible answers.
"Come to us and work with us; don't just complain," she said of the film's message.
LeBas told the group she knows that coming up with answers will be a challenge.
"I have friends that live in that area," she said.
"They tell me they are going to try to kill the project," LeBas added. "I say please don't do that."
LeBas said she is well aware of the appeal of the Perkins Road overpass area.
"I love the look and the feel of it," she said.
"But I am hoping we can find a solution that can still make that a very inviting place yet we have some kind of way to improve traffic along that corridor."
LeBas also said she does not see widening I-10 as the only way to address the problem.
"At this point we are open," she said. "So I really don't have any preconceived notions on what it is going to look like."
Among other problems, eastbound motorists leaving the bridge on the inside lane have to get off at Washington Street or change lanes.
Critics say that means a coast-to-coast interstate suddenly turns into one lane.
Meanwhile, eastbound motorists on I-10 often slow or even stop to use the Washington Street exit, which boosts chances for collisions in one of the most heavily traveled spots in the Baton Rouge area.
How much any possible solution would cost is unclear.
One of the few new sources of state road funds – up to $300 million per year – is still five years away, LeBas told engineers.
That infusion of money would stem from the redirecting of state funds to highway coffers once state budget conditions improve.
From the comments received so far, most folks favor a southern bypass of I-10 from Lobdell to Gonzalez as a solution.
Here's my comment:
Quote
Funny, but the people clamoring for a loop now seem to be the same ones who were moaning about where the last loop would go.
I'm all for a southern loop of I-10 from Westport/Port Allen to Gonzales...but that would still do nothing much for the traffic using I-10 to get through to I-12. But, I thought that that was what the northern loop was for.
Best solution is the most direct:
1) fix the I-10/I-110 Split interchange so that through traffic on I-10 have at least three lanes in each direction clear (and you can do this while retaining the Washington St. exit for traffic from/to I-110; the Highland/Nicholson exits should be more than suitable enough for traffic from I-10);
2) One-way continuous access roads along I-10 starting at Perkins Road and ending near Essen Lane, with an elevated "turnaround" between Acadian and the I-10/I-12 Split;
3 )Upgrade LA 1 to freeway standards between Port Allen and Donaldsonville, with bypasses where needed at Addis and Plaquemine; and then use the Sunshine Bridge and an upgraded LA 70 to reach I-10 S of Gonzales;
4) Build a 4-lane connector extension of LA 415 from I-10 near Lobdell to LA 1 near Addis;
and;
5) Complete I-49 South/US 90 upgrade to freeway standards at least to Morgan City, including the segments through Lafayette. THAT'S your real bypass.
Anthony
There desperately needs to be a new Mississippi River bridge similar to the ones in New Orleans. Put it slightly north of the current one. Look at aerials. You'd have to take out a few buildings but that's part of the solution. Then, well you may have to bite the bullet, expropriate some land, and completely redo the I-110 interchange. Also, you might have to bite the bullet again and acquire another 25 feet of right-of-way to add the extra lane to make it consistent with the I-10 lanes east of Acadian Thruway.
My solution would be an I-410 running from east of exit 139 crossing I-10 near exit 166 and joining I-12 near exit 19. A bypass would move through traffic out of Baton Rouge completely and would avoid the need for costly and distruptive work on the urban sections of I-10 and I-12. My assumption is based on there being a significant amount of through traffic. If the congestion is caused by local commuters during the rush hour then a bypass would be pointless. Sorry, that is one part of the country I've never yet visited but looking at maps it appears that it's a classic case of having freeways running through a large urban area without a bypass forcing local and through traffic to compete for road space.
It's a mixture of through traffic and suburban commuters. You have a lot truck traffic passing through from the I-12 corridor as well as commuters who are funneled onto the I-10 which has a lot of commuters mixed in with NO-Houston traffic. It also doesn't help that Baton Rouge doesn't have a functional surface street system although they are working towards achieving that as of late. Also the souther part of Baton Rouge is a regional shopping destination. If it were up to me I'd route New Orleans area thru-traffic around the south side of Baton Rouge and rejoin I-10 across the river somewhere. Not only would NO traffic miss BR proper, but traffic from the west heading to southern BR could miss it as well. There would still need to be work done to the existing system however.
Quote from: lamsalfl on November 11, 2011, 03:37:43 PM
There desperately needs to be a new Mississippi River bridge similar to the ones in New Orleans. Put it slightly north of the current one. Look at aerials. You'd have to take out a few buildings but that's part of the solution. Then, well you may have to bite the bullet, expropriate some land, and completely redo the I-110 interchange. Also, you might have to bite the bullet again and acquire another 25 feet of right-of-way to add the extra lane to make it consistent with the I-10 lanes east of Acadian Thruway.
That would be an excellent idea...except for the fact that you would also have to totally rework the I-10/LA 1 interchange, too..which also provides access to the Port of West Baton Rouge as well.
Reworking the 10/110 Split so that I-10 flows much freer (similar to the I-10/US 69 interchange in Beaumont) would be the best scenario.
Anthony
The 10/110 split MUST be revamped, with at least two lanes for I-10 east. This is the main reason for the traffic headaches for those heading east on I-10 and southbound on I-110. How in the world this was allowed in the first place baffles me.
I like the dual bridge idea, build something similar to the Crescent City Connection in downtown NOLA. The interchanges on both sides of the Miss. river would have to be reworked. While you are at it, rebuild that horrid section of I-110 north with all the "left handed" exits from I-10 to the governors mansion curve. Of course the problem with all this is the $$$$$ required to do any of it.
Like I said previously,building a dual bridge across the Mississippi for I-10 would not only be prohibitively expensive, but would require totally trashing and rebullding the LA 1 interchange. The latter in and of itself would be a clusterhotmess due to the fact that that interchange also serves the Port of West Baton Rouge, and there's a major UP rail line running parallel to LA 1 as well.
The left-handed exits on I-110 N/B (North St. and Florida St.) do serve a legit purpose: they are the main exits downtown for traffic coming from I-10 east to I-110 north, and they mesh with the left entrance ramp from I-10 E to I-110 N. Traffic from I-10 W to I-110 N going downtown are encouraged to use the 10th St. exit, which feeds into the local access road system for the CBD.
Anthony
Quote from: Anthony_JK on May 15, 2012, 09:54:01 AM
Like I said previously,building a dual bridge across the Mississippi for I-10 would not only be prohibitively expensive, but would require totally trashing and rebullding the LA 1 interchange. The latter in and of itself would be a clusterhotmess due to the fact that that interchange also serves the Port of West Baton Rouge, and there's a major UP rail line running parallel to LA 1 as well.
The left-handed exits on I-110 N/B (North St. and Florida St.) do serve a legit purpose: they are the main exits downtown for traffic coming from I-10 east to I-110 north, and they mesh with the left entrance ramp from I-10 E to I-110 N. Traffic from I-10 W to I-110 N going downtown are encouraged to use the 10th St. exit, which feeds into the local access road system for the CBD.
Anthony
Agreed completely! I commute in from WBR, and always use the 190 bridge... there's a dual bridge system, and if there was a proper connector from I-10 to 190 without going 55 mph or through stoplights, the old bridge could be widened and retrofitted to make a proper connection. Airline takes me no more than 10-15 minutes to get from the bridge to where 61 meets 12, and the major intersections are converted into cloverleafs. The only problem are the clearance height limits.
Quote from: mcdonaat on May 15, 2012, 11:38:19 AM
Quote from: Anthony_JK on May 15, 2012, 09:54:01 AM
Like I said previously,building a dual bridge across the Mississippi for I-10 would not only be prohibitively expensive, but would require totally trashing and rebullding the LA 1 interchange. The latter in and of itself would be a clusterhotmess due to the fact that that interchange also serves the Port of West Baton Rouge, and there's a major UP rail line running parallel to LA 1 as well.
The left-handed exits on I-110 N/B (North St. and Florida St.) do serve a legit purpose: they are the main exits downtown for traffic coming from I-10 east to I-110 north, and they mesh with the left entrance ramp from I-10 E to I-110 N. Traffic from I-10 W to I-110 N going downtown are encouraged to use the 10th St. exit, which feeds into the local access road system for the CBD.
Anthony
Agreed completely! I commute in from WBR, and always use the 190 bridge... there's a dual bridge system, and if there was a proper connector from I-10 to 190 without going 55 mph or through stoplights, the old bridge could be widened and retrofitted to make a proper connection. Airline takes me no more than 10-15 minutes to get from the bridge to where 61 meets 12, and the major intersections are converted into cloverleafs. The only problem are the clearance height limits.
I'm not so sold on Airline Highway; they would have to build an overpass at the Choctaw Drive/CN-IC rail crossing, and eliminate that KCS at-grade crossing between the old bridge and Scenic Highway before it could be considered even close to being an alternative to I-10/I-12.
Also, LA 415 is adequate for what it does as a connector between US 190 and I-10, though I wouldn't mind it beiing extended south and east to connect with LA 1 near Addis. Though, that would require a bridge across the Intercoastal Waterway.
The northern BR Toll Loop did have a proposal for either retrofitting and upgrading the old bridge or building a new bridge parallel to the new one. It would have also overlaid US 190 from rouughly LA 415 to near Plank Road before breaking off to the NE.
Anthony
Quote from: Anthony_JK on May 15, 2012, 09:54:01 AM
I'm not so sold on Airline Highway; they would have to build an overpass at the Choctaw Drive/CN-IC rail crossing, and eliminate that KCS at-grade crossing between the old bridge and Scenic Highway before it could be considered even close to being an alternative to I-10/I-12.
Also, LA 415 is adequate for what it does as a connector between US 190 and I-10, though I wouldn't mind it beiing extended south and east to connect with LA 1 near Addis. Though, that would require a bridge across the Intercoastal Waterway.
The northern BR Toll Loop did have a proposal for either retrofitting and upgrading the old bridge or building a new bridge parallel to the new one. It would have also overlaid US 190 from rouughly LA 415 to near Plank Road before breaking off to the NE.
Anthony
LA 415 doesn't really provide a quick alternative to 190 unless you're headed away from BR. The fly ramps are perfect for that, but not so much for 10 EB to 190 EB.
My idea is... build an interchange about halfway between Grosse Tete and LA 415. Hook it into 190 as a Y-interchange, and bump 190 up to 65 MPH instead of 55 on the tree-lined part. Then, take Plank Road and upgrade it to a higher-capacity road and then hook it into Hooper with a high speed interchange. Turn off of Hooper Road after Mickens Road and use the undeveloped area to go all out and tie in the expressway with the Central Thwy that's being built.
In fact, here's a map that I made showing the route: http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF&msa=0&msid=215825787868366898560.0004c015d1ae5ab05e59b (http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF&msa=0&msid=215825787868366898560.0004c015d1ae5ab05e59b)
Wasn't there a plan to build a connector road from I-10/LA 415 to La 1, south of the Port, in the last couple of years?
What ever approach is actually done, it will be expensive for sure.
Quote from: pctech on May 16, 2012, 01:32:02 PM
What ever approach is actually done, it will be expensive for sure.
Of course it will.. with the state worrying more about rural routes than the major ones, I think we're playing catch-up! By the way, if you look at my avatar... according to the DOTD (went and talked to them today), that's all you'll see around the state from here on out. I think that the road would need to connect through I-10 and LA 76 to US 190 to make a connector viable. Maybe LA 1 TRUCK?
I don't mind the new LA state highway signs. They are more visible. It reminds you of the Texas DOT system.
Quote from: mcdonaat on May 16, 2012, 05:55:35 PM
Quote from: pctech on May 16, 2012, 01:32:02 PM
What ever approach is actually done, it will be expensive for sure.
Of course it will.. with the state worrying more about rural routes than the major ones, I think we're playing catch-up! By the way, if you look at my avatar... according to the DOTD (went and talked to them today), that's all you'll see around the state from here on out. I think that the road would need to connect through I-10 and LA 76 to US 190 to make a connector viable. Maybe LA 1 TRUCK?
From my own contacts with them, the DOTD intends to replace all the green shields since monochrome shields are cheaper to produce. IMO, while I will miss the green shields and would like to continue their use in some capacity (for marking 'secondary' state routes, perhaps?), the monochromes are far superior in terms of visibility.
There is or was an active proposal, btw, to construct an LA 415 connector; the last I heard tolls were being considered. The ICWW spur canal will have to be bridged via a high level structure, so I assume this is the major delaying factor.
How about, for now, build HOV lanes? Two in each direction, make them free of charge, and see how much traffic it alleviates. If it's a huge amount of traffic, then you can look at making Airline a freeway. Hate to say it, but it was By-Pass US 61/190 at one time, so return the former glory. All you have to do is look at the 10/110 split and see two lanes westbound, three northbound, with a giant TO US 61 shield. No reason at all to have five exit lanes on north/west bound, but basically two exit lanes on east/south bound.
Are there HOV lanes anywhere in Louisiana currently?
The reversible lanes on the Crescent City Connection are HOV. I believe that's it.
Other than on the CCC, there are no other ones. It would make sense to use them in BR, but it and New Orleans are the only two cities large enough to employ them
Quote from: pctech on May 17, 2012, 11:35:51 AM
I don't mind the new LA state highway signs. They are more visible. It reminds you of the Texas DOT system.
I'm glad they made the state signs larger...at least in my area (Northshore).
Now if DODT only learn how to mark directions. :-D
Mark
Quote from: pctech on May 24, 2012, 09:26:33 AM
Now if DODT only learn how to mark directions. :-D
Mark
On some roads, I prefer it not to be marked :P LA 472 in my neck of the woods (Grant Parish) is a north-south road with an east-west number. Literally, it parallels US 167 and is signed for an east-west direction. The only problem is, it slightly bows out a little... meaning the northern terminus travels east of the highway... but the directional shield is West LA 472. Also, LA 151 travels in a north-south direction, but makes an arc and falls south. It crosses US 80 and I-20 twice, meaning it swaps directional shields. It confuses the heck out of me.
I believe that DODT is directionally challenged. Here in B.R. Essen lane crosses both I-10 and I-12. At I-12 Essen is signed as north-south, at I-10 Essen is signed east-west. The same applies to Siegen Ln. at I-10 it's signed as north-south, at Airline highway (U.S. 61) it's signed as east-west.
Mark
Isn't it DOTD?
Quote from: pctech on May 25, 2012, 08:32:07 AM
I believe that DODT is directionally challenged. Here in B.R. Essen lane crosses both I-10 and I-12. At I-12 Essen is signed as north-south, at I-10 Essen is signed east-west. The same applies to Siegen Ln. at I-10 it's signed as north-south, at Airline highway (U.S. 61) it's signed as east-west.
Mark
It is very confusing. I'm adding pictures to my website later showing LA 524, aka the old alignment of US 165. Surprisingly, the DOTD numbered a highway that should end in an odd number as ending in an even number (swap 524 and 123). LA 524 "South" is signed as East LA 524, and LA 524 "North" is ALSO East LA 524. Confusing? Yes. Especially with the above-mentioned Essen Lane and Siegen Lane having North-South and East-West directional banners. Our state is run by a bunch of idiots who can't sign a highway correctly (go to Street View on the northern terminus of LA 472, where the highway traveling East is signed West - look south of Winnfield, LA) for the entire length. Gets confusing when you have north-south highways signed as east-west. Follow the MUTCD!!!
I would love to know what the price would be to buy up all the land between College Dr to the Mississippi Bridge. If done right, I-10 and I-110 should be Texas style interstates. I-110 should be at grade to the Governor's Mansion curve. This could be the biggest project in DOTD history.
Quote from: RPParish on July 24, 2012, 11:19:31 AM
I would love to know what the price would be to buy up all the land between College Dr to the Mississippi Bridge. If done right, I-10 and I-110 should be Texas style interstates. I-110 should be at grade to the Governor's Mansion curve. This could be the biggest project in DOTD history.
You mean just a straight highway from the bridge to College? That goes right through City Park.
Quote from: RPParish on July 24, 2012, 11:19:31 AM
I would love to know what the price would be to buy up all the land between College Dr to the Mississippi Bridge. If done right, I-10 and I-110 should be Texas style interstates. I-110 should be at grade to the Governor's Mansion curve. This could be the biggest project in DOTD history.
I think what they should do is close down the Washington St. exit, the entrance ramps from Braddock(?) St., and build on the lane that used to exit at Washington St. to extend to Dalrymple Drive and be an exit only lane at Dalrymple.
Quote from: eXfaktor on July 24, 2012, 09:08:13 PM
Quote from: RPParish on July 24, 2012, 11:19:31 AM
I would love to know what the price would be to buy up all the land between College Dr to the Mississippi Bridge. If done right, I-10 and I-110 should be Texas style interstates. I-110 should be at grade to the Governor's Mansion curve. This could be the biggest project in DOTD history.
I think what they should do is close down the Washington St. exit, the entrance ramps from Braddock(?) St., and build on the lane that used to exit at Washington St. to extend to Dalrymple Drive and be an exit only lane at Dalrymple.
Agreed on that! Not only extend the exit, but take ramp meters and place them on LA 1 coming into Baton Rouge. The biggest problem is the overwhelming amount of traffic that uses I-10 to reach Baton Rouge. If you meter the ramps, people will start to use the old bridge to the north.
Nobody has commented on the fact that traffic from I-10 eastbound entering southbound 110 has to slow to 35 MPH to negotiate that curve? If the curve is easier to navigate, maybe at 60MPH, it would be a huge relief.
Quote from: RPParish on July 24, 2012, 11:19:31 AM
I would love to know what the price would be to buy up all the land between College Dr to the Mississippi Bridge. If done right, I-10 and I-110 should be Texas style interstates. I-110 should be at grade to the Governor's Mansion curve. This could be the biggest project in DOTD history.
Right...let's sever all those major streets serving downtown BTR. Great idea...NOT.
Also, I-110 is already a "Texas-style" Interstate along the CBD, with 9th and 10th Streets serving as access roads.Those left exits are really there to serve traffic coming off of I-10 from the west.
Now, I wouldn't mind getting rid of the depressed segment from the Governor's Mansion curve to Plank Rd/Scenic Highway, and making it more of an elevated highway...that would make it more consistent.
Quote from: eXfaktor on July 24, 2012, 09:08:13 PM
I think what they should do is close down the Washington St. exit, the entrance ramps from Braddock(?) St., and build on the lane that used to exit at Washington St. to extend to Dalrymple Drive and be an exit only lane at Dalrymple.
Washington Street? Probably so, since the local street system can provide indirect access via the Highland Rd./Nicholson Drive exits/entrances.
And actually, it's Louisa Street...and I probably wouldn't remove it since it is important for local access. Just keep it, and extend it as an auxilliary lane to Dalrymple.
Quote from: mcdonaat on July 24, 2012, 10:09:43 PM
Quote from: eXfaktor on July 24, 2012, 09:08:13 PM
I think what they should do is close down the Washington St. exit, the entrance ramps from Braddock(?) St., and build on the lane that used to exit at Washington St. to extend to Dalrymple Drive and be an exit only lane at Dalrymple.
Agreed on that! Not only extend the exit, but take ramp meters and place them on LA 1 coming into Baton Rouge. The biggest problem is the overwhelming amount of traffic that uses I-10 to reach Baton Rouge. If you meter the ramps, people will start to use the old bridge to the north.
Nobody has commented on the fact that traffic from I-10 eastbound entering southbound 110 has to slow to 35 MPH to negotiate that curve? If the curve is easier to navigate, maybe at 60MPH, it would be a huge relief.
Don't you mean NORTHBOUND I-110??
Ramp meters only regulate the entry of traffic onto a roadway, they don't completely eliminate it. And, routing BTR-bound traffic down LA 1 though Port Allen to US 190 is a BAD, BAD idea, especially if there is no upgrade to US 190.
Quote from: Anthony_JK on July 26, 2012, 07:55:39 PM
Quote from: mcdonaat on July 24, 2012, 10:09:43 PM
Quote from: eXfaktor on July 24, 2012, 09:08:13 PM
I think what they should do is close down the Washington St. exit, the entrance ramps from Braddock(?) St., and build on the lane that used to exit at Washington St. to extend to Dalrymple Drive and be an exit only lane at Dalrymple.
Agreed on that! Not only extend the exit, but take ramp meters and place them on LA 1 coming into Baton Rouge. The biggest problem is the overwhelming amount of traffic that uses I-10 to reach Baton Rouge. If you meter the ramps, people will start to use the old bridge to the north.
Nobody has commented on the fact that traffic from I-10 eastbound entering southbound 110 has to slow to 35 MPH to negotiate that curve? If the curve is easier to navigate, maybe at 60MPH, it would be a huge relief.
Don't you mean NORTHBOUND I-110??
Ramp meters only regulate the entry of traffic onto a roadway, they don't completely eliminate it. And, routing BTR-bound traffic down LA 1 though Port Allen to US 190 is a BAD, BAD idea, especially if there is no upgrade to US 190.
Nope!! I'm talking about traffic on I-10 East merging in with southbound I-110 traffic. As in, from BTR Metro towards the 10/12 split. I'm not saying that ramp meters will FORCE people to use the old bridge, but if they are in place, people will consider the bridge to the north.
Your main problem is that I-10 has one lane of thru traffic, and one lane of Washington Street traffic, which is null. Go along Nicholson, and look at the pilings for the Nicholson/Highland exit.. that was your original Washington Street exit. Our complaints are actually the original plans for the Interstate, and until I-10 is treated like a mainline Interstate instead of a measly entrance ramp onto the BR Expressway (the collective name for I-10/110), traffic will continue to snarl.
OK...I see what you mean...I thought you were talking about that other ramp to northbound I-110.
Me thinks the real problem was that no one thought that I-10 would even go through Baton Rouge...the original plan was for it to use the Sunshine Bridge and go directly from Lafayette to New Orleans, while the original freeway design for BTR was for a north-south highway.
Rebuilding the I-10/I-110 Split interchange to give through I-10 traffic the full ROW (at least two lanes, preferably three) would be the ultimate solution.
Quote from: mcdonaat on July 26, 2012, 08:31:26 PM
Quote from: Anthony_JK on July 26, 2012, 07:55:39 PM
Quote from: mcdonaat on July 24, 2012, 10:09:43 PM
Quote from: eXfaktor on July 24, 2012, 09:08:13 PM
I think what they should do is close down the Washington St. exit, the entrance ramps from Braddock(?) St., and build on the lane that used to exit at Washington St. to extend to Dalrymple Drive and be an exit only lane at Dalrymple.
Agreed on that! Not only extend the exit, but take ramp meters and place them on LA 1 coming into Baton Rouge. The biggest problem is the overwhelming amount of traffic that uses I-10 to reach Baton Rouge. If you meter the ramps, people will start to use the old bridge to the north.
Nobody has commented on the fact that traffic from I-10 eastbound entering southbound 110 has to slow to 35 MPH to negotiate that curve? If the curve is easier to navigate, maybe at 60MPH, it would be a huge relief.
Don't you mean NORTHBOUND I-110??
Ramp meters only regulate the entry of traffic onto a roadway, they don't completely eliminate it. And, routing BTR-bound traffic down LA 1 though Port Allen to US 190 is a BAD, BAD idea, especially if there is no upgrade to US 190.
Nope!! I'm talking about traffic on I-10 East merging in with southbound I-110 traffic. As in, from BTR Metro towards the 10/12 split. I'm not saying that ramp meters will FORCE people to use the old bridge, but if they are in place, people will consider the bridge to the north.
You actually believe folks from the westbank would go north to the old bridge and go back south on Airline to I-12/10 just to avoid ramp meters?!
Quote from: Anthony_JK on July 26, 2012, 09:28:04 PM
OK...I see what you mean...I thought you were talking about that other ramp to northbound I-110.
Me thinks the real problem was that no one thought that I-10 would even go through Baton Rouge...the original plan was for it to use the Sunshine Bridge and go directly from Lafayette to New Orleans, while the original freeway design for BTR was for a north-south highway.
Rebuilding the I-10/I-110 Split interchange to give through I-10 traffic the full ROW (at least two lanes, preferably three) would be the ultimate solution.
You're thinking of the old Acadian Thruway proposal. That toll road proposal, other than the Sunshine Bridge, ended up collecting mothballs after the 1956 interstate proposal came to be.
I-10 was never proposed to skip Baton Rouge. Somewhere in the stacks amongst the LSU libraries is a book detailing the various proposed routing for I-10 between Lafayette and Baton Rouge. (When I saw the book, it was located in the Art library (of all places). That room doesn't exist anymore, so I don't know if said book is now at Hill Memorial or Middleton Library)
But I-110 was built very early, so the Acadian Thruway proposal may have still been active when plans were made for the freeway that became I-110.
Quote from: NE2 on July 27, 2012, 10:41:13 PM
But I-110 was built very early, so the Acadian Thruway proposal may have still been active when plans were made for the freeway that became I-110.
110 was built as the Baton Rouge Expressway, providing a bypass from Plank Road to the Acadian Thruway. It originally carried US 61/190 BUS before designated as 110/10.
I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for any real fix for this problem. The money simply won't exist anytime soon. Any real "fix" will be expensive. The Washington St exit could be closed and the transition lane extended to Dalrymple.
This would be a cheaper "quick fix", but it has "political" issues
Mark
Quote from: mcdonaat on July 28, 2012, 12:34:50 AM
Quote from: NE2 on July 27, 2012, 10:41:13 PM
But I-110 was built very early, so the Acadian Thruway proposal may have still been active when plans were made for the freeway that became I-110.
110 was built as the Baton Rouge Expressway, providing a bypass from Plank Road to the Acadian Thruway. It originally carried US 61/190 BUS before designated as 110/10.
You mean this Baton Rouge Expressway?
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.roadfan.com%2Fdesign%2F1947br1.jpg&hash=c1ad01b8da5411363157c9776e2a81549e8174e4)
Quote from: Hot Rod Hootenanny on July 27, 2012, 10:34:03 PM
Quote from: Anthony_JK on July 26, 2012, 09:28:04 PM
OK...I see what you mean...I thought you were talking about that other ramp to northbound I-110.
Me thinks the real problem was that no one thought that I-10 would even go through Baton Rouge...the original plan was for it to use the Sunshine Bridge and go directly from Lafayette to New Orleans, while the original freeway design for BTR was for a north-south highway.
Rebuilding the I-10/I-110 Split interchange to give through I-10 traffic the full ROW (at least two lanes, preferably three) would be the ultimate solution.
You're thinking of the old Acadian Thruway proposal. That toll road proposal, other than the Sunshine Bridge, ended up collecting mothballs after the 1956 interstate proposal came to be.
I-10 was never proposed to skip Baton Rouge. Somewhere in the stacks amongst the LSU libraries is a book detailing the various proposed routing for I-10 between Lafayette and Baton Rouge. (When I saw the book, it was located in the Art library (of all places). That room doesn't exist anymore, so I don't know if said book is now at Hill Memorial or Middleton Library)
More than likely Hill Memorial, because that's where they keep their Louisiana archives...or, at least, where I found them when I used to troll through LSU during my "library rat" days.
I wonder if one of those original proposals included Airline Highway??
Quote from: pctech on July 30, 2012, 03:44:23 PMThe Washington St exit could be closed and the transition lane extended to Dalrymple.
This would be a cheaper "quick fix", but it has "political" issues
Eminent domain South Baton Rouge for this.
Signed, a person of the A. A. ethnic group
Ah yes, that BR expressway. Planned, it was an upgraded Scenic Highway, spanning I-110 for the middle, Perkins Corridor for the south, and connecting to Scenic at Airline. The real fix? Upgrade the old bridge to a six-lane highway, resurface Airline between LA 1 South and LA 415, and create a expressway to I-12. Problem solved.
The 1947 "Baton Rouge expressway" design is much cleaner in the downtown/central business district than the current design which is a major kluge.
Mark
Quote
The 1947 "Baton Rouge expressway" design is much cleaner in the downtown/central business district than the current design which is a major kluge.
The original idea was for the expressway to become an urban boulevard through the downtown slot. Also, the conceptual alignment followed 8th Street:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/77396241@N02/7692554070/in/photostream (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77396241@N02/7692554070/in/photostream)
Quote from: Anthony_JK on July 30, 2012, 10:45:02 PM
Quote from: Hot Rod Hootenanny on July 27, 2012, 10:34:03 PM
Quote from: Anthony_JK on July 26, 2012, 09:28:04 PM
OK...I see what you mean...I thought you were talking about that other ramp to northbound I-110.
Me thinks the real problem was that no one thought that I-10 would even go through Baton Rouge...the original plan was for it to use the Sunshine Bridge and go directly from Lafayette to New Orleans, while the original freeway design for BTR was for a north-south highway.
Rebuilding the I-10/I-110 Split interchange to give through I-10 traffic the full ROW (at least two lanes, preferably three) would be the ultimate solution.
You're thinking of the old Acadian Thruway proposal. That toll road proposal, other than the Sunshine Bridge, ended up collecting mothballs after the 1956 interstate proposal came to be.
I-10 was never proposed to skip Baton Rouge. Somewhere in the stacks amongst the LSU libraries is a book detailing the various proposed routing for I-10 between Lafayette and Baton Rouge. (When I saw the book, it was located in the Art library (of all places). That room doesn't exist anymore, so I don't know if said book is now at Hill Memorial or Middleton Library)
More than likely Hill Memorial, because that's where they keep their Louisiana archives...or, at least, where I found them when I used to troll through LSU during my "library rat" days.
I wonder if one of those original proposals included Airline Highway??
One of the "alternate" proposals for I-10 had it essentially following US 190 into Baton Rouge.
Of course the original proposal for I-410 had a connector road between I-10 W to US 190 then following the old bridge onto Airline then turning onto present day I-110.
Fun fact: the original plans for the Miss. River Bridge (the new bridge) called for a four-lane bridge. The FHWA didn't agree, and threatened to hold funding. The DOTD held out and the bridge was built as a six-lane bridge. Wouldn't it be somewhat fun to throw a "told ya so!" at the feds?
Why not upgrade LA 1 to a full-freeway alignment (it's actually kinda needed) from I-10 towards Plaquemine, then cross the bridge to follow the Bluebonnet corridor? 65 or 70 MPH as a southern bypass would relieve the heavy congestion on LA 1, give a reliable crossing for Plaquemine, and allow access to the south side of BR, including the new L'Auberge casino. This would also include an extension of LA 415 across the Intracoastal Waterway to hook up with LA 1 just north of Brusly. Helping two corridors at once is a plus.
Too bad a true bypass couldn't be an upgraded LA 1 to expressway status from Port Allen to Donaldsonville or Gramercy, utilizing the new-ish bridges to cross over to I-10. A revised Acadian Thruway, of sorts.
Quote from: Anthony_JK on July 26, 2012, 07:46:15 PM
Quote from: RPParish on July 24, 2012, 11:19:31 AM
I would love to know what the price would be to buy up all the land between College Dr to the Mississippi Bridge. If done right, I-10 and I-110 should be Texas style interstates. I-110 should be at grade to the Governor's Mansion curve. This could be the biggest project in DOTD history.
Right...let's sever all those major streets serving downtown BTR. Great idea...NOT.
Also, I-110 is already a "Texas-style" Interstate along the CBD, with 9th and 10th Streets serving as access roads.Those left exits are really there to serve traffic coming off of I-10 from the west.
Now, I wouldn't mind getting rid of the depressed segment from the Governor's Mansion curve to Plank Rd/Scenic Highway, and making it more of an elevated highway...that would make it more consistent.
I-10 wise, overpasses can be used to connect South BR to Perkins Rd/ Garden District area. I'd say one by Terrace Ave and Washington St. I would think you would have to start elevating somewhere at the start of the I-10 and 110 split so South Br and downtown streets wont be affected.
110 wise, I mean a Texas style with a continuous service road. One where is main purpose is take some traffic off the interstate and puts you on and off the freeway. 9th and 10th st seems like street that just so happen run along an interstate.
I know this will be expensive since we are talking about relocating people but I dont see it being solved without it or a double decker freeway.
Quote from: mcdonaat on July 24, 2012, 08:46:10 PM
Quote from: RPParish on July 24, 2012, 11:19:31 AM
I would love to know what the price would be to buy up all the land between College Dr to the Mississippi Bridge. If done right, I-10 and I-110 should be Texas style interstates. I-110 should be at grade to the Governor's Mansion curve. This could be the biggest project in DOTD history.
You mean just a straight highway from the bridge to College? That goes right through City Park.
Well, I imagine that the city park interstate would remain the same with added lanes. My main concern in that area is the houses that are located close to the interstate. Those are the expensive land and houses that I would like to know how much it will cost to move them in a perfect world. Im sure there are some important people that live there.
Quote from: RPParish on August 06, 2012, 01:57:29 PM
Quote from: Anthony_JK on July 26, 2012, 07:46:15 PM
Quote from: RPParish on July 24, 2012, 11:19:31 AM
I would love to know what the price would be to buy up all the land between College Dr to the Mississippi Bridge. If done right, I-10 and I-110 should be Texas style interstates. I-110 should be at grade to the Governor's Mansion curve. This could be the biggest project in DOTD history.
Right...let's sever all those major streets serving downtown BTR. Great idea...NOT.
Also, I-110 is already a "Texas-style" Interstate along the CBD, with 9th and 10th Streets serving as access roads.Those left exits are really there to serve traffic coming off of I-10 from the west.
Now, I wouldn't mind getting rid of the depressed segment from the Governor's Mansion curve to Plank Rd/Scenic Highway, and making it more of an elevated highway...that would make it more consistent.
I-10 wise, overpasses can be used to connect South BR to Perkins Rd/ Garden District area. I'd say one by Terrace Ave and Washington St. I would think you would have to start elevating somewhere at the start of the I-10 and 110 split so South Br and downtown streets wont be affected.
110 wise, I mean a Texas style with a continuous service road. One where is main purpose is take some traffic off the interstate and puts you on and off the freeway. 9th and 10th st seems like street that just so happen run along an interstate.
I know this will be expensive since we are talking about relocating people but I dont see it being solved without it or a double decker freeway.
The best hope is really to add elevated lanes (two elevated viaducts, two lanes each way) for through "express" traffic along the shoulders of I-10 at least between I-110 and I-12, similar to the express lanes on I-35 in Austin. What a cluster**** that would be but it would require the least ROW takings and would solve the "through traffic" problem in lieu of a loop that everybody seems to want until it goes through their neighborhood.
Of course an "express route" (limited ROW, few interchanges) bypass intended largely for freight traffic would be the optimal solution.
How many lanes should do you think the I-10 should be?
Call me crazy but I think from the I-10/I-12 split to the I-10/I-110 split should be 6 or 7 lanes including service roads. I know the space there isnt feasible for an interstate that size but in a perfect world, this is what I think is needed. Especially since Baton Rouge Metro will be the states largest area by 2040. Lets at least plan ahead since the writing of the wall is clear.
I think it should stay six lanes, with elevated HOV lanes using the 110 corridor from Airline to 10, splitting at 12, with 12's HOV lanes lasting until Range, and 10's HOV lasting until Highland. Exits would be for Capitol Access, Florida, Perkins (EB exit, WB entrance), College (WB exit, EB entrance), 12, Bluebonnet, Siegen, and Pecue (for hospital access). 12's would be Essen, Airline, O'Neal, and Range. At-grade HOV would last from Range to I-55.
Give your high-occupancy vehicles like church buses, station wagons full of screaming kids, and school buses a really nice alternative to the congestion below, and you'll see a huge reduction in delays. Also, upgrade Airline Highway with frontage roads, and a huge problem is fixed. It's not the bottleneck that's the problem, just the viable alternatives for traffic. Widening isn't an option in many spots, because rubberneckers cause the largest problem. You already have a loop, consisting of Burbank, Nicholson, 110, and Airline. Extend Burbank to meet 10 and Airline near Prairieville, and a true loop appears. Doesn't need to be 60MPH (city Interstate speed limit) when Burbank is 65MPH in some spots.
Quote from: RPParish on August 07, 2012, 03:52:58 PM
.....Baton Rouge Metro will be the states largest area by 2040. Lets at least plan ahead since the writing of the wall is clear.
Really?
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on August 08, 2012, 02:34:59 PM
Quote from: RPParish on August 07, 2012, 03:52:58 PM
.....Baton Rouge Metro will be the states largest area by 2040. Lets at least plan ahead since the writing of the wall is clear.
Really?
As compared to Kenner?
Quote from: Hot Rod Hootenanny on August 08, 2012, 11:19:49 PM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on August 08, 2012, 02:34:59 PM
Quote from: RPParish on August 07, 2012, 03:52:58 PM
.....Baton Rouge Metro will be the states largest area by 2040. Lets at least plan ahead since the writing of the wall is clear.
Really?
As compared to Kenner?
You guys think otherwise?
Driving I-10 on a daily basis, I have come to the conclusion that I-12 is the problem. It was widened first, it carries more daily traffic, and it gets more lanes at the 10/12 split. Other than the obvious dangerous curve at 10/110 and the exit-only lane, the best fix would be to create I-410 from just west of LA 415 south over the river near Farr Park, then southeast between Burbank and Nicholson to hook with I-10 between Highland and the Geismar exit. Look at a loop like this... if there was a loop that turned a 14-mile trip into an 80-mile trip, would YOU take it? The DOTD needs to act quickly, and buy the land while it's cheap. In exchange, decommission Siegen Lane, LA 928, and LA 405 in exchange for mileage. Smaller state routes could be chopped.
Any ideas? It's a southern bypass of I-10, even good enough for moving the I-10 corridor onto that stretch (think, an eight-lane highway with HOV lanes from scratch), extending I-12 to where 10 would turn south, and send 110 east along the current 10 to meet it near Geismar.