AARoads Forum

Regional Boards => Southeast => Topic started by: Alex on January 20, 2009, 12:43:48 AM

Title: Louisiana
Post by: Alex on January 20, 2009, 12:43:48 AM
In case you did not know, Louisiana is switching from their green/white shield design to the more conventional black/white. Recent trips to the state over the last two months revealed that they are popping up all over. The first ones we saw were in Bogalusa at the junction of LA 10/23.

(//www.aaroads.com/forum_images/southeast/us-061_nb_app_la-068_sm.jpg) (//www.aaroads.com/forum_images/southeast/us-061_nb_app_la-068.jpg)

This particular assembly is located along U.S. 61 northbound in East Feliciana Parish. All of those ones we saw posted along U.S. 61 earlier this month featured Series B font too.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: agentsteel53 on January 20, 2009, 12:49:23 AM
Quote from: voyager on January 20, 2009, 12:44:48 AM
Cheaper printing costs I'm assuming?

a two-color print would cost the same regardless of color, so that's probably not it.  I think they're going for the better contrast.

guess using something wider than Series B numbers never occurred to them!
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Alex on January 20, 2009, 12:50:19 AM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on January 20, 2009, 12:49:23 AM
Quote from: voyager on January 20, 2009, 12:44:48 AM
Cheaper printing costs I'm assuming?

a two-color print would cost the same regardless of color, so that's probably not it.  I think they're going for the better contrast.

guess using something wider than Series B numbers never occurred to them!

Yes you would think they would at least go up to Series C, but noooooooo! This makes me wonder if LA-1 is in Series B somewhere...
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: agentsteel53 on January 20, 2009, 12:53:50 AM
yes, on a black shield in Shreveport.  I'll have photos ... sometime
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Darkchylde on January 20, 2009, 03:40:35 AM
Yeah, the Monochromes got started last year sometime. They're largely going up in areas where the signs need replacement or where there's construction going on. My guess is one of two reasons - either cost (green ink costs more?) or contrast (they do look better at night, I guess.)

As for Series B, Louisiana used to use other fonts as late as the mid 1990's, and they still use them on freeways that carry a state highway designation (I-510/LA 47 in New Orleans East, US 167/LA 28 near Alexandria as examples) or at freeway interchanges or offramps. (These are also the few times one will ever see a wide shield used for a state highway in La.) Sometimes they can even be seen as part of sign goofs as well...

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg255.imageshack.us%2Fimg255%2F3066%2Fimg0070kg7.th.jpg&hash=16b52e02b4b0f5888d2293ffbfe9c9a7adeef333) (http://img255.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0070kg7.jpg)

...At least La. didn't decide to go to Plain White Squares/Circles...
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: agentsteel53 on January 20, 2009, 03:32:09 PM
Quote from: ComputerGuy on January 20, 2009, 09:43:33 AM
WA needs new signs...I am getting tired of seeing the cutout of George Washington's head everywhere

Perhaps George Washington Carver, then?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: US71 on January 20, 2009, 04:34:03 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on January 20, 2009, 03:32:09 PM
Quote from: ComputerGuy on January 20, 2009, 09:43:33 AM
WA needs new signs...I am getting tired of seeing the cutout of George Washington's head everywhere

Perhaps George Washington Carver, then?

Wouldn't work... he's from Missouri  :)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: US71 on January 20, 2009, 04:43:12 PM
Quote from: Darkangel on January 20, 2009, 03:40:35 AM
Yeah, the Monochromes got started last year sometime. They're largely going up in areas where the signs need replacement or where there's construction going on. My guess is one of two reasons - either cost (green ink costs more?) or contrast (they do look better at night, I guess.)

There aren't many on US 65 and only one road north of Tallulah (LA 581 at Transylvania, which still has at least 1 green sign).  What's odd is at Clayton, you have a new LA 15 shield and an old arrow:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm4.static.flickr.com%2F3191%2F3112073820_0d5c0c62f0_m.jpg&hash=ece199a9ecc73827b03d7f7b3794247c4f9898b5)

I prefer the green signs (without that funky protrusion), but as you said, at least it's not circle signs  :eyebrow:
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Alex on January 20, 2009, 04:48:36 PM
Quote from: US71 on January 20, 2009, 04:43:12 PM
There aren't many on US 65 and only one road north of Tallulah (LA 581 at Transylvania, which still has at least 1 green sign).  What's odd is at Clayton, you have a new LA 15 shield and an old arrow:

I prefer the green signs (without that funky protrusion), but as you said, at least it's not circle signs  :eyebrow:


I saw quite a few green shields with black/white banners and/or arrows on my recent trip to LA.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Darkchylde on January 20, 2009, 05:22:26 PM
Quote from: aaroads on January 20, 2009, 04:48:36 PMI saw quite a few green shields with black/white banners and/or arrows on my recent trip to LA.
That's been SOP for a few years now, even before they started going to Monochrome shields.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: US71 on January 20, 2009, 09:45:35 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on January 20, 2009, 12:53:50 AM
yes, on a black shield in Shreveport.  I'll have photos ... sometime

Like this?
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm4.static.flickr.com%2F3149%2F2474628601_b91b1873c6.jpg&hash=802d8117452c82bc21a8eb30c5c695587b02f82e)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: agentsteel53 on January 20, 2009, 09:46:59 PM
probably, yeah.  Now that I think about it, I have a hard time telling apart digit "1" in various serieses... but I definitely have taken a photo of that gantry.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Alex on January 20, 2009, 09:47:50 PM
Quote from: US71 on January 20, 2009, 09:45:35 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on January 20, 2009, 12:53:50 AM
yes, on a black shield in Shreveport.  I'll have photos ... sometime

Like this?

Only other place I can think of with an assembly like that is Public Square in Cleveland.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Urban Prairie Schooner on January 21, 2009, 07:40:33 PM
The black and white shields, according to the e-mail sent me by DOTD, are cheaper to manufacture since black coloring is less expensive than green coloring.

The unique green/white signs will surely be missed, but I do admit that the monochromes are an improvement in terms of readability.

If DOTD would only use wider fonts for the route numbers, the signs wouldn't be nearly as ridiculously ugly.  :banghead: Series B is only necessary for 4 digit routes.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: agentsteel53 on January 21, 2009, 07:44:11 PM
Quoteblack coloring is less expensive than green coloring.

well I'll be damned.  I've always gotten the same quotes on two-color shields regardless of the colors.  Apparently for higher volumes it becomes an issue.

also, what does DOTD stand for?  I refuse to believe it is Department of Transportation Department.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Urban Prairie Schooner on January 21, 2009, 08:18:17 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on January 21, 2009, 07:44:11 PM

also, what does DOTD stand for?  I refuse to believe it is Department of Transportation Department.

Department of Transportation and Development.

I think "development" is a reference to the other public works responsibilities the agency has. Louisiana always has to be different, y'know.

Would you believe that I live within eyeshot of their HQ here in BR?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Anthony_JK on January 22, 2009, 07:36:24 PM
Used to be Louisiana Department of Highways until the Dave Treen administration consolidated the government agencies around 1982 or so. Mostly, it's a overture to economic development than anything else.


Anthony
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Darkchylde on January 22, 2009, 11:40:52 PM
Quote from: Urban Prairie Schooner on January 21, 2009, 08:18:17 PM
Would you believe that I live within eyeshot of their HQ here in BR?
Please lob a brick through one of their windows for me over all the useless 4dla's in St. Tammany, will you please? :P
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on April 09, 2009, 06:41:38 PM
The La DOTD is even involved w/ railroads, and not just grade crossings.  Last week, we took some Louisiana politicians (or their aides) at all levels of gov't, a man from the DOTD, and a few others on a ride on my railroad that runs in Louisiana (37 miles to the Arkansas state line).  We were trying to show them that we needed some stimulus money to rebuild our track.  The DOTD had written up a plan 5 years ago addressing the needs of some of Louisiana's shortline RRs.  I didn't even know that they were that involved w/ any other mode of transport other than highways... now I know!! :spin:
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on April 09, 2009, 07:59:32 PM
I hate we're going black n white instead of green n white. :no: But y'all r right... it's better than circles, squares or anything else generic. :clap:
Title: Louisiana introduces GeauxPass for statewide toll collection system!
Post by: lamsalfl on June 11, 2009, 05:23:51 PM
http://www.ci.thibodaux.la.us/images/2009/Flyers/LA%201%20public%20meeting%20press%20release_FINAL_060109.pdf (http://www.ci.thibodaux.la.us/images/2009/Flyers/LA%201%20public%20meeting%20press%20release_FINAL_060109.pdf)
Title: Re: Louisiana introduces GeauxPass for statewide toll collection system!
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on June 11, 2009, 11:30:08 PM
They might as well incorporate GeauxPass into the CCC and LPC.  The article says it will be "compatible" so I'm assuming they plan on keeping the 3 seperate systems in place.  They are supposed to be completely rebuilding the CCC toll system soon so they might as well just make it all one system state-wide. 

It would be nice if CCCD and HCTRA could reach an agreement and make toll-tags from Houston and NO inter-operable.
Title: Re: Louisiana introduces GeauxPass for statewide toll collection system!
Post by: lamsalfl on June 12, 2009, 03:15:25 AM
How about more toll roads in LA? :)
Title: Re: Louisiana introduces GeauxPass for statewide toll collection system!
Post by: Chris on June 12, 2009, 05:32:04 AM
What does "geaux" actually mean? It sounds French. Is it French for "geek"?  :pan:
Title: Re: Louisiana introduces GeauxPass for statewide toll collection system!
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on June 12, 2009, 11:02:11 AM
Quote from: lamsalfl on June 12, 2009, 03:15:25 AM
How about more toll roads in LA? :)

http://www.geauxpass.com (http://www.geauxpass.com)
Yea, but where?
Is the proposed BR Loop supposed to be a toll?

Quote from: Chris on June 12, 2009, 05:32:04 AM
What does "geaux" actually mean? It sounds French. Is it French for "geek"?  :pan:

-eaux makes the same sound as O. So it's GoPass. Like Geaux LSU/Hornets/Vote, Club Lotteaux, etc.
GeekPass, ha ha   :-/
Title: Re: Louisiana introduces GeauxPass for statewide toll collection system!
Post by: Anthony_JK on June 13, 2009, 11:32:57 PM
GeauxPass for the LA 1 Toll Road?? Sounds like a trend to me.

I'm sure that it will be used as well for the Baton Rouge Loop, the Lafayette Metro (e)Xpressway toll loop (though they'll probably propose a "CajunPass" for that particular road), and perhaps even some sections (if not all) of I-49 South if tolls ever come to that proposed highway.


Anthony
Title: Re: Louisiana introduces GeauxPass for statewide toll collection system!
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on June 14, 2009, 01:58:01 PM
GeauxPasses will be available at the CCC office, so maybe they'll change the TollTag to GeauxPass as well.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Alex on July 07, 2009, 03:01:49 AM
http://www.nola.com/news/index.ssf/2009/07/new_grand_isle_toll_bridge_doe.html (http://www.nola.com/news/index.ssf/2009/07/new_grand_isle_toll_bridge_doe.html)


New Grand Isle toll bridge does not accept cash
by Paul Rioux, The Times-Picayune
Friday July 03, 2009, 8:12 PM

http://blog.nola.com/news_impact/2009/07/large_04toll.JPG (http://blog.nola.com/news_impact/2009/07/large_04toll.JPG)

SUSAN POAG/THE TIMES-PICAYUNEA sign on the entrance to the Louisiana Highway 1 alerts drivers about delinquent tolls on the new Leeville Bridge which opens Tuesday, July7, 2009. Enthusiasm in Grand Isle for the bridge's long-awaited opening is tempered by concerns that the electronic toll system could be a turn off to tourists. The $166 million bridge will not have a toll booth for motorist to pay with cash. Instead, bridge users must set up a toll-tag accound or get a one-time pass at one of five kiosks along LA Hwy. 1.

Enthusiasm in Grand Isle for next week's long-awaited opening of the new Leeville Bridge on Louisiana 1 is tempered by concerns that the electronic toll system could turn off tourists.

The $166 million bridge will not have a tollbooth where motorists will pay cash. Instead, bridge users must set up a toll-tag account or get a one-time pass at one of five kiosks along the highway.

Unlike the Crescent City Connection and the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, the Leeville Bridge will use "open-road tolling" that does not require motorists to slow down or stop as they pass through tollbooths, enhancing safety and efficiency, said Mark Lambert, a spokesman for the state Department of Transportation and Development.

Grand Isle and Jefferson Parish officials said the lack of a cash option will likely confuse motorists who seldom use the bridge, especially tourists who are critical to the barrier island's economy.

"If I take a six-hour drive to go fishing in Grand Isle and get a nice letter two weeks later with a hefty fine saying I failed to pay a toll on a bridge with no tollbooth, it's going to cause some confusion and anger, " Parish Councilman Chris Roberts told state transportation officials at a recent council meeting.

"I hope you guys are ready to handle the backlash that comes with that, " he said.

The state highway department has held eight public-awareness meetings across the state and posted more than 20 permanent signs along Louisiana 1 to alert motorists about the automated toll system, Lambert said.

"We don't want to collect fines; we want to collect tolls, " he said.

But he acknowledged some confusion is inevitable, prompting the transportation department to give motorists a 48-hour grace period after using the bridge to pay tolls. After that, violators will be mailed a $25 fine that, if unpaid, will increase each month to a maximum of $65, Lambert said.

Tolls kick in July 27

Set to open Tuesday, the fixed-span toll bridge over Bayou Lafourche replaces a rickety drawbridge that often breaks down, causing traffic jams on the lone highway to Grand Isle and Port Fourchon, a busy hub for offshore oil and gas production.

Lambert said transportation officials don't plan to begin collecting tolls until July 27, after the Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo fishing tournament.

"This gives us a chance to work out any kinks, " he said. "The last thing we want to do is create any more confusion with potentially tens of thousands of people flooding the island during the rodeo."

Lambert said tolls will be collected only from southbound vehicles at the following rates:

-- 50 cents for residents who live below the bridge.

-- $1.50 for commuters who use the bridge at least 20 times in 60 days.

-- $2.50 for motorcycles and two-axle, four-tire vehicles.

-- $10 for 18-wheelers and other five-axle trucks.

-- $12 for six-axle trucks.

Regular bridge users can set up GeauxPass toll-tag accounts at a customer service center in Golden Meadow, about 10 miles north of Leeville. Others can pay for one-time passes at kiosks at the service center and four businesses along the highway.

Motorists who cross the bridge without paying will have 48 hours to call customer service at 1.866.662.8987 or stop by a kiosk to pay the toll and avoid a fine, Lambert said.

Other tags can be used

He said Crescent City Connection toll tags will work on the new Leeville Bridge.

Motorists with toll tags for the Causeway will need to open a separate account to pay tolls on the Leeville Bridge, but they won't have to buy a new tag. The tags cost $12.50 for a nonremovable sticker and $32 for a removable plastic case.

The Leeville Bridge is the first phase of a three-part project to elevate 19 miles of flood-prone Louisiana 1 between Golden Meadow and Port Fourchon, which serves 90 percent of the deepwater rigs in the Gulf of Mexico.

The Jefferson Parish Council passed a resolution in May calling the toll-collection system a "logistical nightmare." The resolution urged the transportation department to allow motorists to pay tolls in cash at the bridge.

Transportation officials said cash payments will be accepted at the kiosk at the Golden Meadow service center at 1821 S. Alex Plaisance Blvd., but all other kiosks will require a credit card.

Lambert said the automated system will eliminate backups that could occur if a toll collector had to count the number of axles and wheels on the 8,000 vehicles that cross the bridge each day.

"This is going to be easier than people might think, " he said. "It's just the change that has people concerned."

For more information about the Leeville Bridge tolls, visit www.geauxpass.com (http://www.geauxpass.com).
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mightyace on July 07, 2009, 02:45:56 PM
^^^ Yeah, stopping at a store or kiosk and getting out to get a one-time tag is better than stopping at a toll booth.  Yeah, right!  :-P
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on July 09, 2009, 05:16:56 PM
There is rumor going around that the CCC will become GeauxPass Only in a couple of years.  I think it would be best to have 1 or 2 Cash only lanes off to the side of the highway instead of TollTag Kiosks.  Now if only the Ferries took TollTags.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Alex on July 09, 2009, 06:10:35 PM
Quote from: NOLANOLA504 on July 09, 2009, 05:16:56 PM
There is rumor going around that the CCC will become GeauxPass Only in a couple of years.  I think it would be best to have 1 or 2 Cash only lanes off to the side of the highway instead of TollTag Kiosks.  Now if only the Ferries took TollTags.

This seems to be the trend. Some areas use a pay by plate format, and I suspect this will be instituted more and more as toll roads move away from paying attendants and maintaining conventional toll booths. They are studying converting the Atlantic City Expressway (http://www.tollroadsnews.com/node/4246) to cashless; the express lanes of the Crosstown Expressway in Tampa are already cashless.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on July 12, 2009, 10:22:01 AM
Planners push to tear out elevated I-10 over Claiborne.
http://www.nola.com/news/index.ssf/2009/07/photos_for_iten.html (http://www.nola.com/news/index.ssf/2009/07/photos_for_iten.html)
:ded:
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Chris on July 12, 2009, 10:46:32 AM
After Katrina, traffic volumes on this section dropped from 120,000 to 60,000 - 80,000. I guess they're trying to push the destruction of the freeway through now that traffic volumes are (temporarily) low, argumenting it would'nt affect the traffic patterns that much on other freeways (you "only" have widen it with one or two lanes in each direction).

However, if traffic volumes get back at pre-Katrina levels, the problems will turn out to be much bigger. The Clairborne is the only freeway that serves downtown and adjacent areas from the east. You can't just cut this portion away from the network and think it'll be okay.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Anthony_JK on July 12, 2009, 11:14:16 AM
As much as I sympathize with reviving communites, this is an absolutely HORRIBLE idea.

First off; you are going to have to improve I-610 by both widening it to at least six lanes and upgrading both termini interchanges with existing I-10 in order to make it work.

Second..what do you do with the remaining stub of old I-10 near Elysian Fields Avenue....make it a short I-x10?? Tear it down totally?? (and then how do you connect the eastern portions of NOLA to downtown using the existing street system??

Third....DoTD just completed not five years ago improvements in access for the Claiborne Elevated segment with the Westbank/Ponchatrain Expressway. Why waste that??

Fourth....tearing down the Claiborne Elevated might promise some improvement...but how will the increased traffic really help reconnect the neighborhood when you still have to dodge cars just to cross the "boulevard"??

I say, dump this stupid idea and simply renovate the Claiborne Elevated with additional design and community amenities, as Lafayette is doing with their portion of I-49 South. There are far, far, far better means of upgrading  poor Black communities than this nonsense.


Anthony
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on July 12, 2009, 11:36:34 AM
This is the idea of some urban planner and one or two council members.  I doubt that it will ever come to fruition.  It is one of the stupidest ideas to be tossing around right now.

Not only would you have to widen I-610 but you would have to widen the already full to capacity I-10 from the Split to the Superdome.  The 610 Merge would have to be redone. The 610 Split would have to be redone.  There is no room to redo I-10 at Metairie/City Park which was just redone not to long ago. The Carrollton Interchange would have to be redone and the Claiborne flyover would have to be modified. The Broad and Jeff Davis overpasses will have to be redone as well.  Lakeview, City Park, and HANO would raise hell as well as Gentilly.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Hot Rod Hootenanny on July 14, 2009, 12:28:35 AM
Quote from: NOLANOLA504 on July 12, 2009, 11:36:34 AM
This is the idea of some urban planner and one or two council members.  I doubt that it will ever come to fruition.  It is one of the stupidest ideas to be tossing around right now.

Not only would you have to widen I-610 but you would have to widen the already full to capacity I-10 from the Split to the Superdome.  The 610 Merge would have to be redone. The 610 Split would have to be redone.  There is no room to redo I-10 at Metairie/City Park which was just redone not to long ago. The Carrollton Interchange would have to be redone and the Claiborne flyover would have to be modified. The Broad and Jeff Davis overpasses will have to be redone as well.  Lakeview, City Park, and HANO would raise hell as well as Gentilly.

Well, considering that the Carolton/US 61 interchange is a relic left over from the Ponchatrain Expwy. days I would have no problem with that being redesigned.
Actually, if I had a bottomless budget  :-D :colorful:, I would redo the Clairborne Flyover/Bus 90 interchange also.

We now return you back to reality.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Hot Rod Hootenanny on July 14, 2009, 12:40:43 AM
Speaking of the Baton Rouge Loop (what the local media calls it).
Couple of articles from the BR fishwrap about the latest proposals....
http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/50550082.html (http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/50550082.html)
Maritime industry interests say they are concerned that the placement of bridges across the Mississippi River for the proposed Baton Rouge traffic loop could pose navigational and safety hazards for shippers, depending on where the spans are built and how they are designed.

http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/49787922.html (http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/49787922.html)
For the "northern loop" the bridge site will be immediately south of the current US 190 (Huey P. Long, aka "old bridge") bridge. They also drop proposals to route the loop north of Southern Univ. and near (another) Exxon-Mobil refinery on through my current residence between Zachary & Baker.

http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/business/44793337.html (http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/business/44793337.html)
Local survey shows support for a loop

http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/44035752.html (http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/44035752.html)
Article about possible options for funding construction of said loop (this is from the end of April, 2009)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on July 14, 2009, 12:49:10 AM
Quote from: osu-lsu on July 14, 2009, 12:28:35 AM
Well, considering that the Carolton/US 61 interchange is a relic left over from the Ponchatrain Expwy. days I would have no problem with that being redesigned.
Actually, if I had a bottomless budget  :-D :colorful:, I would redo the Clairborne Flyover/Bus 90 interchange also.

We now return you back to reality.
:-D

I wouldn't have a problem with it if a new expressway was built in its place.

I know I'm about to sound as bad as the people who want the old Treme back, but  I would really miss the Carrollton interchange  :-(.  Approaching it heading uptown on Carrollton at rush hour is surreal.  It's like 4 levels of traffic going up and down diagonally with I-10 above everything and a railroad overpass in the middle. :-P :sombrero: :D
It looks like something from a sci-fi movie.

How on earth could they knock it down and keep all 3 routes open while the rebuild the new one.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on July 14, 2009, 12:50:35 AM
What are the odds of the BRLoop being a toll.
...and does anybody have any info on the Lafayette loop?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Hot Rod Hootenanny on July 14, 2009, 10:39:48 PM
Quote from: Annunciaton70130 on July 14, 2009, 12:50:35 AM
What are the odds of the BRLoop being a toll.
I'd give it 100% of it being a tollroad.  I'd give it a 40% of actually being built.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Anthony_JK on July 15, 2009, 01:59:19 PM
On the BR loop:
Probably the right decision to locate the northern branch adjacent to US 190, considering the expense of a loop further northward and the prohibitive cost of a new Mississippi River bridge further up.  It's going to be quite interesting, though, how they integrate the new tollway with existing US 190....especially with the existing railroad bridge, the junction of two raillines (UP/KCS with CN/IC), the existing at-grade crossing of Airline Hwy (current US 190) of the CN, and the narrow cloverleaf interchange with Scenic Highway, which is the principal route for folks going to Southern University and Scotlandville.  Personaly, I'd favor converting that interchange to a SPUI, myself.

The Lafayette Metro Xpressway (LMX, don't ask about the spelling) is right now in limbo, because most of the locals are still awaiting what funding will be made for the I-49 South/I-49 Connector freeway through Lafayette, which is seen as the higher priority, it not THE ONLY priority right now. I'm figuring that the LMX will ultimately be built as a private tollway, but only after I-49 is secured and funded.



Anthony
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Darkchylde on July 19, 2009, 12:23:48 AM
If they tore down the Claiborne elevated section, they'd be condemning Lakeview, City Park and Gentilly to the purgatory that is Traffic Hell.  If the traffic that used the viaduct shifted to the local streets, traffic would become such a nightmare that going through the area would become unfeasible for anyone other than locals and masochists. Suppose it stayed on the rerouted Interstate, though... it's not justified to destroy those areas for the hypothetical restoration of North Claiborne currently "concurrent" with I-10.

Most likely, this is an idea being floated around because of the age of the Claiborne viaduct - just tear it down instead of rebuilding it. Rebuilding it could work, however, if they reconfigured it. Go Texas-style with it - use North Claiborne as feeder roads and convert it to a section like the elevated West Bank Expressway (Business 90). You don't see that area in its death throes due to that being there.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on July 19, 2009, 12:21:42 PM
Quote from: Darkangel on July 19, 2009, 12:23:48 AM
... Go Texas-style with it - use North Claiborne as feeder roads and convert it to a section like the elevated West Bank Expressway (Business 90). You don't see that area in its death throes due to that being there.

...or use the pontchartrain expwy template from the dome to the GNO.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Anthony_JK on July 20, 2009, 07:00:32 PM
Quote from: Darkangel on July 19, 2009, 12:23:48 AM
If they tore down the Claiborne elevated section, they'd be condemning Lakeview, City Park and Gentilly to the purgatory that is Traffic Hell.  If the traffic that used the viaduct shifted to the local streets, traffic would become such a nightmare that going through the area would become unfeasible for anyone other than locals and masochists. Suppose it stayed on the rerouted Interstate, though... it's not justified to destroy those areas for the hypothetical restoration of North Claiborne currently "concurrent" with I-10.

Most likely, this is an idea being floated around because of the age of the Claiborne viaduct - just tear it down instead of rebuilding it. Rebuilding it could work, however, if they reconfigured it. Go Texas-style with it - use North Claiborne as feeder roads and convert it to a section like the elevated West Bank Expressway (Business 90). You don't see that area in its death throes due to that being there.

But isn't that how the Claiborne Elevated presently is set up, anyway?? The only difference between it and the Westbank is that there is no direct "slip ramps" between the elevated segment and the surface boulevard that is N. Claiborne Ave., but isolated direct exits to particular cross streets.

I'm not sure that the ROW within Claiborne Ave. is wide enough for a "Texas style" elevated highway...unless they double-decked and stacked it like freeways in Japan are constructed.  Then you could see some space for greenspace amenities. The cost would probably be prohibitive, but at least you would have a sufficient freeway segment that could handle the traffic, rather than the nightmare of a "boulevard" having to handle freeway-grade traffic.


Anthony
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Anthony_JK on July 23, 2009, 01:05:29 AM
Moving clear to the other corner of the state....the process is now beginning to get in gear for the filling of the gap of Interstate 49 in Shreveport.

Contrary to what some have been posting recently about I-49 being diverted along LA 3132 (the Inner Loop Expressway/Terry Bradshaw Passway) and I-220, there is now a serious push to build a 3.2-mile elevated freeway that would connect the existing I-49 at its current terminus with I-20 to the southern terminus of proposed (and soon to be under construction) I-49 North with I-220. LaDOTD has began a Stage 0 Feasibility Study that will more than likely lead to an Enviornmental Study, an EIS, and a Record of Decision, though no funding is currently available as of the present.

They have also established a website for informing the public about the project, and for enticing community feedback:

http://www.i49shreveport.com (http://www.i49shreveport.com)

Hopefully, they will model the same design and community enhancement program that Lafayette used for their segment of the I-49 South/I-49 Connector project.


Anthony
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on July 23, 2009, 09:32:04 PM
Quote from: Anthony_JK on July 20, 2009, 07:00:32 PM

But isn't that how the Claiborne Elevated presently is set up, anyway?? The only difference between it and the Westbank is that there is no direct "slip ramps" between the elevated segment and the surface boulevard that is N. Claiborne Ave., but isolated direct exits to particular cross streets.

I'm not sure that the ROW within Claiborne Ave. is wide enough for a "Texas style" elevated highway...unless they double-decked and stacked it like freeways in Japan are constructed.  Then you could see some space for greenspace amenities. The cost would probably be prohibitive, but at least you would have a sufficient freeway segment that could handle the traffic, rather than the nightmare of a "boulevard" having to handle freeway-grade traffic.


Anthony

They could pull it off if they did it like the elevated Pontchartrain Expressway.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on August 04, 2009, 02:45:19 PM
Photos of the Causeway/I-10 interchange via DOTD @ Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Baton-Rouge-LA/Louisiana-Department-of-Transportation-and-Development-DOTD/74154292700?ref=search#/photos.php?id=196191590180 (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Baton-Rouge-LA/Louisiana-Department-of-Transportation-and-Development-DOTD/74154292700?ref=search#/photos.php?id=196191590180)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Bryant5493 on August 04, 2009, 11:59:53 PM
I think this video that I shot is relevant to this conversation.

https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=409.0 (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=409.0)
(It's in this thread.)


Be well,

Bryant
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Darkchylde on August 13, 2009, 06:31:26 PM
Contract to be awarded this month for new I-12 interchange near Mandeville

http://www.nola.com/news/index.ssf/2009/08/a_contract_for_the_constructio.html (http://www.nola.com/news/index.ssf/2009/08/a_contract_for_the_constructio.html)

(This is for the long-proposed interchange between I-12 and LA 1088 northeast of Mandeville and within walking distance of my place.)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on August 16, 2009, 08:10:47 PM
Huey P. progress photos.
http://www.timedla.com/gallery/album.asp?album_id=78&position=24 (http://www.timedla.com/gallery/album.asp?album_id=78&position=24)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Alex on August 26, 2009, 11:56:03 PM
Causeway, I-10 work disrupting traffic (http://www.nola.com/news/index.ssf/2009/08/causeway_work_disrupting_i10.html)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Alex on September 15, 2009, 12:22:15 AM
U.S. 425 is still not acknowledged on Interstate 20 guide signs at their interchange. Shielding for the route was posted on the route below however.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: agentsteel53 on September 15, 2009, 12:26:51 AM
Quote from: AARoads on September 15, 2009, 12:22:15 AM
U.S. 425 is still not acknowledged on Interstate 20 guide signs at their interchange. Shielding for the route was posted on the route below however.

that's okay, the fewer places that acknowledge the abomination that is US-425, the better.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Alex on September 15, 2009, 12:29:14 AM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on September 15, 2009, 12:26:51 AM
Quote from: AARoads on September 15, 2009, 12:22:15 AM
U.S. 425 is still not acknowledged on Interstate 20 guide signs at their interchange. Shielding for the route was posted on the route below however.

that's okay, the fewer places that acknowledge the abomination that is US-425, the better.

Aww, and I was gonna grab you another shield shot for the gallery!  :-D
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: agentsteel53 on September 15, 2009, 12:31:32 AM
unless it is a state named cutout, we really don't need any more US-425 shield photos.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on September 18, 2009, 07:17:50 PM
Huey P webcam from the TIMED Louisiana website:
http://www.oxblue.com/pro/open/ajl/hueyplong (http://www.oxblue.com/pro/open/ajl/hueyplong)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Alex on September 22, 2009, 08:16:35 PM
(//www.aaroads.com/forum_images/southeast/i-012_wb_exit_060_01.jpg)

Carter snapped a photo of the new Exit 60 exit and signage on Interstate 12 west.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: froggie on September 22, 2009, 11:25:11 PM
Is it signed the same on the eastbound side?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: lamsalfl on September 23, 2009, 02:18:53 AM
Guess what Pinnacle Pkwy is.  If you guessed a street leading to a retail development called "Pinnacle _______________" you win!
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on September 30, 2009, 09:48:31 PM
I was just wondering, how realistic is it to have a 6 lane I-10 from Houston to New Orleans minus the major bridge sections.

In Texas it is at least six lanes from Houston to around mile 828. The new Trinity River bridge is under construction.  From Beaumont to the Sabine River is either six lanes or in the process of being expanded. The Sabine River bridge is wide enough to be restriped for six lanes.

In Louisiana the first 44 miles is mostly six laned (the stretch from Texas to Lake Charles is beautiful).  From the Mississippi River to Siegen Ln (possibly further) is mostly six lanes or being widened.  From I-310 to I-12/I-59 is six laned.

The biggest obsticles from a feasibility stand point seem to be The Spillway, the St John canal, the Calcasieu River Bridge, and The Atchafalaya Basin.  The rest of the route is straight and flat, with consistent traffic.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: froggie on September 30, 2009, 10:04:37 PM
You also have the segment that cuts across the corner of Lake Pontchartrain (between 55 and 310)...or is that the Spillway segment you referred to?

There's also the Mississippi River bridge (lacking shoulders) and the I-110 interchange (especially eastbound).

But aside from that, I think the biggest obstacle would be getting funding for such an endeavor.  You're looking at close to 170 miles of roadway needing widening, with about 30 miles of that being continuous viaduct (Atchafalaya Basin and Lake Pontchartrain).

BTW, when did they widen I-10 through Lake Charles?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on September 30, 2009, 10:44:51 PM
Quote from: froggie on September 30, 2009, 10:04:37 PM
You also have the segment that cuts across the corner of Lake Pontchartrain (between 55 and 310)...or is that the Spillway segment you referred to?

BTW, when did they widen I-10 through Lake Charles?


Yeah, I-55 to I-310 is what I was referring to.

I-10 was widened from a little east of the Texas line to Lake Charles maybe 2 years ago.  It was widened from Lake Charles to U.S. 165 this year.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: froggie on October 01, 2009, 06:52:52 AM
But was it widened within Lake Charles?  I don't recall there being 6 lanes on the west side of town, especially the bridge over the Calcasieu.

Or are you counting Lake Charles having both I-10 and I-210 as that area having "6 lanes"?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on October 01, 2009, 08:49:44 AM
From Texas to Lake Charles you have mostly 6 lane all the way to I-210. From I-210 to U.S. 90 it's 2 lane with auxilary, then six lane from U.S. 90 to the bridge. After you cross the bridge it is 6 lanes from Ryan St? (4 through the east I-210 interchange) to U.S. 165.

Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on October 31, 2009, 12:38:38 AM
Ramp meters coming to Baton Rouge
http://www.wafb.com/Global/story.asp?S=11395082 (http://www.wafb.com/Global/story.asp?S=11395082)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: froggie on October 31, 2009, 09:14:34 AM
That's interesting.  Though, knowing Louisiana drivers, they'll either be confused by them, or they'll completely ignore them.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on November 27, 2009, 02:12:26 PM
Quote from: AARoads on September 15, 2009, 12:22:15 AM
U.S. 425 is still not acknowledged on Interstate 20 guide signs at their interchange. Shielding for the route was posted on the route below however.


I hate to break the bad news, but they plastered a US 425 shield over the LA 137 shield on all of the Rayville exit signs :-/.  I noticed this 11/21/09 on a trip to Jackson.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: lamsalfl on November 29, 2009, 11:38:19 PM
Not sure if he is a member here, but I got a text from the road and Andy Jung is reporting that Clearview has made its way to Louisiana.  He says he saw the signs on US 90 near New Iberia.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on November 30, 2009, 02:24:41 PM
Quote from: lamsalfl on November 29, 2009, 11:38:19 PM
Not sure if he is a member here, but I got a text from the road and Andy Jung is reporting that Clearview has made its way to Louisiana.  He says he saw the signs on US 90 near New Iberia.

I just hope that they can pull it off tastefully, like in the Houston area.  I think the only thing that makes it look good there is that all the signs are uniform.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on December 04, 2009, 02:10:28 PM
Mile long crack in the I-10.

More Construction Coming On I-10 (http://www.wwltv.com/home/I-10-In-Metairie-Developes-Mile-Long-Crack-78469927.html)
<object height="288" width="470"><param name="movie" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" value="http://www.wwltv.com/v/?i=78469927" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><param name="AllowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.wwltv.com/v/?i=78469927" AllowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" height="288" wmode="transparent" width="470"></embed></object>

Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: froggie on December 05, 2009, 07:04:05 AM
I see a few problems/issues:

- Looks like DOTD kept the original I-10 concrete when they widened that stretch years ago (one of the first, if not THE first, stretches to be widened between downtown and the airport).  So naturally there's going to be seams showing where the original concrete meets the widened pavement, as seen here.  Especially if there's been additional ground settling in the area.

- Stupidity with the reporter:  it doesn't take much research to discover that asphalt overlays only tend to last 7-10 years, especially with heavy traffic such as what I-10 carries there.

- A simple overlay isn't going to work.  At a minimum, DOTD needs to do a mill-and-overlay here...reconstruction or at least rehab of the original pavement underneath is probably in order too.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on December 10, 2009, 12:17:21 AM
Quote from: froggie on December 05, 2009, 07:04:05 AM
I see a few problems/issues:

- Looks like DOTD kept the original I-10 concrete when they widened that stretch years ago (one of the first, if not THE first, stretches to be widened between downtown and the airport).  So naturally there's going to be seams showing where the original concrete meets the widened pavement, as seen here.  Especially if there's been additional ground settling in the area.

- Stupidity with the reporter:  it doesn't take much research to discover that asphalt overlays only tend to last 7-10 years, especially with heavy traffic such as what I-10 carries there.

- A simple overlay isn't going to work.  At a minimum, DOTD needs to do a mill-and-overlay here...reconstruction or at least rehab of the original pavement underneath is probably in order too.


I fully agree.  Even the catch basins between the interstate and sound barriers are starting to buckle in on both sides of the highway.  The down side will be 2 of 3 side by side constructions projects on at the busiest interchange in the area.


also,

DOTD celebrates grand opening of New Orleans Regional Transportation Center (http://www.dotd.louisiana.gov/pressreleases/release.aspx?key=1254)

The new facility has opened and all of the VMS signs along the I-10 and I-610 have been replaced with new Daktronic signs like the ones on the Northshore.  Also there are strange looking poles being installed on the I-10 spillway section (between I-310 and I-55)

Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on December 17, 2009, 05:07:57 AM
 I-12 noise barrier plans are good news for Slidell neighbors (http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2009/12/interstate_12_noise_barrier_pl.html)

Slidell residents had been arguing that it wasn't fair that Baton Rouge, New Orleans, & Metairie got sound walls and they didn't.  I guess they're finally getting their wish.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: froggie on December 17, 2009, 07:07:51 AM
To be fair, has I-12 been rebuilt since most of Slidell's residential was built?  You and I both know the answer to that...
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: lamsalfl on December 21, 2009, 05:05:51 AM
Eff the Northshore.  Anyways, bad news.  Louisiana has finally replaced the sign that was blown away by Katrina on westbound I-10 at the state line.  Old sign "St. Tammany Parish"  new sign:  "St. Tammany Parish" but SMALLER.

I was hoping for a similar setup as I-10 eastbound at the Texas state line with the state and parish.  However, in true LA fashion, they have failed me.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on December 21, 2009, 02:50:03 PM
Quote from: lamsalfl on December 21, 2009, 05:05:51 AM
Eff the Northshore.  Anyways, bad news.  Louisiana has finally replaced the sign that was blown away by Katrina on westbound I-10 at the state line.  Old sign "St. Tammany Parish"  new sign:  "St. Tammany Parish" but SMALLER.

I was hoping for a similar setup as I-10 eastbound at the Texas state line with the state and parish.  However, in true LA fashion, they have failed me.

As many times as I have crossed into LA from TX, I've never payed attention to the sign detail.

In other news:
New support for La. 1 upgrade (http://www.houmatoday.com/article/20091221/articles/912219957)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: lamsalfl on December 27, 2009, 10:24:45 PM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.southeastroads.com%2Flouisiana001%2Fi-010_eb_exit_004_01.jpg&hash=ddf62991b18ae000b63568082d906e4b962073f3)

I was hoping for a similar setup to this one.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Bryant5493 on December 27, 2009, 10:35:15 PM
^^ Do you have a photo of the St. Tammany Parish entrance sign from Hancock County, on I-10 west? I haven't been down there in awhile. Everytime I drove past, I always noticed the empty sign assembly.


Be well,

Bryant
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: lamsalfl on December 27, 2009, 10:38:51 PM
Quote from: Bryant5493 on December 27, 2009, 10:35:15 PM
^^ Do you have a photo of the St. Tammany Parish entrance sign from Hancock County, on I-10 west? I haven't been down there in awhile. Everytime I drove past, I always noticed the empty sign assembly.

no, but I can tell you the sign is the standard sign that is used on Louisiana two-lane roads.  So, it's smaller.  It's like this:


(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.southeastroads.com%2Flouisiana200%2Fus-425_nb_at_tensas_river_br.jpg&hash=df400795b64de8cd18e93fa39770f98698b19c0b)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Bryant5493 on December 27, 2009, 10:44:34 PM
^^ Uh, yeah, that's unacceptable for a freeway sign. But, oh, well. :-(


Be well,

Brynat
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: froggie on December 28, 2009, 07:04:40 AM
I have several photos of the Pearl River bridge floating around somewhere on my hard drive....I'll look later.

BTW, when did they replace the Sabine River bridge?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: lamsalfl on December 28, 2009, 06:21:48 PM
oh at least several years ago.  I don't know the date, but it's been around since at least 2005.  And I-10 is 6-lanes pretty much from the state line to Exit 44 (US 165) with minor exceptions in the Lake Chizzle area.

Quote from: froggie on December 28, 2009, 07:04:40 AM
I have several photos of the Pearl River bridge floating around somewhere on my hard drive....I'll look later.

BTW, when did they replace the Sabine River bridge?

Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: froggie on December 28, 2009, 06:36:01 PM
Ok, thanks.  Haven't been that way since '98 so didn't know.

Discovered I had a Pearl River bridge photo online after all.  Here's (http://www.ajfroggie.com/roadpics/ms/i010/i010_wt.jpg) how the sign looked in 2001.  It disappeared with Katrina (along with the diagonal support...the vertical support remained), and as of September, 2008 had not yet been replaced.

As a side note, this is the eastbound sign (http://www.ajfroggie.com/roadpics/ms/i010/i010_wt_02.jpg).  It was still there in 2008.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: lamsalfl on December 29, 2009, 12:39:11 AM
broken links
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: agentsteel53 on December 29, 2009, 01:02:51 AM
not broken, just trouble with the HTTP referer.  If you click, then highlight the URL in the menu bar and hit return, so it forces a reload with a blank referer, the image shows up.

It's a misfeature in HTTP.  It's supposed to fight hotlinking of images, and it does that successfully, but it also kills off links that open in their own windows. 
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on December 29, 2009, 07:42:07 PM
Quote from: lamsalfl on November 29, 2009, 11:38:19 PM
Not sure if he is a member here, but I got a text from the road and Andy Jung is reporting that Clearview has made its way to Louisiana.  He says he saw the signs on US 90 near New Iberia.

..and here they are:
Clearview in Louisiana (http://public.fotki.com/apjung/roadgeeking/i-49_south_roadtrip/2009/dsc05764.html)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Hot Rod Hootenanny on January 12, 2010, 10:27:07 AM
Baton Rouge loop maps are doing the regional tour thing again.
http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/81202877.html (http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/81202877.html)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on January 15, 2010, 08:26:27 PM
Quote from: osu-lsu on January 12, 2010, 10:27:07 AM
Baton Rouge loop maps are doing the regional tour thing again.
http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/81202877.html (http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/81202877.html)

So.... GeauxPass comes to Baton Rouge, well if the loop get's built anyway. I wonder what the toll schedule will be like.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: froggie on January 15, 2010, 10:47:42 PM
Let's see if it gets built first....
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on January 15, 2010, 11:27:41 PM
Quote from: froggie on January 15, 2010, 10:47:42 PM
Let's see if it gets built first....

If it does I would be surprised if I live to see it.  I can see it happening before I-49 gets built though.  There's also the Lafayette toll loop idea floating around.  It's probably a stretch, but LA-1 was once a pipe dream as well.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on January 23, 2010, 02:17:06 AM
DOTD signs U.S. 90 interchange at La. 85 design-build contract (http://www.dotd.louisiana.gov/pressreleases/release.aspx?key=1283)

DOTD begins issuing bridge toll violations (http://www.dotd.louisiana.gov/pressreleases/release.aspx?key=1227)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mightyace on January 23, 2010, 02:42:46 AM
Quote from: Annunciation70130 on January 23, 2010, 02:17:06 AM
DOTD begins issuing bridge toll violations (http://www.dotd.louisiana.gov/pressreleases/release.aspx?key=1227)

On the one hand, it's nice that they gave a three month grace period on fee and fines for violations, but why did they wait nearly three months to start sending out notices?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Chris on January 23, 2010, 06:52:28 AM
Quote from: Annunciation70130 on January 15, 2010, 11:27:41 PM
Quote from: froggie on January 15, 2010, 10:47:42 PM
Let's see if it gets built first....

If it does I would be surprised if I live to see it.  I can see it happening before I-49 gets built though.  There's also the Lafayette toll loop idea floating around.  It's probably a stretch, but LA-1 was once a pipe dream as well.

This kind of issues really annoy me, once there are plans for a road, there is also a need for it, so why wait 30 years to construct it? Imagine if they had this kind of attitude in the Interstate-construction era. If they were able to do it back then, why can't they do it right now?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: froggie on January 23, 2010, 08:37:25 AM
Several reasons...

- The political landscape has changed significantly in the last 40 years.
- More public awareness and (as a general rule) increasing opposition to the impacts on the environment and right-of-way.
- Most of the Interstate system was built before NEPA mandated environmental studies.  Anything these days requires extensive environmental review, in addition to the normal location/design studies.
- Costs have gone up considerably, even after factoring inflation.
- Meanwhile, funding has not kept up with inflation.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: shoptb1 on January 23, 2010, 10:07:37 AM
Quote from: froggie on January 23, 2010, 08:37:25 AM
Several reasons...

- The political landscape has changed significantly in the last 40 years.
- More public awareness and (as a general rule) increasing opposition to the impacts on the environment and right-of-way.
- Most of the Interstate system was built before NEPA mandated environmental studies.  Anything these days requires extensive environmental review, in addition to the normal location/design studies.
- Costs have gone up considerably, even after factoring inflation.
- Meanwhile, funding has not kept up with inflation.


Plus, don't forget that the majority original Interstate system was funded and built in the wake of the most prosperous economic times in US History; the boom following World War II.  The economic situation today is nothing like that, relatively speaking of course.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Hot Rod Hootenanny on January 23, 2010, 03:52:41 PM
Quote from: Chris on January 23, 2010, 06:52:28 AM
Quote from: Annunciation70130 on January 15, 2010, 11:27:41 PM
Quote from: froggie on January 15, 2010, 10:47:42 PM
Let's see if it gets built first....

If it does I would be surprised if I live to see it.  I can see it happening before I-49 gets built though.  There's also the Lafayette toll loop idea floating around.  It's probably a stretch, but LA-1 was once a pipe dream as well.

This kind of issues really annoy me, once there are plans for a road, there is also a need for it, so why wait 30 years to construct it? Imagine if they had this kind of attitude in the Interstate-construction era. If they were able to do it back then, why can't they do it right now?

THere were plenty of interstate proposals from the 1930s, 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s that took many years, if ever, before they were built.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Bryant5493 on January 28, 2010, 10:13:05 AM
I read the main AARoads website a few minutes ago about LA-23, and was curious about the speed limit on LA-23 en route to Venice. I was thinking about making a roadtrip, in the distant future, to Venice to film that route. I saw the exit for LA-23 on U.S. 90 Business awhile back, when I was in Greater New Orleans.

Additionally, how are the Twin Spans progressing?


Be well,

Bryant
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on January 28, 2010, 11:00:45 AM
Quote from: Bryant5493 on January 28, 2010, 10:13:05 AM
I read the main AARoads website a few minutes ago about LA-23, and was curious about the speed limit on LA-23 en route to Venice. I was thinking about making a roadtrip, in the distant future, to Venice to film that route. I saw the exit for LA-23 on U.S. 90 Business awhile back, when I was in Greater New Orleans.

Additionally, how are the Twin Spans progressing?


Be well,

Bryant

I'm not sure of the speed limit past Bayou Cane and the Naval Air Station, but I want to say that it is 65.  I think you can make it to the end in about an hour.

The westbound twinspan has been finished and open since Aug or Sept and is being used for eastbound traffic.  I haven't been that way since around that time, but the old westbound span should be gone by now.  Eastbound traffic goes up on the new eastbound span then crosses over to the new westbound span, then back to the new eastbound before coming ashore.  It makes for an interesting ride since the new eastbound span leans very noticeably leans to the right and the new westbound span leans to the left, so when you cross over you curve up to the left then down to the right.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Bryant5493 on January 28, 2010, 12:05:13 PM
Quote from: Annunciation70130 on January 28, 2010, 11:00:45 AM
I'm not sure of the speed limit past Bayou Cane and the Naval Air Station, but I want to say that it is 65.  I think you can make it to the end in about an hour.

Okay, thanks.

Quote from: Annunciation70130 on January 28, 2010, 11:00:45 AM
The westbound twinspan has been finished and open since Aug or Sept and is being used for eastbound traffic.  I haven't been that way since around that time, but the old westbound span should be gone by now.  Eastbound traffic goes up on the new eastbound span then crosses over to the new westbound span, then back to the new eastbound before coming ashore.  It makes for an interesting ride since the new eastbound span leans very noticeably leans to the right and the new westbound span leans to the left, so when you cross over you curve up to the left then down to the right.

Okay, it seems to be same as the last time I went to New Orleans, which was early August.

Thanks.


Be well,

Bryant
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on February 02, 2010, 11:41:48 PM
-The final phase of the Earhart Blvd (http://www.timedla.com/upload/files/news/Earhart_Fact%20Sheet.pdf), a part of DOTD's TimedLA (http://www.timedla.com) program, has begun in NOLA.

-LaDOTD "geauxs wider (http://www.geauxwider.com/)" to keep motorists up to date with BR area interstate projects. (widening, ramp meters, I-10, I-12, etc.)

-The South Louisiana Submerged Roads (http://www.pavinglaroads.com/) program and the New Orleans DPW Recovery campaign (http://www.neworleansrecoveryeffort.com/publicworks/dpwlist.aspx) have both taken off.

-Pictures from I-10 @ Causeway:
Northbound Causeway to I-10 West ramp (http://www.dotd.la.gov/administration/public_info/projects/causewayinterchange/images/Completeing%20up%20steel%20work%20just%20prior%20to%20pouring%20the%20deck%20for%20the%20North%20Causeway%20to%20westbound%20I-10%20ramp.JPG)
Ground-level Causeway @ Vets (http://www.dotd.la.gov/administration/public_info/projects/causewayinterchange/images/New%20right%20lane%20of%20ground%20level%20North%20Causeway.JPG)
Phases I & II overview (http://www.dotd.la.gov/administration/public_info/projects/causewayinterchange/images/Project%20overview%20phases%20I%20and%20II%20smaller.jpg)

-Huey P. Long Bridge photos:
Huey P. approach work (http://www.timedla.com/gallery/album.asp?album_id=78&position=1)

-John James Adubon Bridge progress pictures:
Tower progress (http://www.timedla.com/gallery/album.asp?album_id=84&position=1)


I just wish the Almonaster Ave and Florida Ave bridges were still on table.  They would have had a nice impact on the skyline from the west.
Florida Ave:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tfhrc.gov%2Fpubrds%2F05nov%2Fimages%2Fnew10.jpg&hash=11dbb3c808547ddb101712604d7cd5ebd14bbb93)(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fhwa.dot.gov%2Fipd%2Fimages%2Fimg_timedla_fl.jpg&hash=2d66a6ee742680942fe80435e799eb72ab5ea6e2)

Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mightyace on February 03, 2010, 12:03:43 AM
^^^

What was the idea behind those funky, overly complex circular ramps in the bottom picture?  :confused: :confused:
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on February 03, 2010, 12:20:36 AM
Quote from: mightyace on February 03, 2010, 12:03:43 AM
^^^

What was the idea behind those funky, overly complex circular ramps in the bottom picture?  :confused: :confused:

The original Florida bridge was recently replaced with the blue bridge.  The newer Florida bridge would run parallel to and above the new Florida bridge, so to connect it with both the blue bridge and the main street leading to the I-10 would require the circular ramps.
http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=29.98095,-90.023062&spn=0.005706,0.015407&t=h&z=17 (http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=29.98095,-90.023062&spn=0.005706,0.015407&t=h&z=17)

Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: froggie on February 03, 2010, 10:50:23 AM
Quote-The final phase of the Earhart Blvd, a part of DOTD's TimedLA program, has begun in NOLA.

Any word on that occasionally-mentioned proposal for a set of ramps to tie the east end of the Earhart Expressway into Airline?


QuoteLaDOTD "geauxs wider"

Now if only they'd do something about the stretch of I-10 between I-110 and I-12...


QuoteThe South Louisiana Submerged Roads program

Got a 404 error trying to pull this one up.


QuoteI just wish the Almonaster Ave and Florida Ave bridges were still on table.

Wasn't the Florida Ave bridge part of TIMED?  What happened to that?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on February 03, 2010, 06:04:16 PM
Quote from: froggie on February 03, 2010, 10:50:23 AM
Any word on that occasionally-mentioned proposal for a set of ramps to tie the east end of the Earhart Expressway into Airline?

Right before Katrina they were talking about elevating it above the railroad ROW and taking it all the way out to 310.  After Katrina, like the Almonastor bridge, it was never mentioned again and all info was removed from the dotd website.


Quote
Now if only they'd do something about the stretch of I-10 between I-110 and I-12...

I would love to see that.  It would be a pain in the a** for BR during construction, even though it would be worth it.


Quote
Got a 404 error trying to pull this one up.

It's a State program to rebuild roads that were submerged by Katrina.  Both the City and State have gotten their projects underway and almost every street in New Orleans is under construction if not dug up completely.


Quote
Wasn't the Florida Ave bridge part of TIMED?  What happened to that?

The plan for the Florida Ave hi-rise would have connected the upper 9th ward with Chalmette directly, allowing those from "da Parish" to bypass the Lower 9 all together.  It would have kept going over the Intracoastal and some marshland out to Paris Road, while the blue raising bridge would be convenient for Upper 9 to Lower 9 and railroad traffic.  After Katrina, they determined it wasn't need as much anymore and put the project on hold.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Hot Rod Hootenanny on February 05, 2010, 04:21:31 PM
Quote from: froggie on February 03, 2010, 10:50:23 AM
QuoteLaDOTD "geauxs wider"

Now if only they'd do something about the stretch of I-10 between I-110 and I-12...


I know I've heard, since Katrina, that widening that section of I-10 was back on the table, but that might have been during the Blanco Adminastration.  Widening I-10 & I-12 from the split to the exurbs (re: Livingston & Asension Parishes) have taken immediate presidence along with the (renewed) ongoing debates about the BR bypass(es).
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Hot Rod Hootenanny on May 31, 2010, 10:55:46 AM
The yearly "oh woe is us" from Louisiana DOTD and hang wringing from the politicians over funding highway construction in Louisiana.
http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/95238579.html?showAll=y&c=y (http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/95238579.html?showAll=y&c=y)

Despite a gaping backlog and bumpy rides, state highway improvements are a virtual nonissue during the 2010 legislative session.
The chief culprit? Highways and other services face a $3 billion drop in state revenue during the next two years.
"We are looking for the light at the end of the tunnel,"  said Sherri LeBas, interim secretary for the state Department of Transportation and Development.
Most of this year's highway legislative debates have involved issues like driving with cell phones, driver's license rules and speed limits.
Louisiana's backlog of road and bridge needs stands at $12.6 billion...

Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Hot Rod Hootenanny on July 15, 2010, 07:36:59 PM
In my efforts to keep our adult and well educated moderators working I submit the following:
New Orleans mayor Mitch Landeau has broached the subject of taking out I-10 from Pontchartrain to Elysian Fields
http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2010/07/mitch_landrieu_willing_to_disc.html (http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2010/07/mitch_landrieu_willing_to_disc.html)
I could have sworn we've had discussions about the removal of I-10 in New Orleans on here before, but I'll be damned if I can find the thread.  :hmmm:
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Alex on July 15, 2010, 07:40:23 PM
Quote from: osu-lsu on July 15, 2010, 07:36:59 PM
In my efforts to keep our kiddie moderators working I submit the following:
New Orleans mayor Mitch Landeau has broached the subject of taking out I-10 from Pontachtrain to Elsysian Fields
http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2010/07/mitch_landrieu_willing_to_disc.html (http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2010/07/mitch_landrieu_willing_to_disc.html)
I could have swore we've had discussions about the removal of I-10 in New Orleans on here before, but I'll be damned if I can find the thread.  :hmmm:

Indeed it was discussed here (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=651.msg15827#msg15827) the last time a blurb came out about tearing down the I-10 viaduct.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: codyg1985 on July 16, 2010, 09:18:00 AM
Quote from: osu-lsu on July 15, 2010, 07:36:59 PM
In my efforts to keep our adult and well educated moderators working I submit the following:
New Orleans mayor Mitch Landeau has broached the subject of taking out I-10 from Pontchartrain to Elysian Fields
http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2010/07/mitch_landrieu_willing_to_disc.html (http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2010/07/mitch_landrieu_willing_to_disc.html)
I could have sworn we've had discussions about the removal of I-10 in New Orleans on here before, but I'll be damned if I can find the thread.  :hmmm:

At least the mayor is willing to have an open dialog about it, but I sincerely hope he doesn't seriously consider it. The traffic that comes with the Claiborne Expressway isn't going to magically disappear if it's torn down.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: lamsalfl on July 16, 2010, 08:41:54 PM
I hope its torn down.  It really is awful. 
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: froggie on July 17, 2010, 07:36:07 AM
I agree with the awfulness bit.

Though I think the freeway should remain for redundancy purposes, I can feasibly see the viaduct being torn down.  However, there are three prerequisites before any teardown should be undertaken:

- Reconstruct the two I-10/I-610 interchanges so that I-10 on either end ties seamlessly into I-610, with 3 through lanes in each direction.  While most of I-610 is 6 lanes, it narrows down to 4 lanes on each end.

- Add the "missing movements" at the western I-10/610 interchange.  Specifically, a high-capacity ramp from WB 10 to EB 610.  Also, a higher capacity ramp than the existing loop from WB 610 to EB 10.  Both of these ramps would require additional right-of-way and thus would not be cheap or popular in the local neighborhood.

- Some sort of rail transit (whether LRT or commuter rail) from the east side of New Orleans into downtown.

With those three items in place, I think the viaduct could come down.  As long as it's replaced by a "high capacity boulevard" (I'm thinking something similar to Roosevelt Blvd in northeast Philly), with local lanes for local access and "through lanes" for longer-distance travelers, that will thus still serve as an alternative route in case now-610 jams up.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on July 19, 2010, 01:01:45 AM
The thing is, those who want it torn down want to replace it with a pedestrian friendly parkway that "promotes an urban city life environment".
I think that it's a stupid idea honestly. I say just rebuild it.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: lamsalfl on July 19, 2010, 01:57:01 AM
I'd rather see it in a trench.  Why not?  We've got other tunnels in the area.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on July 19, 2010, 02:09:53 AM
Quote from: lamsalfl on July 19, 2010, 01:57:01 AM
I'd rather see it in a trench.  Why not?  We've got other tunnels in the area.

The tunnels we have leak badly on a regular basis and it's nothing for a hard summer rain to overwhelm a pumping station.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Hot Rod Hootenanny on July 22, 2010, 12:14:48 PM
More from the Times Picayune about the possibility of tearing down Claiborne.  This time with more anyalsis and photos.
http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2010/07/claiborne_avenue_expressway_de.html (http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2010/07/claiborne_avenue_expressway_de.html)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on July 22, 2010, 01:54:49 PM
Quote from: osu-lsu on July 22, 2010, 12:14:48 PM
More from the Times Picayune about the possibility of tearing down Claiborne.  This time with more anyalsis and photos.
http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2010/07/claiborne_avenue_expressway_de.html (http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2010/07/claiborne_avenue_expressway_de.html)
:ded:
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: lamsalfl on July 22, 2010, 06:14:16 PM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on July 19, 2010, 02:09:53 AM
The tunnels we have leak badly on a regular basis and it's nothing for a hard summer rain to overwhelm a pumping station.

Yeah and when were those built?  The Huey Long era?  I'm sure today's technology is improved.  Boston, NYC, Mobile, Norfolk, etc. all have tunnels and those cities are coastal as well.  Claiborne Ave. is at sea level... not above it, not below it.  Midcity is 2-8 feet below, while the French Quarter is 10 feet above (thanks to the natural river levees).
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: lamsalfl on July 22, 2010, 06:15:55 PM
On that article that came out today... I'm a roadgeek, a conservative, not a greenie-weenie envirowacko, and I still say tear it down.  I can't imagine how good reconnecting the street grid would be.  As it stands now, you've got two exits... 2!!... to get to the Quarter.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on July 22, 2010, 07:09:59 PM
Quote from: lamsalfl on July 22, 2010, 06:14:16 PM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on July 19, 2010, 02:09:53 AM
The tunnels we have leak badly on a regular basis and it's nothing for a hard summer rain to overwhelm a pumping station.

Yeah and when were those built?  The Huey Long era?  I'm sure today's technology is improved.  Boston, NYC, Mobile, Norfolk, etc. all have tunnels and those cities are coastal as well.  Claiborne Ave. is at sea level... not above it, not below it.  Midcity is 2-8 feet below, while the French Quarter is 10 feet above (thanks to the natural river levees).

...and those cities are built on solid ground too, not silt. You dig a hole deep enough in this area and you can shift foundations of anything in a given radius.

I have a couple of issues.

What do we do with the traffic presently there? It's not going to just disappear as they suggest.

Truck traffic to the port has only increased in the last 2 or 3 years. So say we direct trucks and other traffic to the I-610. Now we have to widened or at least rebuild that. The 610 Split is going to need work and ROW (Lakeview will love this :paranoid:). Now we have extra traffic mixed in with Metairie traffic. Can we widen the Pontchartrain? Now you have railroads and a major multi-level interchange involved as well as access to 2 major streets.

They say "San Francisco, Milwaukee, (insert city here), etc. did it. New Orleans is always behind...". No city that I know of has removed the main freeway through town. Instead, they've removed freeways that weren't really necessary in the first place.

The say it will revitalize the 5th ward, 6th ward, 7th ward, Treme, etc. Claiborne stretches from Jefferson Parish to St. Benard Parish, only 2 miles of it is under an expressway. Why is the rest of it dead? The neighborhood was dying long before the I-10 came. Why will this 2 mile stretch magically be fixed with this removal?

They say it disconnects the neighborhoods. In order to accommodate traffic, you would end up with a 6 to 8 lane suburban style blvd vs an intimate pedestrian friendly surface street. The neighborhood will be just as disconnected and there will still be traffic noise.

How do we even begin to oversee this type project. Do we fix I-10 West and I-610 first? Do we just tear it down and go from there? What?

What are the true pros and cons of tearing this thing down?


I say rebuild. Anything else is just not.... 

----------------------------------------
BTW the street grid is still connected underneath the I-10. Every cross street passes underneath.


Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Revive 755 on July 22, 2010, 10:13:16 PM
Looking through the article, the report strikes me as very biased:

* Reducing air pollution?  I though traffic queued up at stoplights tended to do the opposite.

* Improved access to the French Quarter?  I take it people in Louisiana don't know how to use the current one-way outer roads for I-10 (or are there missing ramps I haven't found yet?)

* The report was a local architecture firm and Smart Mobility Inc -  I'd be more willing to accept some statement if it was done by a major consulting firm like HNTB or CH2M Hill.  The name for the Vermont group alone makes them seem suspect, but here's their website for judgment:
http://www.smartmobility.com/index.html (http://www.smartmobility.com/index.html)

* I-610 reduces the need for a Crescent City Connection to I-10 east of NO route?  Love to see a traffic flow map actually prove this.

* The wording in the article makes the travel times seem unrealistic.  At 30 mph, 2.2 miles would take 4 minutes 24 seconds non-stop.  With "delays at frequent traffic lights" that time will likely increase by at least a minute, maybe more.  The given minimum travel time in the article of 2 minutes is either plainly wrong or they expect a lot of speeders on the boulevard, negating any supposed pedestrian friendliness.

* Anyone know the truck volumes for previously removed freeways?  The previously removed ones don't seem like candidates for high truck volumes.

* Wasn't there already an issue of building damage in NO from truck traffic using surface streets instead of the unbuilt I-310 route?  If so, how would remove the Claiborne be any different?

EDIT:  Found a copy of the report online:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/34724768/I-10-Removal-and-Claiborne-Alternatives-New-Orleans (http://www.scribd.com/doc/34724768/I-10-Removal-and-Claiborne-Alternatives-New-Orleans)

Commentary
* Page 12:  Where's the US 90/maybe someday I-49 corridor on that role and function map?

* Page 13:  Again, where's consideration of US 90 traffic, or any consideration of traffic crossing the Mississippi?

* Page 14:  Should be a more detailed capacity/Level Of Service analysis, not just say some streets handled higher volumes in the past, so they can again.  How well did those streets handle those volumes?

* Page 15:  "Most of the traffic using the Claiborne Expressway is coming from South Claiborne or from the Pontchartrain Expressway south of I‐10."  So the Westbank corridor doesn't have through traffic?

* Page 18:  "Public transit options would be improved by expressway removal"   More along the lines of forcing people to use transit, not simply improving bus service or building a parallel light rail line.  Having mass transit and a freeway is not mutually exclusive as this report seems to indicate.

* Page 18:  Same problem with mutually exclusivity with pedestrians bicycles.  If there is so much excess capacity around, put a bike lane on the Clariborne outer roads using one of the current lanes.

* Page 21:  Galvez Street extension proposal:  Sure to be costly with railroads involved.  And what about displacements for the connection to Earhart Blvd?

* Appendix:  Where are the counts proving no significant traffic increase on adjoining routes for the Central Freeway in San Francisco if most stuck to cars?  I want to see proof that the counts looked at a wide area, not a small area surrounding the former freeway.  I think a Seattle document looking at this case had slightly different conclusions.

* Appendix:  Again with the West Side Highway traffic counts it seems only a small area including only Manhattan was looked at.  Was the any analysis of traffic possibly diverting to I-278 or somewhere in Jersey?

* The appendixes in general are extremely lacking.  I want more numbers for traffic volumes and land values.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on July 22, 2010, 11:46:13 PM
This is what happens when urban planners try to play engineer. Pretty doesn't necessarily equal functional.
I'm looking at this traffic circle, these intersections, and all of these weave points like WTH.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Alps on July 23, 2010, 06:21:26 AM
Quote from: Revive 755 on July 22, 2010, 10:13:16 PM

* Appendix:  Again with the West Side Highway traffic counts it seems only a small area including only Manhattan was looked at.  Was the any analysis of traffic possibly diverting to I-278 or somewhere in Jersey?


Actually, that traffic has gone one of three places:
1) Stayed on what's now West St., which is why NYC converted it into a high-level boulevard with well-timed signals.
2) Crossed over to FDR Drive, which is why there are frequent traffic jams there (especially at the Triboro Interchange, where it goes down to two lanes each way).
3) Uses the signal progression on the one-way numbered streets.

When you have a lot of high-function parallel roads doing the job, it's easy to remove an expressway.  That's almost never the case.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on July 26, 2010, 10:36:09 PM
I say keep the I-10 elevated. It's the best direct route for folks from the eastern part of the city, Slidell, Mississippi, Alabama and points east to access downtown, South Claiborne Avenue and the Westbank. It makes NO sense to divert all that traffic to I-610 and the Pontchartrain. If folks in Treme wanted to revitalize their neighborhood, they would have done so already and have done their best to keep the neighborhood from deteriorating in the first place to where it is.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on July 26, 2010, 10:54:04 PM
Look what's been popping up in my part of the parish: New b&w highway signs with bigger fonts for the numbers.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fthumb11.webshots.net%2Ft%2F83%2F83%2F6%2F76%2F79%2F2504676790046960331UVYVXw_th.jpg&hash=20094e43eb60b4613fa8e41dae1176d985876700) (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2504676790046960331UVYVXw)

This one was taken on Neal Road near LA 445 in Tangipahoa Parish. Similar signs were installed at LA 16 and LA 450 in Washington Parish and were being installed at LA 16 and LA 25 near Franklinton today.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on July 26, 2010, 11:11:08 PM
^I saw the first one in New Orleans 3 or 4 months ago.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: froggie on July 27, 2010, 08:26:27 AM
QuoteImproved access to the French Quarter?  I take it people in Louisiana don't know how to use the current one-way outer roads for I-10 (or are there missing ramps I haven't found yet?)

Not so much missing ramps as it is indirect ramps.  There are no direct ramps from westbound 10 to Claiborne Ave, and only one direct on-ramp, clear down at the Superdome.  Eastbound is a little better, with two direct off-ramps and one direct on-ramp.


QuoteI-610 reduces the need for a Crescent City Connection to I-10 east of NO route?  Love to see a traffic flow map actually prove this.

It would if there were more direct ramps at the western 10/610 junction, which I cited earlier as a prerequisite.


Quote* The wording in the article makes the travel times seem unrealistic.  At 30 mph, 2.2 miles would take 4 minutes 24 seconds non-stop.  With "delays at frequent traffic lights" that time will likely increase by at least a minute, maybe more.  The given minimum travel time in the article of 2 minutes is either plainly wrong or they expect a lot of speeders on the boulevard, negating any supposed pedestrian friendliness.

I'm gathering this is more a complaint about the newspaper article, since the report itself (on page 35) gives a different and more realistic view.


Quote* Page 15:  "Most of the traffic using the Claiborne Expressway is coming from South Claiborne or from the Pontchartrain Expressway south of I-10."  So the Westbank corridor doesn't have through traffic?

If you play the "percentages game", it looks like a little under 20% of traffic is through traffic to/from the Westbank.  With improvements at both 10/610 interchanges, it can be accommodated.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on July 27, 2010, 12:30:24 PM
Let's see. On eastbound I-10 you have access to The Quarter via the S. Claiborne exit, the Poydras exit, the Orleans Ave exit., and the  Esplanade exit.  From westbound you have Orleans Ave, Canal Street, and indirectly St Bernard Ave.  Although none of these exits empty right onto Iberville, Bienville, or Bourbon; all that they require at the most is a turn at a light and the area is probably the best signed area in town to guide tourist to The Quarter.

My problems with the study are..
1. There's no mention of traffic leaving the lower part of Uptown or the Westbank.
2. They've already stated that it isn't an engineering study. (kind of pointless IMO).
3. Alternative 1 (page 35) states "The diagonal path of the freeway through this street network will create challenges
in terms of efficient intersection design and urban redevelopment along the edges of the corridor." <- that defeats their argument for doing it in the first place.
4. Alternative 2 (page 35) plans to dump I-10 traffic onto S. Miro and S. Galvez with Broad and Rampart serving as relievers. <- That opens up an entirely new book of challenges and costs.
------------------------------------------------------
I don't like the sacrifice a couple of neighborhoods to save one.  Especially when it's not guaranteed. Also, now that we know that LSU is possibly involved in this too, it's starting to sound a little.....

Back on topic. If they were promoting "we're going to tear down this highway because it's old and we're going to fix the Pontchartrain and 610.." then yeah, but when it's "we're tearing down the highway because it will restore the neighborhood. Oh and it's cheaper to tear down 2 miles of it than to replace the entire 4 or 5 miles..." no. It just sounds like a land grab with some stupidity mixed in.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Hot Rod Hootenanny on July 27, 2010, 08:15:40 PM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on July 27, 2010, 12:30:24 PM
It just sounds like a land grab with some stupidity mixed in.

Alas, that is what (some) cities have been reduced to, to increase their tax base. You can't collect taxes on a highway, so take out the non-taxable entity and insert something taxable, like housing or commercial/light industrial property.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Alps on October 01, 2010, 12:16:19 AM
Bringing LA 1088/I-12 construction back on topic - could someone please tell me what the ramp configuration is?  There are no photos or plans to be found of the new interchange!  Thanks.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: froggie on October 01, 2010, 12:22:31 PM
As I understand it, it'll be a diamond interchange.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Alps on October 01, 2010, 05:56:27 PM
Taralyn got to me too, and yes it will be.  One of my photos made it look like a loop was being graded, but that was probably just dirt being piled.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: froggie on October 01, 2010, 07:00:48 PM
Or it's the Louisiana tendency to build huge loop-style ramps on diamond interchanges.  The I-12/LA 434 interchange is an example.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on October 27, 2010, 11:44:20 AM
Quick update: Eastbound I-12 traffic has now been rerouted onto the mostly-completed new Amite River bridge at the East Baton Rouge-Livingston parish line. Westbound I-12 traffic will be moved to the old I-12 East bridge so the westbound bridge can be torn out for the new westbound bridge.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on October 27, 2010, 04:03:48 PM
I read in the paper the other day that DOTD is about to start expanding I-12 from I-10/I-59 westward to 6-lanes.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on October 28, 2010, 11:35:46 AM
DOTD awards contract for I-12 widening project in Slidell (http://www.dotd.la.gov/pressreleases/release.aspx?key=1505)

"Work on the $25.7 million project will involve widening a section of I-12 from four to six lanes from the I-10/I-12/I-59 interchange to just west of the Vincent's Bayou Bridge. This section of I-12 will have three lanes in each direction when the project is complete. In addition, the I-12 eastbound off-ramp to Northshore Boulevard will be widened from one to two lanes, and a deceleration lane will be added at the I-12 westbound off-ramp to Airport Road.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: froggie on October 28, 2010, 04:30:07 PM
They really need to extend the 6-laning to Airport/Northshore, instead of stopping it halfway between there and US 11.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on November 02, 2010, 12:23:46 PM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on October 28, 2010, 11:35:46 AM
DOTD awards contract for I-12 widening project in Slidell (http://www.dotd.la.gov/pressreleases/release.aspx?key=1505)

"Work on the $25.7 million project will involve widening a section of I-12 from four to six lanes from the I-10/I-12/I-59 interchange to just west of the Vincent's Bayou Bridge. This section of I-12 will have three lanes in each direction when the project is complete. In addition, the I-12 eastbound off-ramp to Northshore Boulevard will be widened from one to two lanes, and a deceleration lane will be added at the I-12 westbound off-ramp to Airport Road.

Went through the I-12/US 11 interchange and spotted Clearview signage on US 11. I believe Clearview will also be placed on the sign bridge across the on and off ramps.

On another note, I thing it's eventual that I-12 will be widened along the entire route. Don't know how long it's gonna take though.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on November 10, 2010, 12:24:47 PM
I completely concur...WIDEN ALL OF I-12!!  :clap:
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Anthony_JK on November 10, 2010, 12:41:55 PM
Quote from: froggie on October 01, 2010, 07:00:48 PM
Or it's the Louisiana tendency to build huge loop-style ramps on diamond interchanges.  The I-12/LA 434 interchange is an example.


I suppose the reason for those wide- ramps is to accomodate the distance needed for the crossing road's grade seperation structures over the at-grade freeways. LA seems to like very liberal horozontal and vertical clearence.



Anthony
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on November 10, 2010, 02:55:24 PM
Quote from: Anthony_JK on November 10, 2010, 12:41:55 PM
I suppose the reason for those wide- ramps is to accomodate the distance needed for the crossing road's grade seperation structures over the at-grade freeways. LA seems to like very liberal horozontal and vertical clearence.



Anthony


I always thought that it was because of the flat terrain and lack of suitable material to build an embankment in the southern end of the state. I've seen few earthen embankments south of the I-12 corridor and those were all in Baton Rouge.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: lamsalfl on November 10, 2010, 06:57:44 PM
Exits 263 and 266 have earthen embankments.  I can't stand the kind in the city.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on November 12, 2010, 02:57:07 AM
Quote from: lamsalfl on November 10, 2010, 06:57:44 PM
Exits 263 and 266 have earthen embankments.  I can't stand the kind in the city.

Oh yeah, I forgot about the 3 in Baton Rouge. The overpass at exit 265 has an embankment as well.
Personally, I love the "embankmentless" overpasses in the city.'

----------------------------------------------
Question: Anybody have an idea as to why the interstates in metro B.R. are concrete, but the ones in greater N.O. are mostly asphalt? I would argue the terrain, but most new and suburban surface streets in the N.O. area are concrete.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: froggie on November 12, 2010, 11:50:29 AM
I disagree that most N.O. Interstates are asphalt.  One could make an argument that the rebuilt sections of I-10 used asphalt to reduce construction costs.  But I-310 on the Westbank is concrete.  All of 610 (except where it was rebuilt at I-10 West) is concrete.  And all of 10 between downtown and Slidell is either concrete or concrete underneath an overlay layer of asphalt.  The only asphalt outliers appear to be I-10 through Jefferson Parish, the short bit of at-grade I-310 on the Eastbank, and most of I-510.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on November 12, 2010, 03:53:19 PM
In that case maybe I should have been more specific. I'm referring to the surface layers. There is only one stretch of unelevated freeway in this area that I can think of with a concrete surface. Any concrete roadway that is rehabilated is covered with Asphalt. All of ground level I-10 has an asphalt surface except for the stretch between Almonaster/Louisa and Michoud. All of I-12 and I-510 are fully asphalt surfaced to my knowledge and they have even started to apply thin layers of asphalt to elevated portions of I-610. I-310, I'm not so sure. All new freeways in this are are topped with asphalt....... On the other hand new construction in the Baton Rouge area tends to be concrete and rehabilatation usually involves new concrete and no asphalt unless the roadway was already asphalt from my observation.  You can even notice a difference driving between the two on rural stretches. The minute you cross into the Baton Rouge MSA from the New Orleans MSA on I-10 the pavement changes (don't know how coincidental this may be) from asphalt to concrete and the earthen embankments begin.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on November 16, 2010, 01:31:03 AM
Probably because of the shifting and sinking ground on the Southshore....which is very evident in New Orleans East. That was the reason they had to redo I-10 between Causeway and Clearview.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: codyg1985 on November 16, 2010, 09:07:54 AM
Which pavement performs better on poor soil: concrete (rigid) or asphalt (flexible)? It would be mighty expensive to support the pavement structure with piles or micropilings, but it seems like everything else on the Southshore is on pilings.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: wriddle082 on November 16, 2010, 10:53:21 PM
Quote from: codyg1985 on November 16, 2010, 09:07:54 AM
Which pavement performs better on poor soil: concrete (rigid) or asphalt (flexible)? It would be mighty expensive to support the pavement structure with piles or micropilings, but it seems like everything else on the Southshore is on pilings.

My first guess would be asphalt due to the flexibility.  A really good example of a freeway built on very poor soil is I-20 between Vicksburg and Jackson, MS, an area that features "loess"(?) soil.  The one time I drove it back in the 90's, it was asphalt and very uneven.  Was barely able to safely drive 70 mph.  I would bet money that concrete would be even worse when you add in the expansion joints.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: codyg1985 on November 17, 2010, 07:31:47 AM
Quote from: wriddle082 on November 16, 2010, 10:53:21 PM
Quote from: codyg1985 on November 16, 2010, 09:07:54 AM
Which pavement performs better on poor soil: concrete (rigid) or asphalt (flexible)? It would be mighty expensive to support the pavement structure with piles or micropilings, but it seems like everything else on the Southshore is on pilings.

My first guess would be asphalt due to the flexibility.  A really good example of a freeway built on very poor soil is I-20 between Vicksburg and Jackson, MS, an area that features "loess"(?) soil.  The one time I drove it back in the 90's, it was asphalt and very uneven.  Was barely able to safely drive 70 mph.  I would bet money that concrete would be even worse when you add in the expansion joints.


It would seem to me that it would be a choice between cracking in the concrete slabs due to stress from the soil settling beneath or asphalt that dips along with the settling soil.

I wonder if highway designers considered surcharging the subgrade prior to building the road? What I mean by surcharging is placing a large mass of soil along the road so that the sheer weight of the soil would compress the soil enough so that when the road is builit on top of it, any additional settlement would be negligible. I am guessing that would have been expensive and time-consuming to do for a road, but it has been done for buildings and parking lots built on poor soil.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on December 10, 2010, 04:59:01 AM
St. Tammany Parish update:

St. Tammany gives drivers a break this holiday season
Christine Harvey, The Times-Picayune

Motorists in St. Tammany Parish will get a break from traffic this holiday season, with several road projects nearly complete or moving to the back burner until the first of the year.

The new Interstate 12 interchange at U.S. 11 is ready for permanent striping, which should begin before the end of the week, according to parish officials. The work to lay new asphalt on Military Road, also known as Louisiana 1090, between Interstate 59 and U.S. 190 also is complete except for permanent striping.

Completing these projects before construction begins on two others along Brown's Switch Road at the intersections of N. Military Road and Robert Boulevard will help ease traffic flow in this area, officials said Wednesday. Workers will add turning lanes onto Brown's Switch from both north- and southbound N. Military and build a roundabout at Robert Road, also known as Louisiana 1091.

Work to clear the area where the turning lanes will be built will begin soon, with construction starting after the first of the year, officials said. The roundabout project will begin construction as soon as the utility companies move their infrastructure to accommodate the new traffic design.

In the same area, the parish currently is working on subsurface drainage and ditching on Haas Road near Slidell, in preparation for road widening. Workers will not mill the road until after the holidays, but intermittent delays related to the drainage work are possible, officials said.

Also near Slidell, crews milled Pearl Acres Road this week, and work to pave the street should be substantially complete by Dec. 21.

Around Louisiana 21 and I-12 near Covington, lanes will remain open during the daylight hours through the holiday season. Work that may impede traffic will take place at night or be postponed until the holidays are complete.

Lastly, workers should begin clearing and grubbing in the next several weeks for the sound barrier planned for the south side of I-12, west of Robert Boulevard. Officials do not anticipate any traffic impact.

All projects on numbered roads, such as U.S. 11 and Louisiana 1090, are state projects, while the remaining projects are being undertaken by St. Tammany Parish.

http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2010/12/st_tammany_gives_drivers_a_bre.html (http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2010/12/st_tammany_gives_drivers_a_bre.html)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on December 14, 2010, 04:23:01 PM
Ascension and Livingston parish officials like idea of a toll road/bridge over Amite River just northwest of Port Vincent. The road would run between the La. 42/La. 933 intersection in Ascension across the Amite to the La. 16/La. 447 junction in Livingston. The proposed project would eliminate the bottleneck in Port Vincent at the signalized intersection of La. 42/La. 16.

http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/livingston_tangipahoa/111770049.html?index=1&c=y (http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/livingston_tangipahoa/111770049.html?index=1&c=y)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Bryant5493 on December 30, 2010, 11:13:45 PM



Be well,

Bryant
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Stephane Dumas on December 31, 2010, 01:30:52 PM
Nice video Bryant :) which cover of the song "City of New Orleans" you used?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City_of_New_Orleans_%28song%29 Steve Goodman's song was covered by Arlo Guthrie, Willie Nelson, Jerry Reid, Johhny Cash and more recently Roch Voisine http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ncu1nf6FoE8  and adapted in French by Joe Dassin under the title "Salut les amoureux" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dybBx3u10LU
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Bryant5493 on December 31, 2010, 07:19:18 PM
^^

Thanks. I used the Willie Nelson cover. I've listened to the others and I think that Willie's is the best.


Be well,

Bryant
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on January 14, 2011, 01:50:18 PM
Pontchartrain Expressway restriped near Superdome (http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2011/01/pontchartrain_expressway_restr.html)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.nola.com%2Fnews_impact%2Fphoto%2Fgraphic-xway-010211jpg-36fe0b32aca630eb.jpg&hash=21efd713b84f4ba3bbc269042c9e9119b124e78a)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Bryant5493 on January 16, 2011, 03:44:31 PM
^^

Has traffic flow improved?


Be well,

Bryant
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on January 16, 2011, 09:23:03 PM
Quote from: Bryant5493 on January 16, 2011, 03:44:31 PM
^^

Has traffic flow improved?


Be well,

Bryant

It actually got worse, at least during the evening rush hour. There was a lot of general confusion at first causing tie ups as it was an overnight change and the article didn't come until a week or two later.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: froggie on January 18, 2011, 04:40:30 PM
That's understandable for the first part.  Typically, it takes about 2 weeks or so for traffic flows to sort themselves out after a change.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on January 21, 2011, 02:04:13 PM
Quote from: froggie on January 18, 2011, 04:40:30 PM
That's understandable for the first part.  Typically, it takes about 2 weeks or so for traffic flows to sort themselves out after a change.

Yeah, it's actually better during non-peak times.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Anybody know the time frame for the Geaux Wider projects?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on January 28, 2011, 02:56:00 AM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsphotos.ak.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ak-snc6%2Fhs079.snc6%2F168922_10150389468045181_196191590180_17035178_1669891_n.jpg&hash=33377f561674cd910ac846343c132d402e9bafd0)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsphotos.ak.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ak-snc6%2Fhs060.snc6%2F169018_10150389469095181_196191590180_17035185_2324238_n.jpg&hash=dcb10684b2069abe000792e2b59975aff3b801c3)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsphotos.ak.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ak-ash2%2Fhs409.ash2%2F68734_10150302432325181_196191590180_15482647_5793847_n.jpg&hash=50cad337fd25cd97d0142d5f5f2c2a5e55413477)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsphotos.ak.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ak-snc4%2Fhs265.snc4%2F39608_10150302432195181_196191590180_15482645_2806496_n.jpg&hash=32bc194c1d14fca882a9f78cdad3d92034573cb2)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on January 28, 2011, 10:53:44 AM
What a commanding view of that project at the Hampton! Sign me up!     :rofl:
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on January 28, 2011, 02:16:44 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on January 28, 2011, 10:53:44 AM
What a commanding view of that project at the Hampton! Sign me up!     :rofl:
Imagine trying to sleep there after it's finished
-------------

Moving north to Baton Rouge we have a shot of the I-12 ramp meters in action.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsphotos.ak.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ak-snc4%2Fhs362.snc4%2F44546_460969632348_192582492348_6840718_2018104_n.jpg&hash=3afd6073e8fd871378cc6c36ae79fff62db634d7)

...and some work from I-12 the expansion...
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsphotos.ak.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ak-snc6%2Fhs053.snc6%2F168297_10150127438037349_192582492348_8312097_7282840_n.jpg&hash=3e730a31f52faec0399fe47da554ecca08a3f386)

...as well as the I-10 expansion.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsphotos.ak.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ak-ash2%2Fhs011.ash2%2F33915_490627607348_192582492348_7494889_1862001_n.jpg&hash=f44db70ec8dcc248983880c2bb0d81378648704a)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on January 28, 2011, 02:40:32 PM
The faster they can get I-10/12 finished the better!   :nod:

What do those ramp meters do?  :confused:  I can't imagine anybody obeying the 1-per-green stipulation the overhead signs requires.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Hot Rod Hootenanny on January 28, 2011, 09:48:31 PM
Seems the I-10 widening seems a little slower than I expected. Unless they had to tear out concrete again.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on January 29, 2011, 12:40:31 AM
Quote from: Adam Smith on January 28, 2011, 09:48:31 PM
Seems the I-10 widening seems a little slower than I expected. Unless they had to tear out concrete again.

I think that you are thinking of the Metairie I-10 widening vs. the Baton Rouge I-10 widening.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Hot Rod Hootenanny on January 29, 2011, 04:01:31 PM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on January 29, 2011, 12:40:31 AM
Quote from: Adam Smith on January 28, 2011, 09:48:31 PM
Seems the I-10 widening seems a little slower than I expected. Unless they had to tear out concrete again.

I think that you are thinking of the Metairie I-10 widening vs. the Baton Rouge I-10 widening.

LaDOTD had to replace concrete along I-10 when they did the widening & new interchange for Mall of Louisiana in 2008 as well.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on January 30, 2011, 12:26:21 PM
Quote from: Adam Smith on January 28, 2011, 09:48:31 PM
LaDOTD had to replace concrete along I-10 when they did the widening & new interchange for Mall of Louisiana in 2008 as well.

I thought you meant building the freeway, then having to tear it up and build it all over again. I've never known LaDOTD to just add a lane to the side and not replace the lanes that were already there unless it was asphalt. Even with asphalt they usually build the new lanes, then take out and replace the old lanes. They even do this with surface streets and it's obvious that's how the I-10 widening will be because the new concrete sits noticeably higher than the old. On the other hand, I'm mostly familiar with LaDOTD constrution in the N.O. area.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Bryant5493 on January 30, 2011, 07:35:15 PM



Be well,

Bryant
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on January 30, 2011, 09:30:26 PM
^^^Bryant, how in the world did you go thru B.R. without stopping on the MS River Bridge?  :hmmm:  The last 2 times I went thru there, August and September (which also were the 1st and 2nd time I had been in BR in almost 20 years!), traffic was stopped/creeping over the bridge.  August had a stalled vehicle in the right lane, in the curve, on the I-10 side of the 10/110 split.  :no:  September had a Ford F-150 doing its immitation of a teeter-totter on the median wall between the bridge and the 10/110 split.  :pan:  I have vowed to never drive that stretch of road again!  I'll stick w/US 61/190.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Bryant5493 on January 30, 2011, 09:48:11 PM
^^

This isn't one of my videos; it's a fellow YouTuber from Louisiana. But "Wow" on having to stop on that bridge.


Be well,

Bryant
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: eXfaktor on January 30, 2011, 11:27:06 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on January 30, 2011, 09:30:26 PM
^^^Bryant, how in the world did you go thru B.R. without stopping on the MS River Bridge?  :hmmm:  The last 2 times I went thru there, August and September (which also were the 1st and 2nd time I had been in BR in almost 20 years!), traffic was stopped/creeping over the bridge.  August had a stalled vehicle in the right lane, in the curve, on the I-10 side of the 10/110 split.  :no:  September had a Ford F-150 doing its immitation of a teeter-totter on the median wall between the bridge and the 10/110 split.  :pan:  I have vowed to never drive that stretch of road again!  I'll stick w/US 61/190.

Try commuting over it on a daily basis  :-o...
it's actually not that bad ALL the time  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Hot Rod Hootenanny on February 01, 2011, 08:47:55 PM
I was fortunate. I only recall being stuck on the I-10 Mississippi bridge a couple of times in the 5 years I was in Baton Rouge.
But I generally didn't go near I-10 during rush hour, home LSU football games, or hurricane evacuations.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on February 01, 2011, 09:31:09 PM
My 2 trips I mentioned above didn't happen during any of that either.  I REALLY don't want to be on that road during those times either!   :no:
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on February 02, 2011, 11:05:37 PM
I have a couple of questions involving mileage signs on US and LA highways...1)  How is the distance between 2 towns calculated?  On the west side of Arcadia on US 80 the old mileage sign read:  GIBSLAND 8    MINDEN 24.  About 2 years ago the LADOTD put up a new sign that now reads:  GIBSLAND 7    MINDEN 22.  Did the road shrink?   :confused:

2)  I'm beginning to think this may only be in my part of the state, but it seems to me there aren't enough directional signs (for towns listed at intersections) or mileage signs.  Does anyone else think this is the case?  I know there used to be more of these signs when I was growing up (even remember the mileages listed for the towns also), but they have disappeared and I don't think they will return.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Anthony_JK on February 03, 2011, 12:16:18 AM
Quote from: Adam Smith on February 01, 2011, 08:47:55 PM
I was fortunate. I only recall being stuck on the I-10 Mississippi bridge a couple of times in the 5 years I was in Baton Rouge.
But I generally didn't go near I-10 during rush hour, home LSU football games, or hurricane evacuations.

Funny...I used to travel on that bridge all the time when I commuted to LSU on my days off from work, and it never bothered me once. The old US 190 bridge was actually scarier due to the steeper grade and narrower roadway.


Anthony
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on February 03, 2011, 04:08:14 AM
Quote from: Anthony_JK on February 03, 2011, 12:16:18 AM

Funny...I used to travel on that bridge all the time when I commuted to LSU on my days off from work, and it never bothered me once. The old US 190 bridge was actually scarier due to the steeper grade and narrower roadway.


Anthony

I can only recall being stuck on the actual bridge once twice. I wish I could say that about the rest of the BR interstate system. The one thing I hate is that when you are sitting still on the bridge you feel it rock and sway, especially when traffic is heavy. Same thing with the Crescent City Connection.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on February 03, 2011, 09:56:55 AM
I drove through Baton Rouge last night and discovered I owe a friend an apology...

My friend was telling me about how she hated driving/riding over the Huey P. Long bridge in Baton Rouge.  I kept asking her if she meant New Orleans.  She insisted she meant BR.  She even described it as a RR bridge with a road attached to it.  I just didn't believe her, until last night.

I decided to drive US 190 through BR instead of I-10 (refer to my previous posts above as to why I chose US 190).  It was a nice ride, and I'll probably do it again.  Just before the US 61 JCT,  was the enormous (now faded) orange KCS RR bridge that I had completely forgotten about.  At the foot of the bridge was a sign that read...HUEY P. LONG BRIDGE!!    :pan:

Has anyone else forgotten about/confused this bridge with the other Huey P. Long bridge?  :confused:
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Anthony_JK on February 03, 2011, 10:21:46 AM
Quote from: cjk374 on February 03, 2011, 09:56:55 AM
I drove through Baton Rouge last night and discovered I owe a friend an apology...

My friend was telling me about how she hated driving/riding over the Huey P. Long bridge in Baton Rouge.  I kept asking her if she meant New Orleans.  She insisted she meant BR.  She even described it as a RR bridge with a road attached to it.  I just didn't believe her, until last night.

I decided to drive US 190 through BR instead of I-10 (refer to my previous posts above as to why I chose US 190).  It was a nice ride, and I'll probably do it again.  Just before the US 61 JCT,  was the enormous (now faded) orange KCS RR bridge that I had completely forgotten about.  At the foot of the bridge was a sign that read...HUEY P. LONG BRIDGE!!    :pan:

Has anyone else forgotten about/confused this bridge with the other Huey P. Long bridge?  :confused:

Interesting, because very few folk in BR actually refer to that bridge as the "Huey P. Long" bridge....that title is reserved for the NOLA bridge.

Most folk then as now still refer it as the "US 190" or "Old Mississippi River Bridge". Though, considering that Huey Long got a lot of bridges built in his time, I guess that he had a lot of them named for him or his progeny).


Anthony

Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on February 03, 2011, 12:47:32 PM
The Huey in BR is the original Huey. I don't know what people there call it, but here if it was mentioned I always heard people say "the other Huey P bridge".
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Hot Rod Hootenanny on February 03, 2011, 11:59:50 PM
Going off of John Week's website (http://www.johnweeks.com/river_mississippi/river_mississippi_24.html (http://www.johnweeks.com/river_mississippi/river_mississippi_24.html))
The NOLA Huey Long Bridge was finished in 1935, while the BR Huey Long Bridge was finished in 1940.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on February 04, 2011, 04:58:48 PM
Quote from: Adam Smith on February 03, 2011, 11:59:50 PM
Going off of John Week's website (http://www.johnweeks.com/river_mississippi/river_mississippi_24.html (http://www.johnweeks.com/river_mississippi/river_mississippi_24.html))
The NOLA Huey Long Bridge was finished in 1935, while the BR Huey Long Bridge was finished in 1940.


Sounds like I have my dates mixed up :ded:
One was started in 1933 and the other 1936, for some reason I thought that the BR bridge was first.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on February 11, 2011, 05:00:21 PM
Quote from: Adam Smith on February 01, 2011, 08:47:55 PM
I was fortunate. I only recall being stuck on the I-10 Mississippi bridge a couple of times in the 5 years I was in Baton Rouge.
But I generally didn't go near I-10 during rush hour, home LSU football games, or hurricane evacuations.

Add to that the Thanksgiving holidays.

In regards to B.R.'s Huey Long Bridge, it's not as bad as New Orleans' because it doesn't have that curve that's prominent on the westbank portion of the New Orleans bridge.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on February 11, 2011, 05:05:32 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on January 28, 2011, 02:40:32 PM
The faster they can get I-10/12 finished the better!   :nod:

What do those ramp meters do?  :confused:  I can't imagine anybody obeying the 1-per-green stipulation the overhead signs requires.

They obey the lights. Some ramps (like at Denham Springs) have two or more lanes that merge into one. The lights rotate among the lanes. Yet it's still hell merging at Denham Springs westbound.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on February 18, 2011, 01:14:28 PM
US 90 @ LA 85
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fa3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ak-snc6%2F169079_100505400029880_100273453386408_2542_6046185_n.jpg&hash=0ee5ebd4f4da88d03b7ff9cf6392e235dcd3a168)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fa7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ak-snc6%2F168931_100504106696676_100273453386408_2535_361989_n.jpg&hash=6ea1f721ebd98daecaf989d155851ac29096e8cf)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fa3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ak-snc6%2F168943_100504163363337_100273453386408_2537_700554_n.jpg&hash=d6895ee14561801d97eb77298072671ff35d6d2c)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Anthony_JK on March 01, 2011, 11:01:52 AM
Nice.  After that interchange is completed, only LA 318 near Four Corners and LA 182 near Calumet are the last at-grade intersections that have to be upgraded to interchanges, and the frontage road work between Darnell Road and LA 85, and LA 675 and LA 88 need to be completed, for US 90 to become a full freeway between LA 88 and Wax Lake.

Speaking of the latter...a major roadblock -- literally speaking -- is now being removed to frontage road work along US 90 in Iberia Parish...in the form of a large Live Oak tree that is being moved. In its entireity.

Costly for state to relocate 150-year-old Iberia oak (Lafayette Daily Advertiser) (http://www.theadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2011110223006)

Some commentors have raised sand about the $300K cost of moving the tree rather than just cutting it down...but personally, considering the alternatives of destroying a landmark or having to shift the mainline alignment to save it, this is more than worth it.


Anthony

Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Anthony_JK on March 01, 2011, 11:16:30 AM
Quote from: cjk374 on February 03, 2011, 09:56:55 AM
[...].

I decided to drive US 190 through BR instead of I-10 (refer to my previous posts above as to why I chose US 190).  It was a nice ride, and I'll probably do it again.  Just before the US 61 JCT,  was the enormous (now faded) orange KCS RR bridge that I had completely forgotten about.  At the foot of the bridge was a sign that read...HUEY P. LONG BRIDGE!!    :pan:

To be accurate, though...that RR overpass belongs to Canadian National (CN), formerly Illinois Central, not KCS. The KCS crossing of US 190 is a couple of hundred feet further east....and at-grade.


Anthony
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: NE2 on March 01, 2011, 01:03:15 PM
Actually it wouldn't surprise me if the rail part of that Huey P. Long Bridge belongs to the same agency as the road part (LADOTD?). KCS uses it as part of their main line to New Orleans, and UP has trackage rights on KCS there, but IC appears to stay on the east side of the river, crossing US 190 on a short bridge that the east rail approach to the Huey P. Long passes over.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Anthony_JK on March 01, 2011, 02:32:13 PM
Te clarify...I was talking about (and assuming the OP was talking about) the RR bridge that overpasses US 190 just past where the Old Mississippi River Bridge ends, not the rail bridge that crosses the river along with the roadway itself. That particular rail IS a KCS/Louisiana & Arkansas property, though Union Pacific also uses it as a spur access for their Addils-Livonia-Plaquemine substations.


Anthony
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: NE2 on March 01, 2011, 02:49:16 PM
The IC bridge over US 190 isn't orange, is it?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on March 01, 2011, 06:52:27 PM
^^^Not that 1....BR's Huey P. Long bridge.  As you come into BR from the west on US 190, the LARGE RR bridge appears on your left and the RR and highway begin to "merge" as both cross the MS River.  This RR bridge was orange when I was younger.  I believe 1991 was the last time I had seen the bridge before my trip I talked about last month.  I remember seeing the other RR bridge that crossed over US 190 on the east side of the river, and I wondered whose it was.  I appreciate that good info AnthonyJK and NE2.  :nod:
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: NE2 on March 01, 2011, 06:56:39 PM
Yes, the long orange bridge that crosses the river between the two directions of US 190 is primarily used by KCS. The short one perpendicular to it on the east side is IC.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on March 10, 2011, 05:31:05 PM
From reading a press release about how Baton Rouge and New Orleans' ranks dropped in a traffic survey, I found that several projects were going to be underway starting later this year into next year:

http://www.dotd.la.gov/pressreleases/release.aspx?key=1631 (http://www.dotd.la.gov/pressreleases/release.aspx?key=1631)

* Extension of Hooper Road (La. 408) from Greenwell Springs Road (La. 37) in East Baton Rouge Parish to La. 16 in Livingston Parish above Denham Springs...feasibility study underway and should be complete by this summer.

* Widening of I-10 from Clearview to Veterans from three to five lanes each way and a sound wall. To be let next month, costing $50-$70 million.

* Extension of 4th Street in Gretna from La. 18 to Burmaster St. (La. 466). To be let in fiscal year 2012-13 costing at least $10 million. Extension is for truck traffic.

* Peters Road on and off ramps and completion of MacArthur Drive interchange on the Westbank Expressway. Costing $20-$30 million, it's tentatively scheduled to be let next month.

* Improvements to Gen. De Gaulle Drive (La. 428).  Turn lanes will be added, an extra lane eastbound will be built and the lights from Holiday Drive to Mardi Gras Drive will be replaced. Will be let next month costing at least $2.5 million.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on March 10, 2011, 09:17:42 PM
I'm looking forward to the Clearview to Vets expansion. At one time they were thinking of adding a flyover from westbound to vets. I wonder what happened with that. Whatever they decide to do, I hope that they can pull it off in a timely manner.

The Manhattan interchange reconfiguration/Peters Road/MacAuthor Blvd project is badly needed and I'm looking forward to watching them pull this off.

The 4th street extension would be convienent during peak traffic.

I recently drove along the Harvey Blvd extension into Plaquemines Parish to Engineers Rd and must say that it is nice. Now they just need to widen it from Wall to Manhattan.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on March 18, 2011, 03:48:02 PM
Google Earth has updated its imagery of the Baton Rouge area....you can now see the I-10/12 construction. Even neater, you can go back in time to 1989...I believe that was a year after I-12 from O'Neal Lane to Airline was widened. Baton Rouge was a different place then.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: lamsalfl on March 20, 2011, 10:01:15 PM
see my thead about six-laning LA interstates:  https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=4308.0 

Based on my observations, just about all of I-12 and I-10 east of BR is ripe for widening.  Funding is another story.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: golden eagle on April 01, 2011, 05:29:10 PM
John James Audubon Bridge near completion:

http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20110401/NEWS01/104010351/Opening-Miss-River-bridge-nears?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Home
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on April 02, 2011, 03:27:39 PM
Baton Rouge Advocate link:
http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/westside/Bridge-opening-not-set-work-near-end.html (http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/westside/Bridge-opening-not-set-work-near-end.html)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Hot Rod Hootenanny on April 02, 2011, 06:44:06 PM
When I lived in Baton Rouge, it felt like it would take forever for that bridge to be built. Now that the end is in site, it seems like constuction just started yesterday.  :sombrero:
And reading all the hater comments after the Advocate's article just makes me  :spin:
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on April 05, 2011, 01:09:30 AM
Quote from: Adam Smith on April 02, 2011, 06:44:06 PM
And reading all the hater comments after the Advocate's article just makes me  :spin:

Okay!!! :-D :-D
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on April 05, 2011, 01:15:16 AM
Clearview signage spotted on I-12 off ramps to La. 21 as well as on 21 itself. I also spotted it on some street signs along Mehle Avenue in Arabi (on the St. Bernard/Orleans parish line).
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on April 07, 2011, 03:56:24 PM
The Big Lift Part Three takes place this weekend, resulting in the total closure of the Huey Long Bridge.
http://www.wwltv.com/news/Huey-P-Long-Bridge-to-close-this-weekend-119418259.html (http://www.wwltv.com/news/Huey-P-Long-Bridge-to-close-this-weekend-119418259.html)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: lamsalfl on April 09, 2011, 03:47:10 PM
New LA 1088 interchange with I-12 opens on the afternoon of April 13.  There is Clearview involved, but not sure if it includes the BGS on I-12.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on April 10, 2011, 05:07:29 AM
They recently replaced big green signage at the I-10/US 90 B/Superdome interchange with no clearview what so ever. The new signs are a darker green though and look much better than the ones they replaced.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on April 12, 2011, 01:40:44 AM
RPC planning studies include plans to improve Clearview from the interstate to the Huey P. Proposals include a CFI or a grade seperated interchange between Clearview and Airline.

http://www.norpc.org/feasibility_studies.html
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on April 13, 2011, 12:47:32 AM
The Regional Planning Commission is conducting a survey of Saint John the Baptist Parish motorists to help figure out where a proposed Reserve-area interchange on I-10 should be built.

http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2011/04/roadside_survey_asks_st_john_m.html (http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2011/04/roadside_survey_asks_st_john_m.html)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on April 13, 2011, 07:52:52 PM
LA-1088 at I-12 is now open. New I-12 interchange near Mandeville has opened to traffic (http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2011/04/new_i-12_interchange_near_mand.html)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.nola.com%2Ftpphotos%2Fphoto%2F2011%2F04%2F9484103-standard.jpg&hash=8b0acd09175b0edd0b7782bfb61ada4296f7f921)(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.nola.com%2Ftpphotos%2Fphoto%2F2011%2F04%2F9484104-standard.jpg&hash=42e3984747ea193e11395526589c4fa655c29ab9)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: agentsteel53 on April 13, 2011, 09:50:19 PM
doesn't look like they put a state-named shield.  dang.  am especially looking forward to state-named 12, since none of those have been around since the 90s.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mightyace on April 16, 2011, 02:42:52 AM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on April 12, 2011, 01:40:44 AM
RPC planning studies include plans to improve Clearview from the interstate to the Huey P. Proposals include a CFI or a grade seperated interchange between Clearview and Airline.

http://www.norpc.org/feasibility_studies.html

Are there any Clearview font signs on Cleaview Parkway?  :sombrero:
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on April 16, 2011, 03:09:37 AM
Quote from: mightyace on April 16, 2011, 02:42:52 AM
Are there any Clearview font signs on Cleaview Parkway?  :sombrero:

I don't think that there's even any clearview in the New Orleans area. None of the signs they've put up in the last two months use it either.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Alps on April 16, 2011, 12:29:59 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on April 13, 2011, 09:50:19 PM
doesn't look like they put a state-named shield.  dang.  am especially looking forward to state-named 12, since none of those have been around since the 90s.
I only saw one state-name shield in the Shreveport area (I-20 on a side road near I-49, quite by accident). I would doubt that they're going to start doing it again even if you ask nicely.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: lamsalfl on April 17, 2011, 02:01:43 AM
the 1088 interchange is all-Clearview, and it's Exit 68.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on April 17, 2011, 12:07:17 PM
Quote from: lamsalfl on April 17, 2011, 02:01:43 AM
the 1088 interchange is all-Clearview, and it's Exit 68.

Interesting. I wonder why none of the signs going up in Orleans and Jefferson lately haven't been clearview. Actually, I don't want to know because I'm dreading the day clearview goes up in the New Orleans area. As long as it's way out in Greater New Orleans it's fine because I don't have to see it. :)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: froggie on April 17, 2011, 04:34:25 PM
Quotethe 1088 interchange is all-Clearview, and it's Exit 68.

What are the control cities?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: lamsalfl on April 18, 2011, 12:28:00 AM
Quote from: froggie on April 17, 2011, 04:34:25 PM
Quotethe 1088 interchange is all-Clearview, and it's Exit 68.

What are the control cities?

Hammond
Slidell
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: codyg1985 on April 18, 2011, 09:44:20 AM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on April 17, 2011, 12:07:17 PM
Quote from: lamsalfl on April 17, 2011, 02:01:43 AM
the 1088 interchange is all-Clearview, and it's Exit 68.

Interesting. I wonder why none of the signs going up in Orleans and Jefferson lately haven't been clearview

Possibly because Orleans and Jefferson Parishes are in a different LaDOTD division than St. Tammany Parish?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on April 18, 2011, 11:27:08 AM
Quote from: codyg1985 on April 18, 2011, 09:44:20 AM
Possibly because Orleans and Jefferson Parishes are in a different LaDOTD division than St. Tammany Parish?

Didn't think of that. For some reason I was thinking that the Northshore was in District 02 also.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on April 20, 2011, 12:03:36 PM
I-10 through New Orleans east from the Highrise out to the 510 is being covered with a layer of asphalt. Once this is done I-610 will be the only remaining ground level interstate in the New Orleans area to have a significant stretch of concrete.  The next phase of the I-10 widening through East Jeff should be starting soon as well.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: lamsalfl on April 21, 2011, 09:25:05 PM
They're doing a horrible job with the asphalt.  If that is the top layer, then I am significantly disappointed.  Why is the center stripe area all discolored?  You can even see the lines that were created when they poured one lane at a time of asphalt.  I'm praying that's not the final coat. 
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on April 24, 2011, 11:20:28 PM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on April 20, 2011, 12:03:36 PM
I-10 through New Orleans east from the Highrise out to the 510 is being covered with a layer of asphalt. Once this is done I-610 will be the only remaining ground level interstate in the New Orleans area to have a significant stretch of concrete.  The next phase of the I-10 widening through East Jeff should be starting soon as well.

They need to do something to 610 quick!!!
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on April 24, 2011, 11:20:52 PM
Quote from: lamsalfl on April 21, 2011, 09:25:05 PM
They're doing a horrible job with the asphalt.  If that is the top layer, then I am significantly disappointed.  Why is the center stripe area all discolored?  You can even see the lines that were created when they poured one lane at a time of asphalt.  I'm praying that's not the final coat. 

Trust me, it isn't.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on April 24, 2011, 11:24:58 PM
A Ruston lawmaker wants to pay for $3 billion in backlogged highway work by proposing a bill this legislative session that would increase license tag fees by $20 and tripling commercial truck license fees. The money would go toward a fund called TIGER (Transportation and Infrastructure Growth of Economy through Roads).

http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2011/04/higher_fees_for_license_tags_p.html (http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2011/04/higher_fees_for_license_tags_p.html)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on April 25, 2011, 12:50:38 AM
Guess who just lost my vote.  :ded: If it passes the legislature, I will help vote it down in October.   :thumbdown:
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: froggie on April 25, 2011, 06:52:15 AM
So how do you plan to pay for road improvements then, cjk?  It's obvious to just about everybody around that the current system of funding is broke.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on April 25, 2011, 12:35:12 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on April 25, 2011, 12:50:38 AM
Guess who just lost my vote.  :ded: If it passes the legislature, I will help vote it down in October.   :thumbdown:

Paying $40 for a license plate every 2 years would be nothing compared to our neighboring states. I know people in Mississippi who have payed up to $600 yearly even though it gradually depreciates.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: froggie on April 25, 2011, 05:51:21 PM
That, however, is the personal property tax in Mississippi, which is applicable to vehicles.  License tab fees ran me only about $25 when I was stationed there.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: agentsteel53 on April 25, 2011, 05:58:06 PM
Quote from: froggie on April 25, 2011, 05:51:21 PM
That, however, is the personal property tax in Mississippi, which is applicable to vehicles.  License tab fees ran me only about $25 when I was stationed there.

does it really matter?  it's a mandatory annual fee for the maintenance of the good standing of your vehicle registration, no matter how you slice and dice it.

it's like a speeding ticket coming with $268 "bail" (nope, can't even call it a fine, that would be too easily comprehensible), then a "court fee" of $60, a "motorcycle helmet safety surcharge" of $5, and an "administrative fee" of $19.  

just call it a $352 fine like it actually is.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: oscar on April 25, 2011, 06:09:35 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on April 25, 2011, 05:58:06 PM
Quote from: froggie on April 25, 2011, 05:51:21 PM
That, however, is the personal property tax in Mississippi, which is applicable to vehicles.  License tab fees ran me only about $25 when I was stationed there.

does it really matter?  it's a mandatory annual fee for the maintenance of the good standing of your vehicle registration, no matter how you slice and dice it.

It matters for your Federal income tax return, if you itemize deductions on Schedule A.  Personal property taxes are deductible.  Other vehicle registration fees, fines, etc. generally aren't.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: agentsteel53 on April 25, 2011, 06:20:25 PM
Quote from: oscar on April 25, 2011, 06:09:35 PM
It matters for your Federal income tax return, if you itemize deductions on Schedule A.  Personal property taxes are deductible.  Other vehicle registration fees, fines, etc. generally aren't.

that still doesn't answer the question of "why split up the annual maintenance fee?"  Schedule A could say "fees whose name begins with letters A-M are deductible, N-Z are not" and that still would not address the deeper philosophical issue.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on April 25, 2011, 11:44:33 PM
Regardless of how it's split. There's a big difference between $10 total a year and $400 total a year.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on April 26, 2011, 12:49:17 AM
If Louisiana would protect the money raised from the higher tag fees from being raided to pay other bills, then I would probably go along with the idea.  But living here all of my life has taught me to know better.  :nod: The highway trust fund that was created by the Roemer administration is the only protected funds for Louisiana highways.  And I also am aware that we really have it good here in Louisiana when it comes to licensing and tag fees....and I want it to stay that way!!!   :clap:

We all know that the system (the gov't and the way they spend money) is broken.  After all, this is Louisiana.  The lawmakers could fix it if they really wanted to. We know why they won't.  My apologies for the political soapbox I have stomped on.  Politics can be upsetting to me sometimes.  :angry:
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: froggie on April 26, 2011, 08:31:55 AM
Yes it does matter, Jake.  The point is that not everyone who registers their vehicle in Mississippi is subject to the personal property tax.  I was one of those who was not subject.  Not to mention what Oscar said.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: agentsteel53 on April 26, 2011, 09:28:49 AM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on April 25, 2011, 11:44:33 PM
Regardless of how it's split. There's a big difference between $10 total a year and $400 total a year.

if I had to pay $400 a year to register my car, I'd think twice about owning one.  (well, assuming I did own one, which I already don't.)  Never mind that I probably spend that much on gas in a month... that's still a ridiculously high cost!  for that, I'd want solid gold vanity plates, a permit to enter the HOV lanes despite the car being unoccupied, and the governor's own parking spot.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on April 26, 2011, 12:45:10 PM
Quote from: froggie on April 26, 2011, 08:31:55 AM
Yes it does matter, Jake.  The point is that not everyone who registers their vehicle in Mississippi is subject to the personal property tax.  I was one of those who was not subject.  Not to mention what Oscar said.

What determines who is subject and who is not? I was under the impression that in order to be exempted you either had to be military, govt. employee or the vehicle had to be commerical.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: agentsteel53 on April 26, 2011, 01:14:03 PM
Quote from: froggie on April 26, 2011, 08:31:55 AM
Yes it does matter, Jake.  The point is that not everyone who registers their vehicle in Mississippi is subject to the personal property tax.  I was one of those who was not subject.  Not to mention what Oscar said.


then just call it: vehicle registration fee, $460 for regular residents, $60 for military, etc.  I have no problem with setting up a fee schedule, but I don't want to hear anyone's bullshit itemizations.  You took my money; the last thing I want to hear is gloating about how many ways you've managed to fine-slice it.

I can understand when a commercial establishment does it ($99 for the item, $8.62 sales tax, $11.35 shipping, $42.16 dealer prep, $282 handling) but the government is not in the business of trying to sell its products, so there is no reason whatsoever why it should advertise $99 and charge $306.

all I want to know is the final damage, in one lump-sum installment, so I can just roll my eyes once and take out my checkbook once.  Stop waxing my undercarriage.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on April 29, 2011, 12:59:30 AM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net%2Fhphotos-ak-snc6%2F206769_10150548157755181_196191590180_18080726_763211_n.jpg&hash=f2d3729374c4701a73ea6656bc0635d1cf7055dc)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net%2Fhphotos-ak-ash4%2F215923_10150548157320181_196191590180_18080721_6235035_n.jp&hash=812085289ebc3469d9233f462658a79d7de78226)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on April 29, 2011, 01:15:38 AM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net%2Fhphotos-ak-snc6%2F208245_10150173777567350_39317547349_6687360_2468046_n.jpg&hash=5e6294bd2977127e5a6c922d8a3e5a4c2a2cf32c)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net%2Fhphotos-ak-ash4%2F217004_10150173776922350_39317547349_6687341_3524415_n.jpg&hash=275ea32908700cc71ce823a25b55da053bfb1176)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net%2Fhphotos-ak-snc6%2F215294_10150173777047350_39317547349_6687344_4063122_n.jpg&hash=b2e26d82c976944a798938b81af7395d0eb763b0)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Hot Rod Hootenanny on April 29, 2011, 09:55:08 PM
That looks like alot of steel.  :-o
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Alps on April 30, 2011, 02:34:25 PM
It's very fortunate that the original bridge piers can take all that additional loading from the new travel lanes. Back in the day, bridges were vastly overbuilt.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on May 01, 2011, 10:46:37 AM
I wish more things had been overbuilt.  :sombrero: The Huey P., IMHO, only looks overbuilt because it has a railroad on it.  No such thing as "overbuilt" when dealing with railroads. 

And one can only hope that is American steel being used there.  :nod:
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on May 02, 2011, 08:20:06 AM
The fact that this bridge, built in 1935, still manages to do better on inspections than the other three crossings say something. Especially when the other three bridges were built in 1958, 1983, and 1988.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on May 02, 2011, 05:30:49 PM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on April 29, 2011, 12:59:30 AM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net%2Fhphotos-ak-ash4%2F215923_10150548157320181_196191590180_18080721_6235035_n.jp&hash=812085289ebc3469d9233f462658a79d7de78226)

The overhead signs are up on the ramp...not Clearview.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on May 03, 2011, 05:14:30 PM
The I-10 widening project in Baton Rouge has fallen way behind schedule.
http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/I-10-widening-falls-behind.html?showAll=y&c=y (http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/I-10-widening-falls-behind.html?showAll=y&c=y)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on May 04, 2011, 05:48:34 PM
According to the Huey P. Long widening project page on Facebook, The Audubon Bridge near Saint Francisville will open later this week due to major flooding on the Mississippi shutting down the Saint Francisville-New Roads ferry. Expect future lane closures as the bridge isn't complete yet.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Hot Rod Hootenanny on May 04, 2011, 09:27:41 PM
Quote from: brownpelican on May 04, 2011, 05:48:34 PM
According to the Huey P. Long widening project page on Facebook, The Audubon Bridge near Saint Francisville will open later this week due to major flooding on the Mississippi shutting down the Saint Francisville-New Roads ferry. Expect future lane closures as the bridge isn't complete yet.
Evidently Jindal was quoted this morning or yesterday as saying the bridge would open Thursday.
http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/State-EBR-brace-for-record-water.html
Once the Mississippi reaches 53 ft at Red River Landing (across the shore from Angola Prison), the St. Francisville-New Roads ferry will be no more.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: US71 on May 05, 2011, 01:59:59 AM
Quote from: cjk374 on May 01, 2011, 10:46:37 AM
I wish more things had been overbuilt.  :sombrero: The Huey P., IMHO, only looks overbuilt because it has a railroad on it.  No such thing as "overbuilt" when dealing with railroads. 

There are a couple 1910 era concrete bridges near Dewitt, AR that were overbuilt and are now historic landmarks.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on May 06, 2011, 01:18:19 PM
Audubon is open.

New bridge now open for traffic (http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/New-bridge-now-open-for-traffic.html?index=1&c=y)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.2theadvocate.com%2Fimages%2FHIGHWATER013.JPG&hash=57dc662ffe9c4c751b3587a1b59c5145ff35166f)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Bryant5493 on May 08, 2011, 12:33:52 PM



Be well,

Bryant
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on May 09, 2011, 01:24:49 PM
A feasibility study is underway for an I-12 interchange at La. 16/Pete's Highway in Denham Springs. Parish leaders wanted this exit built at the time the Juban Road interchange was done, but it wasn't possible.

http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/Petes-Highway-interchange-moving-forward.html (http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/Petes-Highway-interchange-moving-forward.html)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on May 10, 2011, 12:08:32 AM
One more thing: the rubblization/asphalt overlay of I-55 is continuing southward. Work is now underway between Amite City (La. 16) and Tickfaw (La. 442), but grading work south of there suggests the project will extend to the I-12 interchange.

Plus, installation of cable barriers on I-12 in Tangipahoa Parish is in full swing.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on May 10, 2011, 10:01:32 PM
^^^Speaking of those cable barriers on I-12...if the DOTD was to start widening the interstate to 6 lanes, won't they have to dig the cables up and relocate them?  Doing the cable installation now seems to be a big waste of money if widening is in I-12's future.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Sykotyk on May 11, 2011, 01:49:58 AM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on May 06, 2011, 01:18:19 PM
Audubon is open.

New bridge now open for traffic (http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/New-bridge-now-open-for-traffic.html?index=1&c=y)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.2theadvocate.com%2Fimages%2FHIGHWATER013.JPG&hash=57dc662ffe9c4c751b3587a1b59c5145ff35166f)

Just drove this today. Quite impressive. There's still no signage in the town of St. Francisville advising you that LA-10 multiplexes with US61. So, for now, LA-10 goes E/W through US61, and also goes west of US61 south of town without any indication.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Bryant5493 on May 15, 2011, 06:17:35 PM



Be well,

Bryant
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Grzrd on June 01, 2011, 01:27:40 PM
Here's an interesting article about Washington, LA, a town (along with 14 other Louisiana towns) which derives over half of its revenue from speeding ticket fines (primarily along I-49).  The article discusses how the town is playing cat-and-mouse with the state in order to avoid having to turn over to the state fines generated from 10 mph-or-less violations.  The reporter had a $167 fine for doing 77 in one of the new 75 mph zones:

http://www.theind.com/cover-story/8399-need-for-speed

The article also discusses Louisiana speed traps in general.

In Georgia, only the Georgia State Patrol is permitted to issue a ticket for a 10mph-or-less violation on an interstate; local law enforcement may only issue 11mph-and-above tickets.  Maybe Louisiana should consider enacting a similar law.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Sykotyk on June 02, 2011, 11:49:53 AM
Doesn't prevent them from saying you were doing 10+ over.

I like the idea of speeding tickets going into a state general fund and divvied up according to population back to the municipalities. This would end locales from using speeding tickets as revenue and treat it what it really is: a safety concern.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: agentsteel53 on June 02, 2011, 12:00:30 PM
Quote from: Sykotyk on June 02, 2011, 11:49:53 AM
Doesn't prevent them from saying you were doing 10+ over.

I like the idea of speeding tickets going into a state general fund and divvied up according to population back to the municipalities. This would end locales from using speeding tickets as revenue and treat it what it really is: a safety concern.

I would rather that speeding be points that accrue and result, eventually, in a license suspension.  levying fines just encourages corruption.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Bryant5493 on June 02, 2011, 01:21:02 PM



Be well,

Bryant
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: froggie on June 02, 2011, 01:57:29 PM
QuoteI would rather that speeding be points that accrue and result, eventually, in a license suspension.  levying fines just encourages corruption.

DoD does this on military bases.  Get a certain number of points over a given time period, lose your base driving privilege.

I believe some states also levy points as well as fines.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: agentsteel53 on June 02, 2011, 02:03:49 PM
Quote from: froggie on June 02, 2011, 01:57:29 PM

I believe some states also levy points as well as fines.


I thought every state gave points - even for out-of-state tickets. 
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on June 02, 2011, 02:58:40 PM
Quote from: Grzrd on June 01, 2011, 01:27:40 PM
Here's an interesting article about Washington, LA, a town (along with 14 other Louisiana towns) which derives over half of its revenue from speeding ticket fines (primarily along I-49).  The article discusses how the town is playing cat-and-mouse with the state in order to avoid having to turn over to the state fines generated from 10 mph-or-less violations.  The reporter had a $167 fine for doing 77 in one of the new 75 mph zones:

http://www.theind.com/cover-story/8399-need-for-speed

The article also discusses Louisiana speed traps in general.

In Georgia, only the Georgia State Patrol is permitted to issue a ticket for a 10mph-or-less violation on an interstate; local law enforcement may only issue 11mph-and-above tickets.  Maybe Louisiana should consider enacting a similar law.

Add Sun, La. to the speed trap list.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Alps on June 02, 2011, 06:55:36 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on June 02, 2011, 02:03:49 PM
Quote from: froggie on June 02, 2011, 01:57:29 PM

I believe some states also levy points as well as fines.


I thought every state gave points - even for out-of-state tickets. 
Some states do, some don't. Some recognize point for point, some don't.
Title: Audubon Bridge Opening Day - LADOTD Video
Post by: Grzrd on June 02, 2011, 08:33:49 PM
Quote from: Sykotyk on May 11, 2011, 01:49:58 AM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on May 06, 2011, 01:18:19 PM
Audubon is open.
New bridge now open for traffic (http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/New-bridge-now-open-for-traffic.html?index=1&c=y)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.2theadvocate.com%2Fimages%2FHIGHWATER013.JPG&hash=57dc662ffe9c4c751b3587a1b59c5145ff35166f)
Just drove this today. Quite impressive. There's still no signage in the town of St. Francisville advising you that LA-10 multiplexes with US61. So, for now, LA-10 goes E/W through US61, and also goes west of US61 south of town without any indication.
LADOTD video of bridge opening can be found on this page:
http://www.timedla.com/bridge/audubon/overview/
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on June 09, 2011, 04:39:21 PM
I-10 West's La. 1 exit ramp to be restriped. Why they restriped it to its current configuration in the first place, I have no clue.

http://www.2theadvocate.com/blogs/politicsblog/123560509.html (http://www.2theadvocate.com/blogs/politicsblog/123560509.html)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on June 17, 2011, 04:28:21 PM
Going through LaDOTD's Web site, I found plans for a few roundabouts on US 51 Business (S.W. Railroad Avenue) in Hammond:

* At Club Deluxe Road
* At I-12

PDF and PowerPoint presentations can be found here: http://www.dotd.la.gov/administration/public_info/projects/roundabouts/ (http://www.dotd.la.gov/administration/public_info/projects/roundabouts/)
Scroll to the bottom and click the tab.

Work should begin this October.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Anthony_JK on June 18, 2011, 12:16:47 AM
Quote from: brownpelican on June 09, 2011, 04:39:21 PM
I-10 West's La. 1 exit ramp to be restriped. Why they restriped it to its current configuration in the first place, I have no clue.

http://www.2theadvocate.com/blogs/politicsblog/123560509.html (http://www.2theadvocate.com/blogs/politicsblog/123560509.html)



The original reason for the restriping was to basically restrict exiting off I-10 westbound to LA 1 to far right lane, which is marked for "exit only" throughout the Miss. River bridge, while restricting the middle lane traffic to I-10 West through traffic.  Originally, traffic in the middle lane had the option of either continuing straight or exiting on to the LA 1 ramp, mostly for those going south on LA 1 to the Port of West Baton Rouge, Addis, Plaquemine, Donaldsonville, and points southwaed from there. (The far lane was used mostly for traffic exiting I-10 to get on LA 1 north to Port Allen.)

I guess that LADOTD wanted to give preference to through traffic on I-10 over those exiting on LA 1...unfortunately, because the split on the LA 1 offramp between north and south traffic comes up so fast after the I-10 exit, traffic has little manuvoer room when getting off the bridge to decide whether to exit or to go north or south...hence all of the accidents and the backups.

Also...some politicos in the LA State Legislature who regularly drive on I-10 raised hell with LADOTD why they made the decision in the first place, since there was no issue with accidents on I-10 or LA 1 before they did their experiment.

Maybe the LADOTD looked at the success that they had restriping the I-10/I-110 Split interchange to get rid of that idiotic single lane "exit" on eastbound I-10 (which used to transpose into the Washington St. exit ramp before they redid the lane assignments, and thought that they could replicate it here on I-10/LA 1. Simply a case of attempting to fix what wasn't broke to begin with.


Anthony
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on June 30, 2011, 12:59:02 PM
Interstate 10 widening bids opened for 8th, and final, contract (http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2011/06/bids_opened_for_eighth_--_and.html)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: geoffNOLA on July 04, 2011, 01:01:41 PM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on April 16, 2011, 03:09:37 AM
Quote from: mightyace on April 16, 2011, 02:42:52 AM
Are there any Clearview font signs on Cleaview Parkway?  :sombrero:

I don't think that there's even any clearview in the New Orleans area. None of the signs they've put up in the last two months use it either.
There are Clearveiw at intersection for LA-18 and US-90 right off of the Huey P. and on the Frontage Rd for the Westbank Expy, Between Medical Center Blvd and Mac Arthur Ave *AND* on the Toll Plaza for the GNO Bridge *That I know Of*
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on July 07, 2011, 07:12:27 PM
Governor Jindal signs bill securing funding to complete I-49 North (http://www.dotd.la.gov/pressreleases/release.aspx?key=1759)
"Today, Governor Jindal signed HB 370 by Rep. J Smith, a Governor's Package Bill that bonds out funding to invest in I-49 North construction, which along with funding in the Governor's capital outlay bill, secures the $160 million necessary to complete I-49 north from the Arkansas line to I-220. The Governor was joined by state and local leaders for the bill signing at the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce..."

LA Swift extended through June 30, 2012 (http://www.dotd.la.gov/pressreleases/release.aspx?key=1754)
"Today, Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) Secretary Sherri H. LeBas announced that LA Swift, the service between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, has been extended through June 30, 2012 thanks to a $2.3 million grant awarded to DOTD by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA)..."

DOTD and ETC Corporation reach settlement agreement (http://www.dotd.la.gov/pressreleases/release.aspx?key=1756)
"The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LADOTD) and Electronic Transaction Consultants Corporation (ETC or ETC Corporation) today announced that they have reached a settlement agreement whereby the lawsuits between the two organizations have been withdrawn..."



Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on July 13, 2011, 12:40:08 PM
Baton Rouge/East Baton Rouge Mayor/President Kip Holden says the B.R. Loop is still on track, despite neighboring parish leaders bailing.

http://theadvocate.com/home/347467-79/holden-br-loop-project-on.html (http://theadvocate.com/home/347467-79/holden-br-loop-project-on.html)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on July 15, 2011, 08:56:01 AM
LaDOTD announces a cash toll lane will be constructed on the new LA 1 bridge at Leeville. It will open sometime next year.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on July 15, 2011, 10:44:57 AM
More cracking is appearing at the Causeway/I-10 interchange. They've also added extra concrete around one of the piers making it a lot wider and thicker than usual.  :-/
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on July 15, 2011, 01:57:02 PM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on July 15, 2011, 10:44:57 AM
More cracking is appearing at the Causeway/I-10 interchange. They've also added extra concrete around one of the piers making it a lot wider and thicker than usual.  :-/

Which pier on which overpass?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on July 15, 2011, 03:19:37 PM
Quote from: brownpelican on July 15, 2011, 01:57:02 PM
Which pier on which overpass?

The supports that will hold up the Causeway south to I-10 East overpass.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on July 15, 2011, 05:26:39 PM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on July 15, 2011, 03:19:37 PM
Quote from: brownpelican on July 15, 2011, 01:57:02 PM
Which pier on which overpass?

The supports that will hold up the Causeway south to I-10 East overpass.

Well dang! Who in the world is checking the concrete?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on July 23, 2011, 08:02:35 PM
I have no clue, but here's a glimpse at work on the Causeway over Vets overpass.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/260393_10150684250425181_196191590180_19441218_806038_n.jpg)
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/261227_10150684245580181_196191590180_19441156_2089930_n.jpg)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on July 23, 2011, 08:35:49 PM
Contamination Major Obstacle in I-10 Bridge Replacement (http://www.kplctv.com/story/15006348/contamination-major-obstacle-in-efforts-to-replace-i-10-calcasieu-river-bridge)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on August 12, 2011, 12:33:45 AM
Some updates from NOLA:

The new Twin Spans will be complete and open to all traffic next month.
http://www.wwltv.com/news/northshore/Revamped-Twin-Spans-to-open-in-September-127486668.html (http://www.wwltv.com/news/northshore/Revamped-Twin-Spans-to-open-in-September-127486668.html)

The Huey P. Long Bridge widening project moves into a new phase as nighttime closure replace the daytime closures.
http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2011/08/huey_p_long_bridge_project_mov.html (http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2011/08/huey_p_long_bridge_project_mov.html)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Ace10 on August 15, 2011, 11:53:54 PM
Quote from: brownpelican on August 12, 2011, 12:33:45 AM
Some updates from NOLA:

The new Twin Spans will be complete and open to all traffic next month.
http://www.wwltv.com/news/northshore/Revamped-Twin-Spans-to-open-in-September-127486668.html (http://www.wwltv.com/news/northshore/Revamped-Twin-Spans-to-open-in-September-127486668.html)...

Thank God! I visited New Orleans about two weeks ago and was still surprised work was still going on with the twinspans. Good to know it's almost finished.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: golden eagle on August 16, 2011, 12:57:34 AM
I passed through the area on Friday. I saw some work that was being done, but didn't really know what kind of work. Good thing it wasn't crowded, though.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: bassoon1986 on August 16, 2011, 05:41:57 PM
Speaking of Clearview, there is a considerable amount that has been changing over in central LA as well. The entire Pineville Expressway(US 167, US 71, LA 28) has been resigned I think to Clearview last time I visited home. Also most mileage signs and city limit signs along US 165 to Monroe from Alexandria have been changed as well. I cannot recall if interchanges in Monroe along I 20 have had some Clearview changed, they were replacing some as I was moving from there last December
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Anthony_JK on August 16, 2011, 09:40:42 PM
Funny Clearview FYI:

They're finishing up the BGS upgrade on I-49 between Alexandria and Lafayette...all of the signs are reworked to Clearview EXCEPT for the I-10/I-49 interchange, which still uses the original FHWA Series font. Gee, I wonder why??

Also...they've modified the control limits for the I-10 interchanges within Lafayette. Some of them, like the University Avenue and I-49/US 167 interchange BGS's, used to have "Lafayette" as their control city. For example, the US 167 South exit (103A) used to say "Lafayette" and the LA 182 (University Ave) exit (101) used to have "Lafayette/Carencro" as their control cities. Now, the US 167 South exit has Morgan City as its control city, and the LA 182 exit now says "University Ave" with no control city, and has "Carencro" and "University of Louisiana Lafayette" on separate BGS signs. Makes perfect sense to me.


Anthony
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Anthony_JK on August 16, 2011, 09:44:51 PM
Quote from: Ace10 on August 15, 2011, 11:53:54 PM
Quote from: brownpelican on August 12, 2011, 12:33:45 AM
Some updates from NOLA:

The new Twin Spans will be complete and open to all traffic next month.
http://www.wwltv.com/news/northshore/Revamped-Twin-Spans-to-open-in-September-127486668.html (http://www.wwltv.com/news/northshore/Revamped-Twin-Spans-to-open-in-September-127486668.html)...

Thank God! I visited New Orleans about two weeks ago and was still surprised work was still going on with the twinspans. Good to know it's almost finished.

Amazing what 100% federal funding following a natural disaster will do to expedite construction, isn't it?

Can you only imagine how long it would have taken if it relied on traditional 90/10 funding, or if the state would have had to put up its share?? *cough*I-49South*cough*


Anthony
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Ace10 on August 18, 2011, 02:03:59 AM
Quote from: Anthony_JK on August 16, 2011, 09:44:51 PMAmazing what 100% federal funding following a natural disaster will do to expedite construction, isn't it?

Can you only imagine how long it would have taken if it relied on traditional 90/10 funding, or if the state would have had to put up its share?? *cough*I-49South*cough*

Anthony

Well I only say that because in my hometown of Biloxi, whoever did the construction of the Bay St Louis and Ocean Springs bridges that carry US 90 got them fully finished 2-3 years after the hurricane if I remember correctly. I'm surprised LA still hadn't finished work on the Twinspans last I was in New Orleans, compared to how quickly MS reconstructed those bridges.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on August 18, 2011, 11:27:04 AM
It may have something to do with MS completely closing the bridges and rerouting traffic during construction whereas LA kept the bridges open to traffic.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: froggie on August 21, 2011, 09:37:40 AM
That's part of it.  The Biloxi-Ocean Springs and Bay St. Louis bridges were completely destroyed.  Not the same with the Twin Spans...the eastbound span was repaired and reopened inside of 2 months as I recall, and the westbound span a few months later.  And because the existing Twin Spans are still being used, LaDOTD had to work around them in building the new Twin Spans, ESPECIALLY at the bridge approaches.

The other thing to consider is scale.  The Bay St. Louis bridge is just over 2 miles, and the Biloxi-Ocean Springs bridge is about a mile-and-two-thirds.  The Twin Spans are 5-and-a-half miles long...50% more than the two Mississippi bridges combined.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on August 25, 2011, 05:10:05 PM
LaDOTD has recently replaced the brand new BGSs at the Bonnabel exit on I-10 westbound with even newer Clearview signage.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on August 26, 2011, 01:29:30 AM
As of right now they're replacing signage at the Causeway interchange that isn't even 6 months old yet. Our tax dollars at work :ded:
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on August 27, 2011, 01:33:40 PM
That is nuts...
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Darkchylde on September 01, 2011, 09:34:28 PM
I-12 now has new mile markers on it (at least on eastbound) with "East 12", then "Mile" and the mile number.

The weather was too crappy today, but I'll try to grab a snap of one when I can - there's one within walking distance of my house.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Alex on September 01, 2011, 09:55:09 PM
Quote from: Darkangel on September 01, 2011, 09:34:28 PM
I-12 now has new mile markers on it (at least on eastbound) with "East 12", then "Mile" and the mile number.

The weather was too crappy today, but I'll try to grab a snap of one when I can - there's one within walking distance of my house.

lamsalfl told me that they finally added mileposts to Interstate 10 from I-12/59 to the MS state line too.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Ace10 on September 01, 2011, 11:54:56 PM
Quote from: Alex on September 01, 2011, 09:55:09 PM
lamsalfl told me that they finally added mileposts to Interstate 10 from I-12/59 to the MS state line too.

I can confirm they have. The I-10 mileposts to the MS state line have the I-10 shield on them as well, and run both directions East and West. I live about 40 miles away from the MS-LA state line but Darkangel can probably snap a picture faster than I can.

Is it bad that I was never aware they were missing? Just never noticed, I guess.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Darkchylde on September 02, 2011, 03:50:51 PM
(cue stream of incoherent cursing)

Here. Walked out onto the Interstate in a rainstorm to get a pic of the new milepost design.

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wBBnwAQL9IE/TmElmvSb1MI/AAAAAAAAH1A/BUnffOymyLo/s640/DSCF0024.JPG)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Ace10 on September 02, 2011, 07:58:21 PM
Darkangel, you're truly an angel (lol). The I-10 signs near the easternmost miles of I-10 look the same. I'm heading that way myself tomorrow probably, so I'll see if I can snap a few pictures of those.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: lamsalfl on September 02, 2011, 11:28:38 PM
The new I-10 deluxe milemarkers begin at Mile 262 and continue east to the state line.  Also, I noticed east of Michoud Blvd. exit in New Orleans East some new concrete slabs with a hole in them.  I assume they are for the missing milemarkers there too.  None have been installed on the Twinspan either. 

I could be wrong, but it seems like the ones in the Slidell area are poorly calibrated.  It seems like they are spaced every .8 or .9 miles apart.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on September 08, 2011, 08:46:54 AM
All lanes of the new Twin Span will open to traffic by the morning rush Friday. Expect minor work to continue though.
http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2011/09/twin_spans_commuters_thrilled.html (http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2011/09/twin_spans_commuters_thrilled.html)

Emergency repairs to take place today at the I-10/I-12/I-59 interchange today.
http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2011/09/road_work_will_impact_i-12i-59.html (http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2011/09/road_work_will_impact_i-12i-59.html)

Lake Pontchartrain officials say a fifth toll lane is planned for the northshore toll plaza, but there's no date as when to build it. They have the money to build it.
http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2011/09/causeway_to_add_fifth_lane_and.html#incart_mce (http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2011/09/causeway_to_add_fifth_lane_and.html#incart_mce)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on September 08, 2011, 02:54:04 PM
Quote from: Darkangel on September 01, 2011, 09:34:28 PM
I-12 now has new mile markers on it (at least on eastbound) with "East 12", then "Mile" and the mile number.

They started installing these on I-10 in the city a about a year or two ago and then suddenly stopped and went back to the plain green mile marker, but started installing them every .2 miles.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: US71 on September 08, 2011, 04:10:58 PM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on September 08, 2011, 02:54:04 PM
Quote from: Darkangel on September 01, 2011, 09:34:28 PM
I-12 now has new mile markers on it (at least on eastbound) with "East 12", then "Mile" and the mile number.

They started installing these on I-10 in the city a about a year or two ago and then suddenly stopped and went back to the plain green mile marker, but started installing them every .2 miles.

FWIW, their official name seems to be "Emergency Reference Markers" (at least according to MoDOT)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on September 09, 2011, 10:05:50 PM
I-12 lanes set to open in Livingston (http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/index.php/topic/46632-proposed-i-12-widening/page__st__40)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Anthony_JK on September 09, 2011, 10:22:28 PM
Well...the new I-10 Twin Span between NOLA and Slidell is now finally open in both directions, only awaiting final touches:
http://www.dotd.la.gov/pressreleases/release.aspx?key=1803

And, in Baton Rouge, LaDOTD succumbs to reality and pressure and restores original lane assignments for westbound I-10/LA 1 exit off New Mississippi River Bridge:
http://www.dotd.la.gov/pressreleases/release.aspx?key=1803


Anthony
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on September 13, 2011, 10:17:15 PM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.nola.com%2Ftraffic%2Fphoto%2F9998201-large.jpg&hash=7450ffcd08d90bcf007a1f980d4ee4f109edf7eb)
Interstate 10 cable safety barriers to be installed between Baton Rouge and East Jefferson (http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2011/09/state_transportation_officials.html)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on September 13, 2011, 11:37:27 PM
^^^^From Highland Road in Baton Rouge to Veterans Blvd in Metairie.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Anthony_JK on September 20, 2011, 01:14:55 PM
The final 4-lane stretch of US 61 from St. Francisville to Bains was opened yesterday, completing the full 4-lane from BTR to the MS state line.

http://www.dotd.la.gov/pressreleases/release.aspx?key=1813


Anthony
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on September 20, 2011, 09:13:48 PM
A new section of the elevated La. 1 project - six miles from Leeville to Port Fourchon - will open to traffic near the end of the year.

http://www.wwltv.com/news/New-La-Highway-1-Bridge-to-Port-Fourchon-Nearly-Finished-130234618.html (http://www.wwltv.com/news/New-La-Highway-1-Bridge-to-Port-Fourchon-Nearly-Finished-130234618.html)

Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on September 20, 2011, 09:27:15 PM
UPDATE: Causeway officials say construction on the fifth toll lane and toll booth will begin next spring and should be finished by Thanksgiving 2012.

http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2011/09/work_to_begin_soon_on_expandin.html (http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2011/09/work_to_begin_soon_on_expandin.html)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Hot Rod Hootenanny on September 20, 2011, 11:55:07 PM
Quote from: Anthony_JK on September 20, 2011, 01:14:55 PM
The final 4-lane stretch of US 61 from St. Francisville to Bains was opened yesterday, completing the full 4-lane from BTR to the MS state line.

http://www.dotd.la.gov/pressreleases/release.aspx?key=1813


Anthony

Yea!
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on September 22, 2011, 02:17:04 PM
Does anyone remember the La. 3241 project? Yes, I'm talking about the project that was supposed to give Bogalusa a 4-lane link to I-12 and has been on the drawing board for more than 20 years, but should be open now.

Well, the Army Corps has released the first draft of its study on the environmental impact of four proposed routes of the highway. The Corps favors the route that will connect the highway at I-12 via La. 434 near Lacombe, while the state favors a route that will connect to I-12 at La. 1088 northeast of Mandeville.

The public can can give input on the draft and project until Oct. 24.  A public hearing will be held the evening of Sept. 28 at the Abita Springs Town Hall. Comments may be given there too.

The highway is still a decade away from being built and open to the public.

Times-Picayune story with map of proposed routes:
http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2011/09/long-bandied_road_linking_bush.html (http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2011/09/long-bandied_road_linking_bush.html)

Army Corps link:
http://www.mvn.usace.army.mil/ops/regulatory/Bush.htm (http://www.mvn.usace.army.mil/ops/regulatory/Bush.htm)

Army Corps email for sending comments:
I-12toBush@usace.army.mil

Mail: James Barlow, Project Manager, New Orleans District, Corps of Engineers, P.O. Box 60267, New Orleans, LA 70160.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: froggie on September 23, 2011, 07:13:10 AM
Did LaDOTD consider simply upgrading existing LA 21?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on September 29, 2011, 12:33:08 PM
The "iconic" diagrammatical BGS succumbed to this over the early AM hours.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg10.imageshack.us%2Fimg10%2F4994%2Fimg1253j.jpg&hash=3c31936206c456ef86f9db6acf82042436fddd37)

Why they didn't just stick with a green exit tab with only the word "Left" in yellow is beyond me.  Although I'm not a fan of Clearview, I must say that this is the first of the new clearview sinage in the area that I don't like.

Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: codyg1985 on September 29, 2011, 12:42:09 PM
^ Uh oh, you sure TXDOT didn't sneak over into Metairie and put that sign up, complete with the 3di I-10 shield? I guess if that were the case then the first letter of the cardinal direction wouldn't be larger.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Alex on September 29, 2011, 06:04:21 PM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on September 29, 2011, 12:33:08 PM
The "iconic" diagrammatical BGS succumbed to this over the early AM hours.

Why they didn't just stick with a green exit tab with only the word "Left" in yellow is beyond me.  Although I'm not a fan of Clearview, I must say that this is the first of the new clearview sinage in the area that I don't like.



Whoah, that looks like total garbage.  :thumbdown: A yellow exit tab? What is this, Quebec?

The 3-digit width shield for a 2di with a 1 in it, also makes me want to  :banghead:
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: InterstateNG on September 29, 2011, 06:22:14 PM
If I'm not mistaken, the yellow LEFT tab is stipulated by the MUTCD.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: NE2 on September 29, 2011, 06:44:17 PM
Quote from: InterstateNG on September 29, 2011, 06:22:14 PM
If I'm not mistaken, the yellow LEFT tab is stipulated by the MUTCD.
No, it should be a green tab with a yellow 'left':
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmutcd.fhwa.dot.gov%2Fhtm%2F2009%2Fimages%2Ffig2e_26_sm.gif&hash=bf2c23f2f8147efa62572ab905cdf013d03adbfe)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Revive 755 on September 29, 2011, 06:53:08 PM
^ IMHO, the MUTCD is wasting money with having "left" on the sign when there is already an arrow pointing to the left, or indicate the lanes for the exit are on the left side of the roadway.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Hot Rod Hootenanny on September 29, 2011, 10:27:49 PM
Funny, when LaDOTD replaced the overhead signage along I-110 in 2008, the collection of lefthand exits near downtown got those "extra tall" left hand exit tabs. Those tabs were all green, no yellow background.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on September 29, 2011, 10:40:09 PM
Quote from: Hot Rod Hootenanny on September 29, 2011, 10:27:49 PM
Funny, when LaDOTD replaced the overhead signage along I-110 in 2008, the collection of lefthand exits near downtown got those "extra tall" left hand exit tabs. Those tabs were all green, no yellow background.

The sign that these replaces had the same set up, yet they have the tall green tab with only "LEFT" in yellow on the exit to I-110 from eastbound I-10. They're also being inconsistent. They'll put Clearview here, Gothic there, then come back and replace a few of the Gothics with Clearview.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Hot Rod Hootenanny on September 29, 2011, 11:11:20 PM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on September 29, 2011, 10:40:09 PM
Quote from: Hot Rod Hootenanny on September 29, 2011, 10:27:49 PM
Funny, when LaDOTD replaced the overhead signage along I-110 in 2008, the collection of lefthand exits near downtown got those "extra tall" left hand exit tabs. Those tabs were all green, no yellow background.

The sign that these replaces had the same set up, yet they have the tall green tab with only "LEFT" in yellow on the exit to I-110 from eastbound I-10. They're also being inconsistent. They'll put Clearview here, Gothic there, then come back and replace a few of the Gothics with Clearview.

So the signs in Baton Rouge have been replaced again so the left exit tabs are now black on yellow?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on September 30, 2011, 10:26:35 AM
Quote from: Hot Rod Hootenanny on September 29, 2011, 11:11:20 PM
So the signs in Baton Rouge have been replaced again so the left exit tabs are now black on yellow?

Don't know about the signs actually on I-110, but the sign from I-10 east to I-110 north is like the sign in the lower left corner.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmutcd.fhwa.dot.gov%2Fhtm%2F2009%2Fimages%2Ffig2e_26_sm.gif&hash=bf2c23f2f8147efa62572ab905cdf013d03adbfe)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on October 14, 2011, 01:16:45 PM
Quote from: froggie on September 23, 2011, 07:13:10 AM
Did LaDOTD consider simply upgrading existing LA 21?


You would think they'd have done so by now eh? I don't have a problem with that one. But I guess LaDOTD didn't want to tear down those rich folks' homes.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on October 16, 2011, 10:14:30 AM
Quote from: Hot Rod Hootenanny on September 29, 2011, 11:11:20 PM
So the signs in Baton Rouge have been replaced again so the left exit tabs are now black on yellow?

As of a couple of days ago they have.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on October 20, 2011, 12:21:50 PM
Some photo updates..........

I-12 widening (Slidell)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg810.imageshack.us%2Fimg810%2F6035%2F28197618371522836193911.jpg&hash=4ce8d6dc680e0ab4ff3bc9a814b9d97d5de3e7f8)

I-10 reconstruction at Causeway (Metairie)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg27.imageshack.us%2Fimg27%2F480%2F30908410150794394535181.jpg&hash=25f1889b244685818b3ec9fd6b3cbf577cc73e6e)

Huey P. Long Bridge widening (Jefferson/Bridge City)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg197.imageshack.us%2Fimg197%2F4835%2F32073910150358996172350.jpg&hash=fa2f4693b39055972225128b45ce70506a6444e8)

I-10 widening (Metairie)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg9.imageshack.us%2Fimg9%2F702%2F33682818708795470196417.jpg&hash=1f8d934653157a92cd121bdf7b1546b9447c88f0)

I-10 widening (Baton Rouge)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg593.imageshack.us%2Fimg593%2F9310%2F30031310150390753177349.jpg&hash=01af28f65cca1d15099e0195bc560fceb8c1ecc1)

I-12 widening (Baton Rouge)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg32.imageshack.us%2Fimg32%2F8513%2F31614010150390745242349.jpg&hash=282c8bd2904484a85cb45b4ac833fdc72472319b)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg267.imageshack.us%2Fimg267%2F6407%2F30267710150390741847349.jpg&hash=dcbbae88d8fe78002aa72bc86396ef481536a31f)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: froggie on October 21, 2011, 09:27:39 AM
Maybe I missed something, but when did they start widening I-12 in Slidell?  And how far?  Nevermind that it's about 10 years late...
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: lamsalfl on October 21, 2011, 09:54:07 AM
All BGS and overhead signage in Slidell on I-10 is being replaced with Clearview signage.  I saw a truck parked at the Oak Harbor exit with a ton of signs on them.  I'm not really anti-Clearview anymore.  The crisp and clean signs look good.  Also, I-10 in Slidell has always been six lanes since it was built in the 1960s.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on October 21, 2011, 10:33:29 AM
Quote from: froggie on October 21, 2011, 09:27:39 AM
Maybe I missed something, but when did they start widening I-12 in Slidell?  And how far?  Nevermind that it's about 10 years late...


For some months now. Sadly, I think that it's only going to Airport Rd. I wish they would just drag it on to BR.

Quote from: lamsalfl on October 21, 2011, 09:54:07 AM
All BGS and overhead signage in Slidell on I-10 is being replaced with Clearview signage.  I saw a truck parked at the Oak Harbor exit with a ton of signs on them.  I'm not really anti-Clearview anymore.  The crisp and clean signs look good.

They're doing the same along the reconstructed sections of I-10 in Metairie. The westbound sinage looks good, but something went wrong on the Eastbound side. The scaling seems to be off and all of the I-10 shields are 3di width shields. They've replaced the eastbank bound Tchoupitoulas exit sinage with clearview as well.

They've also installed the new mile markers completely through the Orleans/Jefferson area. I've noticed that down here they are posting them on left side of the roadway instead of the right as I've seen in Slidell and going toward Baton Rouge.  They've also installed these giant intermediate "urban" mile markers every 2/10 of a mile.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on October 27, 2011, 04:33:48 PM
They've installed the new mile markers on I-55 too.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: lamsalfl on October 28, 2011, 12:51:02 PM
Quote from: brownpelican on October 27, 2011, 04:33:48 PM
They've installed the new mile markers on I-55 too.

not north of I-12 as of the other day. 
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: lamsalfl on October 28, 2011, 12:51:45 PM
There are two I-110 shields using the Clearview font.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on October 29, 2011, 01:59:08 AM
Quote from: lamsalfl on October 28, 2011, 12:51:45 PM
There are two I-110 shields using the Clearview font.

The new U.S. 90 Business shields actually have Business printed across the top of the actual shield in black. Similar to how Interstate is on the Interstate shields. Looks nice.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: agentsteel53 on October 29, 2011, 02:35:14 AM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on October 29, 2011, 01:59:08 AM

The new U.S. 90 Business shields actually have Business printed across the top of the actual shield in black. Similar to how Interstate is on the Interstate shields. Looks nice.

sounds like they are copying a Texas standard.

(//www.aaroads.com/shields/img/TX/TX19700591i1.jpg)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on October 29, 2011, 12:48:35 PM
Probably.
Noticed some new HOV signage this morning.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg233.imageshack.us%2Fimg233%2F5451%2Fpa290078.jpg&hash=3f93ab182b379e3416655bc4c7da59c6d3e3ab66)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: codyg1985 on October 29, 2011, 07:55:58 PM
They are using the Texas goalpost sign posts too...although Alabama uses those style sign supports sometimes, too.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on November 01, 2011, 02:06:22 AM
Quote from: lamsalfl on October 28, 2011, 12:51:02 PM
Quote from: brownpelican on October 27, 2011, 04:33:48 PM
They've installed the new mile markers on I-55 too.

not north of I-12 as of the other day. 

They'll probably install them when the road work is done.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on November 01, 2011, 01:51:45 PM
They go all the way to the Mississippi state line on I-55. Drove that way 3 weeks ago.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: lamsalfl on November 03, 2011, 10:46:33 PM
And in light of the I-69 designations in TX and KY, I've just e-mailed LA, AR, and MO about signing stretches of I-49 that are complete and attached to an existing route (Westbank Expressway, AR 549, I-540, and US 71).  We'll see what they say if they reply.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: froggie on November 04, 2011, 08:11:49 AM
Has AHTD completed the reroute of AR 245 at I-30?  If not, you can't include AR 549 because I-49 is supposed to use AR 245, not TX 151/US 59.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: US71 on November 04, 2011, 09:46:05 AM
Quote from: froggie on November 04, 2011, 08:11:49 AM
Has AHTD completed the reroute of AR 245 at I-30?  If not, you can't include AR 549 because I-49 is supposed to use AR 245, not TX 151/US 59.


Well, technically, it's not a reroute of 245. I believe it's going to be I-130 then eventually become I-49.   245 will likely continue on its current alignment to AR 296
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: NE2 on November 04, 2011, 03:27:51 PM
Quote from: US71 on November 04, 2011, 09:46:05 AM
Well, technically, it's not a reroute of 245.
Sure it is: "construction of an interchange for the Interstate 30 and Highway 245 Loop (Future Interstate 49) in Texarkana" (http://www.arkansashighways.com/annual_report/Arkansas%202007%20Annual%20Report.pdf)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on November 11, 2011, 10:16:24 AM
DOTD chief pushes for I-10 Baton Rouge corridor fix (http://theadvocate.com/home/1284954-125/dotd-chief-pushes-for-i-10.html)

Interesting..
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Anthony_JK on November 11, 2011, 11:34:07 AM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on November 11, 2011, 10:16:24 AM
DOTD chief pushes for I-10 Baton Rouge corridor fix (http://theadvocate.com/home/1284954-125/dotd-chief-pushes-for-i-10.html)

Interesting..

Started a new thread here on that:

https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=5632.0


Anthony
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on November 11, 2011, 10:55:13 PM
Kenner's Interstate 10 interchange at Loyola to get a turn lane (http://www.nola.com/crime/index.ssf/2011/11/kenner_interstate_10_interchan.html)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.nola.com%2Fcrime_impact%2Fphoto%2Fmap-loyola-111211jpg-9bb13bb0080fe68b.jpg&hash=e40088dcc1bcb04e3d0120e48cd3e3882ad79174)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on November 16, 2011, 08:36:52 PM
New Huey P. Long deck being poured/smoothed.

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/311432_10150394061607350_39317547349_8365146_1841574017_n.jpg)
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/296311_10150395421712350_39317547349_8370181_1354882221_n.jpg)
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/305292_10150398681847350_39317547349_8381510_1741419737_n.jpg)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net%2Fhphotos-ak-snc7%2F313139_10150398770772350_39317547349_8381863_1216928081_n.jpg&hash=1c1865136477f3b971869e150aac1402e04122af)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on December 06, 2011, 12:39:29 AM
Governor Jindal marks completion of $79 million I-55 resurfacing project (http://www.dotd.la.gov/pressreleases/release.aspx?key=1842)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on December 06, 2011, 02:53:00 PM
Hallelujah!

My dad thought that stretch would NEVER get fixed.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on December 06, 2011, 03:06:20 PM
It actually feels surreal for the pavement to be worse leaving Louisiana instead of entering.
Title: LA 1 (Port Fourchon Elevated) Phase 1 Complete
Post by: Grzrd on December 10, 2011, 11:27:32 AM
Ribbon-cutting was yesterday; it should be open to traffic by Monday:
http://www.houmatoday.com/article/20111209/HURBLOG/111209556/1319?Title=Elevated-highway-to-open-by-Monday

"An elevated highway between Leeville and Port Fourchon will be open to motorists by Monday, marking a major step in a years-long effort to replace sinking La. 1 ...
La. 1, which has long suffered from erosion and neglect, is the only route linking the rest of the state and nation to Port Fourchon, a national oil hub that serves as the supply point for more than half of all oil-and-gas production in the Gulf of Mexico.
The highway routinely floods when it rains during strong winds and at high tide. Tropical weather can close the road for days ...
Henri Boulet, executive director of the La. 1 coalition, said the highway will be open by Monday at the latest. Crews were still painting stripes on the road.
The project aims to eventually connect Fourchon to U.S. 90 with an elevated highway, a $1.5 billion investment. The La. 1 improvement project was split into four separate phases. The Leeville connection marks the completion of phase 1.
Phase 2, with a price tag of about $45 million, will connect the highway to Golden Meadow.
The La. 1 Coalition, made up of business and government interests, has asked the federal government to pay about one-third of the construction cost of Phase 2 ...
Advocates are also hoping that Department of Homeland Security study released this week will also help make their case. The study found that a 90-day closure of La. 1 – and the resulting closure of Port Fourchon – would result in a loss of $7.8 billion in the nation's gross domestic product. GDP is a measure of an area's total economic output. It represents the market value of all goods and services produced.
Nearly $4 billion of that loss would come from the parishes surrounding Port Fourchon, including Terrebonne and Lafourche.
He said the federal government's decision on whether La. 1 will receive money is due Dec. 31.
Phases 3 and 4, estimated to cost more than $900 million combined, have no money dedicated to them."
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: codyg1985 on December 12, 2011, 07:26:06 AM
^ Is it just me or does the picture from the article look like they are in a white room cutting a ribbon while drinking expensive champaign?
Title: I-49 North
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on December 12, 2011, 12:09:06 PM
Some pics I've found from the I-49 project. The first one is supposedly at the state line.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net%2Fhphotos-ak-snc7%2F373778_179350578820212_173375266084410_353062_972096777_n.jpg&hash=f610a7cffce90fa99fb51a1f0e84b2ab99a6c92d)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net%2Fhphotos-ak-ash4%2F373778_179350602153543_173375266084410_353066_482919570_n.jpg&hash=0cd2f5a7edc5c0aab075ade7e11100344a11276a)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net%2Fhphotos-ak-ash4%2F390688_179349932153610_173375266084410_353055_847729725_n.jpg&hash=a966c740809fc99b02eeb14261aa5b5281fcc54f)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net%2Fhphotos-ak-ash4%2F390688_179349922153611_173375266084410_353052_2074536953_n.jpg&hash=a508cacbd04ce2f5a81c743e3845732f439da67e)

It's amazing how hilly and curvy that part of the state is. Almost looks like it could be in another state compared to South Louisiana.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: bassoon1986 on December 12, 2011, 01:48:15 PM
yeah it kind of resembles I-20 near Arcadia and Ruston
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Stephane Dumas on December 13, 2011, 07:51:22 AM
It looks a bit like the Ozarks mountains or the Piedmont area of NC or SC.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: lamsalfl on December 13, 2011, 06:06:43 PM
Who took those pictures?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on December 13, 2011, 09:39:25 PM
Quote from: lamsalfl on December 13, 2011, 06:06:43 PM
Who took those pictures?

DOTD
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on December 15, 2011, 12:04:01 AM
It looks good.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on December 15, 2011, 12:05:52 AM
A preliminary study shows tolls on I-49 in the Lafayette area could generate half the money needed to complete the highway there:

QuoteTolls of 16 cents per mile for passenger vehicles and four times that for commercial trucks could provide enough annual revenue to secure financing ranging from $540 million to $725 million, according to a preliminary traffic study by HNTB, a national consulting firm that specializes in transportation projects.

http://theadvocate.com/home/1558259-125/tolls-eyed-as-revenue-source.html (http://theadvocate.com/home/1558259-125/tolls-eyed-as-revenue-source.html)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Grzrd on December 15, 2011, 11:43:15 AM
Yesterday, I received an email from LaDOTD asking me to participate in their red light camera survey because I have emailed them in the past with various questions.  In case anyone wishes to participate in the survey, or just has general interest, here is the link to LaDOTD's press release about the survey (which in turn has a link to the survey itself):
http://www.dotd.la.gov/pressreleases/release.aspx?key=1859
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on December 15, 2011, 12:59:20 PM
I-12 Expansion Set Near Walker (http://theadvocate.com/news/1568677-123/i-12-expansion-set-near-walker.html)

They might as well just widen it from end to end. Now, moving eastward he have this.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net%2Fhphotos-ak-ash4%2F386106_10151038575870181_196191590180_22073736_181848949_n.jpg&hash=14ad6c3a471fd23e69f6fe1c8a52ca1f547fe639)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net%2Fhphotos-ak-ash4%2F390642_10151038576460181_196191590180_22073741_1478784943_n.jpg&hash=98dfc6a3c83d8e32435d4a737cda317b675a5d19)
Causeway Boulevard Interchange Project (http://www.facebook.com/CausewayInterchange)
Title: Louisiana planning for more 6-lanings on I-10 and I-12
Post by: lamsalfl on December 21, 2011, 05:12:05 PM
I started a new thread basically to advertise the splash factor, but this could probably be merged into the Louisiana thread soon enough.

ask and ye shall receive...

No article, but a reply to an e-mail I sent regarding the state's plans for further widening of I-10 and I-12.  The state recently broke ground this week on the continued eastward trend of 6-laning I-12, this time from Juban Road (the new Exit 12) to Walker (Exit 15).  It was also announced that due to the bids coming in under budget, there is leftover money to go another 2 to 3 miles eastward almost to the Satsuma exit (19).

I-10 is currently being widened from I-12 to eastward to Highland Road (Exit 166).  

Here is the reply after being asked about continuing east on both Interstates.  

Following the recent addition of the $21.9 million project to widen 3.2 miles of I-12 from four to six travel lanes between Juban Road and the Walker interchange, the Department is planning to widen I-12 from two to three lanes from the Walker Interchange approximately two to three miles east towards Satsuma. Additionally, we are in the process of conducting a study that will help to identify what type of improvements need to be made (widening, interchange improvements, safety, etc.) on I-12 from Livingston Parish to the I-10/I-12/I-59 interchange in St. Tammany. It will also include a preliminary environmental inventory.   The study is scheduled to be completed in March 2012.  
Regarding the I-10, the Department has completed a study to widen I-10 to six travel lanes from I-10/I-12 split to LA HWY 22 in Ascension Parish. Construction is currently underway from the split to Highland road.  Our staff is reviewing the recommendations of this study from Highland road to LA 22.

The DOTD was very quick to reply to any questions if you just e-mail them.  
Title: Re: Louisiana planning for more 6-lanings on I-10 and I-12
Post by: ShawnP on December 21, 2011, 06:46:04 PM
Does it have the traffice thruput to support?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: froggie on December 21, 2011, 10:09:20 PM
Instead of going "almost to the Satsuma exit", I'd take a lane on one side all the way to Exit 19 instead of dropping both short of the interchange.  Which lane gets taken to the exit would depend on whether the westbound AM or eastbound PM had the higher volume.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: lamsalfl on December 21, 2011, 11:34:02 PM
Quote from: froggie on December 21, 2011, 10:09:20 PM
Instead of going "almost to the Satsuma exit", I'd take a lane on one side all the way to Exit 19 instead of dropping both short of the interchange.  Which lane gets taken to the exit would depend on whether the westbound AM or eastbound PM had the higher volume.

If the funding comes up (for argument's sake) 800 feet short of the interchange, I would imagine they'd find the funding to finish it to Satsuma...IF it's short enough. 
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on December 22, 2011, 12:29:34 PM
QuoteRegarding the I-10, the Department has completed a study to widen I-10 to six travel lanes from I-10/I-12 split to LA HWY 22 in Ascension Parish. Construction is currently underway from the split to Highland road.  Our staff is reviewing the recommendations of this study from Highland road to LA 22.

Believe me, the traffic justifies widening to Sorrento (La. 22).
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on December 28, 2011, 03:27:21 AM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on October 16, 2011, 10:14:30 AM
Quote from: Hot Rod Hootenanny on September 29, 2011, 11:11:20 PM
So the signs in Baton Rouge have been replaced again so the left exit tabs are now black on yellow?

As of a couple of days ago they have.

Drove I-110 Sunday. Nearly every overhead sign has been replaced with Clearview. Even the numbers in the shields on the overheads at Airline Highway, Harding Blvd/Southern/Metro Airport, Hwy 19 and Scenic Highway is in the font.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Hot Rod Hootenanny on December 29, 2011, 12:24:23 AM
Quote from: brownpelican on December 28, 2011, 03:27:21 AM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on October 16, 2011, 10:14:30 AM
Quote from: Hot Rod Hootenanny on September 29, 2011, 11:11:20 PM
So the signs in Baton Rouge have been replaced again so the left exit tabs are now black on yellow?

As of a couple of days ago they have.

Drove I-110 Sunday. Nearly every overhead sign has been replaced with Clearview. Even the numbers in the shields on the overheads at Airline Highway, Harding Blvd/Southern/Metro Airport, Hwy 19 and Scenic Highway is in the font.

Those signs weren't even five years old.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on January 20, 2012, 11:34:54 PM
A few things from the Pelican State:

The contractor who was fired from the I-10 portion of the Geaux Wider project has sued LADOT for breach of contract and says the state is responsible for delays that pushed the project's completion back a year.
http://theadvocate.com/home/1846818-125/fired-i-10-contractor-sues-state.html (http://theadvocate.com/home/1846818-125/fired-i-10-contractor-sues-state.html)

LADOT announced it has up to $15 million left from the I-12 widening from Juban Road to Walker to extend the widening to almost the Satsuma/Coyell exit.
http://theadvocate.com/news/1848322-123/leftover-funds-could-widen-interstate.html (http://theadvocate.com/news/1848322-123/leftover-funds-could-widen-interstate.html)

More local boards are opposing the Baton Rouge loop.
http://theadvocate.com/news/1849745-123/board-council-join-loop-opposition.html (http://theadvocate.com/news/1849745-123/board-council-join-loop-opposition.html)

Although not in the news, radio host and actor John "Spud" McConnell discussed the possibility of a public/private partnership to finish I-49 South on his show today.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Darkchylde on January 25, 2012, 08:28:45 AM
Ain't seen this here yet, but the US 11 bridge across Lake Pontchartrain is closed til May so the railings can be replaced.

Story: http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2012/01/us_11_bridge_linking_new_orlea.html

Plan accordingly.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: codyg1985 on January 25, 2012, 08:34:18 AM
What's wrong with the old railings? Those look better and go with the look of the bridge better anyway.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on January 25, 2012, 09:13:55 AM
Clearview has made it to Hammond. All signs at the I-12/I-55 interchange and the signs posted on the I-12 overpass on SW Railroad Ave. have been replaced with new signs featuring the font.

The task force charged with deciding if Crescent City Connection tolls should be extended after this year voted 7-1 to recommend the state legislature to renew them.
http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2012/01/state_panel_votes_to_issue_rep.html (http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2012/01/state_panel_votes_to_issue_rep.html)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Darkchylde on January 25, 2012, 12:59:07 PM
There's Clearview at the Exit 63 complex on I-12 and US 190 between Mandeville and Covington now as well - they replaced the signs just the other night.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: codyg1985 on February 07, 2012, 08:49:48 AM
Notes from my trip to New Orleans this weekend:

- All of the overhead signs along I-10 in Slidell have been replaced with Clearview, even the ones that were recently placed on the new twin spans and the US 190 Business interchange.

- Some exit gore signs in Orleans Parish have been replaced with Clearview.

- Two tenth mile markers have been placed on the I-10 twin spans as well as along I-10 and I-610 in Orleans Parish (from I-510 west) and Jefferson Parish. However, two different styles of markers are used. On the twin spans, all markers have the cardinal direction and the interstate shield on them but the ones in New Orleans Metro that are two tenth mile markers just look like ordinary mile markers with the decimal below that. I wonder why two different styles were used? I didn't get to check out US 90 Business or I-310 or I-510 to see if they had the tenth mile markers.

- New signs have been placed on the Huey P Long bridge project over what will be the main lanes coming down to each interchange on either end of the bridge itself. The signs are in clearview and feature what appear to be stand-alone shield slapped onto BGS signs:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F6ZnvL.jpg&hash=39693d36871b81ac62b7dcae160087d4682836ad)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: DeaconG on February 07, 2012, 11:49:10 AM
^Clearview for the Clearview Parkway!  Now THAT'S serendipity!
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: agentsteel53 on February 07, 2012, 12:05:18 PM
are the cateyed signs still present on either end of the bridge?  they give the bridge name and date of construction.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: codyg1985 on February 07, 2012, 12:06:11 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on February 07, 2012, 12:05:18 PM
are the cateyed signs still present on either end of the bridge?  they give the bridge name and date of construction.

Yes, they are present on both sides. I don't know if they will remain or not.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on February 07, 2012, 03:18:41 PM
Quote from: codyg1985 on February 07, 2012, 12:06:11 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on February 07, 2012, 12:05:18 PM
are the cateyed signs still present on either end of the bridge?  they give the bridge name and date of construction.

Yes, they are present on both sides. I don't know if they will remain or not.

Yes, they will remain. They will be moved to allow for construction to be completed and will be put back in an unspecified location.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on February 08, 2012, 08:04:43 PM
Quote from: codyg1985 on February 07, 2012, 08:49:48 AM
- Two tenth mile markers have been placed on the I-10 twin spans as well as along I-10 and I-610 in Orleans Parish (from I-510 west) and Jefferson Parish. However, two different styles of markers are used. On the twin spans, all markers have the cardinal direction and the interstate shield on them but the ones in New Orleans Metro that are two tenth mile markers just look like ordinary mile markers with the decimal below that. I wonder why two different styles were used? I didn't get to check out US 90 Business or I-310 or I-510 to see if they had the tenth mile markers.

The 2/10 markers with the interstate shields have been in place for about 2 years and can also be found on the Pontchartrain Expwy (or whatever they renamed it) portion of the I-10. The new larger 2/10 mile markers were just added last year and alternate between the original 2/10 markers with shields in some places. I don't have the slightest idea of what caused them to go back to the older style for the Twinspan.

-
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on February 17, 2012, 12:49:11 PM
Let the graphics tell ya.

Where the I-10/Causeway/Veterans project now stands:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.nola.com%2Ftraffic%2Fphoto%2F10566949-large.jpg&hash=a1ae2d7abdcad9ceb9a9b350e1b1f42544102bdc)


A look at the new Causeway to I-10 ramps (T-P pic):

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.nola.com%2Ftraffic%2Fphoto%2F10566672-large.jpg&hash=3b8a87ee53fd64c6598b234e055be3531999f7b5)


Story:
http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2012/02/top_highway_officials_praise_c.html (http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2012/02/top_highway_officials_praise_c.html)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on February 25, 2012, 10:37:16 PM
LaDOTD Secretary Sherri LeBas unveiled a plan for state maintenance of the Crescent City Connection if the tolls expire at the end of the year. They include:

* Painting each span every 20 years at $30 million per span.
* Bridge inspections every two years at $800,000 each.
* Privatizing the Chalmette, Algiers and Gretna ferries.
* Local governments become responsible for bridge lighting at $800,000/year.

http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2012/02/state_presents_post-toll_plan.html (http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2012/02/state_presents_post-toll_plan.html)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: apjung on February 29, 2012, 01:36:26 PM
Another new ramp is set to open tomorrow morning!
http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2012/02/new_metairie_ramp_from_causewa.html

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.nola.com%2Ftraffic%2Fphoto%2Fmap-iten-022912jpg-659613bd05a1a806.jpg&hash=958388386aa686402ffd7453bdc47e920a226f23)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: achilles765 on February 29, 2012, 04:17:44 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on February 02, 2011, 11:05:37 PM
I have a couple of questions involving mileage signs on US and LA highways...1)  How is the distance between 2 towns calculated?  On the west side of Arcadia on US 80 the old mileage sign read:  GIBSLAND 8    MINDEN 24.  About 2 years ago the LADOTD put up a new sign that now reads:  GIBSLAND 7    MINDEN 22.  Did the road shrink?   :confused:

2)  I'm beginning to think this may only be in my part of the state, but it seems to me there aren't enough directional signs (for towns listed at intersections) or mileage signs.  Does anyone else think this is the case?  I know there used to be more of these signs when I was growing up (even remember the mileages listed for the towns also), but they have disappeared and I don't think they will return.

From what I can tell, the mileage calculations seem to be from the point where the sign is posted to the actuall incorporated limits.  That is, the distance is from that point to the sign that states "TOWN"  Corp. Limit
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Hot Rod Hootenanny on February 29, 2012, 09:22:55 PM
Quote from: achilles765 on February 29, 2012, 04:17:44 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on February 02, 2011, 11:05:37 PM
I have a couple of questions involving mileage signs on US and LA highways...1)  How is the distance between 2 towns calculated?  On the west side of Arcadia on US 80 the old mileage sign read:  GIBSLAND 8    MINDEN 24.  About 2 years ago the LADOTD put up a new sign that now reads:  GIBSLAND 7    MINDEN 22.  Did the road shrink?   :confused:

2)  I'm beginning to think this may only be in my part of the state, but it seems to me there aren't enough directional signs (for towns listed at intersections) or mileage signs.  Does anyone else think this is the case?  I know there used to be more of these signs when I was growing up (even remember the mileages listed for the towns also), but they have disappeared and I don't think they will return.

From what I can tell, the mileage calculations seem to be from the point where the sign is posted to the actuall incorporated limits.  That is, the distance is from that point to the sign that states "TOWN"  Corp. Limit

Certainly is true when driving I-10 EB to New Orleans.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: bassoon1986 on March 01, 2012, 10:08:55 AM
Quote from: achilles765 on February 29, 2012, 04:17:44 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on February 02, 2011, 11:05:37 PM
I have a couple of questions involving mileage signs on US and LA highways...1)  How is the distance between 2 towns calculated?  On the west side of Arcadia on US 80 the old mileage sign read:  GIBSLAND 8    MINDEN 24.  About 2 years ago the LADOTD put up a new sign that now reads:  GIBSLAND 7    MINDEN 22.  Did the road shrink?   :confused:

2)  I'm beginning to think this may only be in my part of the state, but it seems to me there aren't enough directional signs (for towns listed at intersections) or mileage signs.  Does anyone else think this is the case?  I know there used to be more of these signs when I was growing up (even remember the mileages listed for the towns also), but they have disappeared and I don't think they will return.

From what I can tell, the mileage calculations seem to be from the point where the sign is posted to the actuall incorporated limits.  That is, the distance is from that point to the sign that states "TOWN"  Corp. Limit

Well some of LA interstates, like 49 and 20 post to the center of the city. Shreveport mileage always leads to exit 19 on I 20, the main downtown exit, and IIRC Monroe mileage leads to 116 around Jackson St. The only one that isn't to the center of town are the signs for Shreveport as you come up 49 northbound. Mileage still reflects when I-49 ended at the Inner Loop (LA 3132) at exit 201.

As far as on US and LA highways I think you're right about it being to the outer limits of towns. And I know there were instances of changing mileage signs on US 165 south from Monroe to Alexandria. IIRC there was a sign leaving either Olla or Tullos for mileage to Georgetown and Alexandria, then after Georgetown the mileage to Alexandria was shorter than it should have been. Who knows if the number was meant for Downtown Alexandria, or whether it was meant to follow mainline 165 or BUS 165 through the middle of town.  165 was under construction for so long making it 4 lanes that it needs new mileage signs on that whole stretch. Louisiana definitely needs MORE mileage signs on the US hwys and some of the state highways too.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on March 08, 2012, 04:24:51 PM
Causeway officials voted unanimously to have a fifth lane and tollbooth constructed at the Northshore toll plaza.
http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2012/03/causeway_commission_signs_off.html (http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2012/03/causeway_commission_signs_off.html)

So far, the new southbound Causeway to I-10 ramps are getting good reviews by the public.
http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2012/03/new_interstate_10_ramps_at_cau.html#incart_mce (http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2012/03/new_interstate_10_ramps_at_cau.html#incart_mce)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on April 11, 2012, 04:24:36 PM
Huey P. Long Bridge traffic will shift to two new lanes that was constructed at the end of the month. That will allow the current lanes to be demolished and remaining new lanes to be built.

http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2012/04/narrow_huey_p_long_bridge_lane.html (http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2012/04/narrow_huey_p_long_bridge_lane.html)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on April 12, 2012, 12:40:56 PM
Quote from: brownpelican on April 11, 2012, 04:24:36 PM
Huey P. Long Bridge traffic will shift to two new lanes that was constructed at the end of the month. That will allow the current lanes to be demolished and remaining new lanes to be built.

http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2012/04/narrow_huey_p_long_bridge_lane.html (http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2012/04/narrow_huey_p_long_bridge_lane.html)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.nola.com%2Ftpphotos%2Fphoto%2F2012%2F04%2F10824434-standard.jpg&hash=3913b298253b553d49d819e2267623ba930e05b0)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.nola.com%2Ftpphotos%2Fphoto%2F2012%2F04%2F10824429-standard.jpg&hash=d191b0bd42c043029c9f253e38aa6833c3b848ed)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: NE2 on April 12, 2012, 01:05:46 PM
Off-topic: How's Boutte pronounced? Boo-tay?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Alex on April 12, 2012, 01:42:50 PM
Backplated shields on an overhead, ugh. Never cared for that NJ practice.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on April 12, 2012, 02:55:16 PM
Quote from: NE2 on April 12, 2012, 01:05:46 PM
Off-topic: How's Boutte pronounced? Boo-tay?

boo-TEE
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Hot Rod Hootenanny on April 12, 2012, 11:24:36 PM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on April 12, 2012, 02:55:16 PM
Quote from: NE2 on April 12, 2012, 01:05:46 PM
Off-topic: How's Boutte pronounced? Boo-tay?

boo-TEE

Unless you're speaking of John Boutte (http://www.johnboutte.com/). In which case it is Bou-tay.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Alps on April 12, 2012, 11:36:19 PM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on April 12, 2012, 12:40:56 PM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.nola.com%2Ftpphotos%2Fphoto%2F2012%2F04%2F10824429-standard.jpg&hash=d191b0bd42c043029c9f253e38aa6833c3b848ed)
In the background: (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.alpsroads.net%2Froads%2Fla%2Fus_90%2Fe48w.jpg&hash=c82376403e2e1c89bf360a8f33048cf1702664e4)
Precious few of those left.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: bassoon1986 on April 16, 2012, 02:39:49 AM
^^^

The old style font/signs  or the greened out LA shield?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: US71 on April 16, 2012, 01:08:59 PM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm3.staticflickr.com%2F2622%2F4463246641_778a3bdce3_z_d.jpg&hash=8d8296dc9d166d50526046e81715aeba099dbe3c)
I-49; This was replaced in 2011

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm3.staticflickr.com%2F2023%2F2259964006_c24bf735fa_o_d.jpg&hash=672651916441c46d6fc9b2d3856aed436d38072f)
I-20; Taken in 2004, replaced in 2005
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: bassoon1986 on April 16, 2012, 06:05:30 PM
http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ll=32.554048,-93.781314&spn=0.009821,0.013797&t=m&z=16&layer=c&cbll=32.553886,-93.781193&panoid=KprTT4nJvHTh3oa3-N6-kQ&cbp=12,317.64,,0,8.86 (http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ll=32.554048,-93.781314&spn=0.009821,0.013797&t=m&z=16&layer=c&cbll=32.553886,-93.781193&panoid=KprTT4nJvHTh3oa3-N6-kQ&cbp=12,317.64,,0,8.86)

in North Shreveport at I-220

Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: lamsalfl on April 17, 2012, 12:26:49 AM
I wonder if people mispronounce the Hou in Houma the same way as Houston.

That pronunciation is HO-ma just like the last 4 letters of Oklahoma.  
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: bassoon1986 on April 18, 2012, 12:20:53 AM
But I have heard some strong Cajun accents from that city call it HOO-ma, not quite like the HOU in Houston. HO-ma is more common though
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on April 22, 2012, 06:03:49 AM
One thing I want to see done is Louisiana delete La 182 along the old US 90 segments once I-49 is signed and finished, and stick the 90 designation back on the old 2-lane road. Tons of bridges still say US 90, so it would fit perfectly.
Same thing with La 182 north of Lafayette, sign it as US 167 (aka old SR 26) once again. Adds to the historic value! You don't see US 51 paired with I-55 north of Hammond... and the same with US 80 along the I-20 corridor
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: froggie on April 22, 2012, 09:31:45 AM
Won't happen.  Goes against AASHTO policy on US routes.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on April 22, 2012, 09:41:09 AM
Quote from: froggie on April 22, 2012, 09:31:45 AM
Won't happen.  Goes against AASHTO policy on US routes.

What exactly would AASHTO have against restoring a U.S. route to its former alignment? Just move the old highways back to where they were, originally, and make the Interstate alignment a Bypass route, like I-49 through Alexandria is also US 71 Bypass.

EDIT: U.S. 45 in Michigan was moved onto a new alignment, then returned to its original alignment
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: froggie on April 22, 2012, 01:41:43 PM
QuoteWhat exactly would AASHTO have against restoring a U.S. route to its former alignment? Just move the old highways back to where they were, originally, and make the Interstate alignment a Bypass route, like I-49 through Alexandria is also US 71 Bypass.

Simple.  The following two quotes, directly from Section H01 (http://www.transportation.org/sites/route/docs/HO1_Policy_Establ_Develop_USRN.pdf) of AASHTO's Transportation Policy Book.

- The purpose of the U.S. road numbering and marking system is to facilitate travel on the main interstate lines, over the shortest routes and the best roads.
- Those sections where the Interstate system is developed over an existing U.S. numbered route, both the U.S. and the Interstate system
shields and route numbers shall be used to mark those sections which are coincident.


The first one would make it directly contrary to policy to route the US highway back onto the old road.  The second is AASHTO's solution to where an Interstate is routed onto an existing US highway segment.

In cases where you have an Interstate route parallel to a US route (fairly common), the US route remains because the Interstate was built on a new alignment.

QuoteEDIT: U.S. 45 in Michigan was moved onto a new alignment, then returned to its original alignment

Inmaterial, since the US 45 corridor in Michigan does not have an adjacent Interstate.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Anthony_JK on April 22, 2012, 03:59:32 PM
Quote from: mcdonaat on April 22, 2012, 09:41:09 AM
Quote from: froggie on April 22, 2012, 09:31:45 AM
Won't happen.  Goes against AASHTO policy on US routes.

What exactly would AASHTO have against restoring a U.S. route to its former alignment? Just move the old highways back to where they were, originally, and make the Interstate alignment a Bypass route, like I-49 through Alexandria is also US 71 Bypass.

EDIT: U.S. 45 in Michigan was moved onto a new alignment, then returned to its original alignment

For starters, running US 71 Bypass along I-49 didn't change the original routing of US 71 (MacArthur Drive).

Second, in addition to the reasons Froggie noted, there would be a logistical issue if US 90 or US 167 was moved out of the Evangeline Thruway, especially if the I-49 Connector through Lafayette is built before the rest of I-49 South is completed to New Orleans. What do you designate the freeway in the internim??

(Of course, you could call it Toll 49 if it's built as a tollway.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on April 22, 2012, 06:48:41 PM
Quote from: Anthony_JK on April 22, 2012, 03:59:32 PM
Quote from: mcdonaat on April 22, 2012, 09:41:09 AM
Quote from: froggie on April 22, 2012, 09:31:45 AM
Won't happen.  Goes against AASHTO policy on US routes.

What exactly would AASHTO have against restoring a U.S. route to its former alignment? Just move the old highways back to where they were, originally, and make the Interstate alignment a Bypass route, like I-49 through Alexandria is also US 71 Bypass.

EDIT: U.S. 45 in Michigan was moved onto a new alignment, then returned to its original alignment

For starters, running US 71 Bypass along I-49 didn't change the original routing of US 71 (MacArthur Drive).

Second, in addition to the reasons Froggie noted, there would be a logistical issue if US 90 or US 167 was moved out of the Evangeline Thruway, especially if the I-49 Connector through Lafayette is built before the rest of I-49 South is completed to New Orleans. What do you designate the freeway in the internim??

(Of course, you could call it Toll 49 if it's built as a tollway.
Curious, though, to see if we can get Historic US 90 shields put up along La. 182 south of Lafayette. The DOTD did it on La. 125 between Grant Parish and Caldwell Parish along the original routing. Might be nice to see it done along La 182 north of Lafayette for the original 167.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Anthony_JK on April 23, 2012, 02:39:45 AM
Quote from: mcdonaat on April 22, 2012, 06:48:41 PM
Quote from: Anthony_JK on April 22, 2012, 03:59:32 PM
Quote from: mcdonaat on April 22, 2012, 09:41:09 AM
Quote from: froggie on April 22, 2012, 09:31:45 AM
Won't happen.  Goes against AASHTO policy on US routes.

What exactly would AASHTO have against restoring a U.S. route to its former alignment? Just move the old highways back to where they were, originally, and make the Interstate alignment a Bypass route, like I-49 through Alexandria is also US 71 Bypass.

EDIT: U.S. 45 in Michigan was moved onto a new alignment, then returned to its original alignment

For starters, running US 71 Bypass along I-49 didn't change the original routing of US 71 (MacArthur Drive).

Second, in addition to the reasons Froggie noted, there would be a logistical issue if US 90 or US 167 was moved out of the Evangeline Thruway, especially if the I-49 Connector through Lafayette is built before the rest of I-49 South is completed to New Orleans. What do you designate the freeway in the internim??

(Of course, you could call it Toll 49 if it's built as a tollway.
Curious, though, to see if we can get Historic US 90 shields put up along La. 182 south of Lafayette. The DOTD did it on La. 125 between Grant Parish and Caldwell Parish along the original routing. Might be nice to see it done along La 182 north of Lafayette for the original 167.
Quote from: mcdonaat on April 22, 2012, 06:48:41 PM
Quote from: Anthony_JK on April 22, 2012, 03:59:32 PM
Quote from: mcdonaat on April 22, 2012, 09:41:09 AM
Quote from: froggie on April 22, 2012, 09:31:45 AM
Won't happen.  Goes against AASHTO policy on US routes.

What exactly would AASHTO have against restoring a U.S. route to its former alignment? Just move the old highways back to where they were, originally, and make the Interstate alignment a Bypass route, like I-49 through Alexandria is also US 71 Bypass.

EDIT: U.S. 45 in Michigan was moved onto a new alignment, then returned to its original alignment

For starters, running US 71 Bypass along I-49 didn't change the original routing of US 71 (MacArthur Drive).

Second, in addition to the reasons Froggie noted, there would be a logistical issue if US 90 or US 167 was moved out of the Evangeline Thruway, especially if the I-49 Connector through Lafayette is built before the rest of I-49 South is completed to New Orleans. What do you designate the freeway in the internim??

(Of course, you could call it Toll 49 if it's built as a tollway.
Curious, though, to see if we can get Historic US 90 shields put up along La. 182 south of Lafayette. The DOTD did it on La. 125 between Grant Parish and Caldwell Parish along the original routing. Might be nice to see it done along La 182 north of Lafayette for the original 167.

It would probably be more likely to see "Old Spanish Trail" markers placed on LA 182 south of Lafayette/Broussard through New Iberia, Jeanerette, and Baldwin/Franklin, and along the old US 90/current LA 182 routing from Morgan City to Raceland. I just can't see LaDOTD returning US 90 to its old routing, especially until all of I-49 South is completed.

Anthony
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on April 23, 2012, 05:36:33 AM
I'd like to see the state use more of the Historic Route shields... Adds to the old stories of grandpa saying that some highway is the 'old road.' I'm personally trying to get the La. DOTD to sign a section of old US 80 as a historic route through Monroe... If labor is a factor, I'll do the work for free.

By the way, anyone interested in old maps of the highway system before the 1955 renumbering? I have a high detail map of every parish in the state from 1954, with the old route numbers. Super interesting if you wanna follow old roads.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Hot Rod Hootenanny on April 23, 2012, 08:52:50 PM
Quote from: mcdonaat on April 23, 2012, 05:36:33 AM
I'd like to see the state use more of the Historic Route shields... Adds to the old stories of grandpa saying that some highway is the 'old road.' I'm personally trying to get the La. DOTD to sign a section of old US 80 as a historic route through Monroe... If labor is a factor, I'll do the work for free.

By the way, anyone interested in old maps of the highway system before the 1955 renumbering? I have a high detail map of every parish in the state from 1954, with the old route numbers. Super interesting if you wanna follow old roads.


Take a roadtrip to the state library in Baton Rouge (not the state museum, not the state archives), they have roadmaps for the state showing the original numbering system for the state, and the changes after the US numbers came into effect.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on April 23, 2012, 09:06:30 PM
Quote from: Hot Rod Hootenanny on April 23, 2012, 08:52:50 PM
Quote from: mcdonaat on April 23, 2012, 05:36:33 AM
I'd like to see the state use more of the Historic Route shields... Adds to the old stories of grandpa saying that some highway is the 'old road.' I'm personally trying to get the La. DOTD to sign a section of old US 80 as a historic route through Monroe... If labor is a factor, I'll do the work for free.

By the way, anyone interested in old maps of the highway system before the 1955 renumbering? I have a high detail map of every parish in the state from 1954, with the old route numbers. Super interesting if you wanna follow old roads.


Take a roadtrip to the state library in Baton Rouge (not the state museum, not the state archives), they have roadmaps for the state showing the original numbering system for the state, and the changes after the US numbers came into effect.

Thanks for that, been wanting to quickly look at maps without emailing the DOTD for each one. I do need to take a road trip to BR, and travel down the Jeff. Hey
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on April 24, 2012, 03:28:45 AM
Just got word in that the Interstate 20 bridge over the Ouachita in Monroe/WM is going to be rehabilitated, and that a historic tee-beam bridge from 1935 on US 80 is going to be replaced for a newer bridge. I'm more upset about the 1935 replacement, since it was constructed as the same project with the Louisville bridge. Sad to see the state remove these historic bridges, but I wonder if it's cheaper to replace the deck? The structure itself is in nice condition, and it's a semi-smooth surface. The US 90 bridges outside of Morgan City are going to be replaced too.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on April 25, 2012, 06:12:16 PM
DOTD to offer new cash and charge lane option at LA 1 Toll (http://www.dotd.la.gov/pressreleases/release.aspx?key=1953)

"...The in-lane payment machines will enhance driver convenience by offering multiple payment solutions for non-GeauxPass or non-toll tag customers. The new machines will have the capability to accept all forms of payment — coins, cash (exact change is not necessary), credit cards, and debit cards — giving customers the ability to pay the toll in a way that is most suitable to them. Current GeauxPass or toll tag account holders may continue paying tolls using their online accounts or stopping by the Golden Meadow Customer Service Center..."
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on April 30, 2012, 04:37:56 PM
Don't know who all here hates US 425 as much as I do, but here's a picture of US 425 messing up a normal intersection... look what highways, and directions, are going to the left :P

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fbackroadinglouisiana.files.wordpress.com%2F2012%2F04%2F100_1559.jpg&hash=92f73ea00d27d4debcbdfd98cfe8322e1e8944f3)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: pctech on May 24, 2012, 10:06:27 AM
 I was driving through the LSU campus last Sat. on Nicholson  drive. (La 30) I notice that the fairly recently overlay job is already crumbling away, sinking and becoming pot-holed. I wonder if DODT will ever figure out that overlaying a highway in which the underlying base has failed won't work.  :-o
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on May 24, 2012, 10:34:35 AM
The New Orleans area district finally realized the importance of digging up the base pavement and starting from scratch last year, or at least finally found the money to do so. It's amazing how many streets there are around here that I can drive down and ask, "wait, didn't they resurface this street last year".
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: texaskdog on May 24, 2012, 12:52:38 PM
Maybe they should just rebuild up the hill :P
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: lamsalfl on May 28, 2012, 10:47:45 PM
Quote from: texaskdog on May 24, 2012, 12:52:38 PM
Maybe they should just rebuild up the hill :P

I get the joke!  hahahaha!!!
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on May 30, 2012, 08:06:41 AM
A state Senate committee has passed a proposed bill that would allow voters in Jefferson and Orleans parishes to decide if the tolls on the Crescent City Connection will continue past the end of this year.

The bill now goes to the full Senate for debate.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Anthony_JK on May 30, 2012, 11:37:23 AM
Quote from: brownpelican on May 30, 2012, 08:06:41 AM
A state Senate committee has passed a proposed bill that would allow voters in Jefferson and Orleans parishes to decide if the tolls on the Crescent City Connection will continue past the end of this year.

The bill now goes to the full Senate for debate.

You know what would be a radical idea?? Keep the eastbound tolls, add tolls to the westbound CCC, and use the combined profits to complete the Westbank Expressway to US 90 and Allendale. Then, apply e-tolling to the entire Westbank mainline, and use that to fund upgrading US 90 to I-49 between Allendale and Boutte/I-310. That would knock a considerable amount off the cost of the entire I-49 South project.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: pctech on May 30, 2012, 02:23:24 PM
http://www.wbrz.com/news/i-12-lane-closures-for-road-work/

I noticed the little lane closure cones the other day. How long until this entire section will have to be rehabilitated? Concrete is crumbling apart.

Mark
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on June 03, 2012, 12:19:18 AM
Anyone been along US 167 between Opelousas and Ville Platte? Seems that a new highway has been created! LA 167, imagine that.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fbackroadinglouisiana.files.wordpress.com%2F2012%2F06%2F100_1799.jpg&hash=bfd243811bd1e975752582a2de0ad976343aeaf2)

Any comments? It's signed at the end of the road as LA 167 too.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Hot Rod Hootenanny on June 04, 2012, 09:11:54 PM
That's a very authentic looking coastline on that shield.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on June 05, 2012, 01:13:46 AM
The full state Senate has approved a bill that would allow voters in New Orleans; Jefferson and Plaquemines parishes to vote Nov. 6 on whether or not to extend the $1 tolls past the end of this year. It goes to Gov. Jindal for his signature or it becomes law without his signature after 30 days of arrival on his desk.

State Rep. Patrick Connick of Harvey threatens to file a lawsuit to stop Jindal from signing the bill because he sees it as a tax. Whatever happened to letting the people decide?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on June 05, 2012, 03:46:30 PM
Quote from: brownpelican on June 05, 2012, 01:13:46 AM
The full state Senate has approved a bill that would allow voters in New Orleans; Jefferson and Plaquemines parishes to vote Nov. 6 on whether or not to extend the $1 tolls past the end of this year. It goes to Gov. Jindal for his signature or it becomes law without his signature after 30 days of arrival on his desk.

State Rep. Patrick Connick of Harvey threatens to file a lawsuit to stop Jindal from signing the bill because he sees it as a tax. Whatever happened to letting the people decide?

In their mind, people elect the representatives to the legislature. That's their way of deciding. If tolls get phased out, what will support the bridge?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on June 05, 2012, 03:48:10 PM
Quote from: Hot Rod Hootenanny on June 04, 2012, 09:11:54 PM
That's a very authentic looking coastline on that shield.
Yeah, surprising to me... There should be a lack of a coastline though and more of a US Highway shield!
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Anthony_JK on June 05, 2012, 06:19:43 PM
Quote from: mcdonaat on June 05, 2012, 03:46:30 PM
Quote from: brownpelican on June 05, 2012, 01:13:46 AM
The full state Senate has approved a bill that would allow voters in New Orleans; Jefferson and Plaquemines parishes to vote Nov. 6 on whether or not to extend the $1 tolls past the end of this year. It goes to Gov. Jindal for his signature or it becomes law without his signature after 30 days of arrival on his desk.

State Rep. Patrick Connick of Harvey threatens to file a lawsuit to stop Jindal from signing the bill because he sees it as a tax. Whatever happened to letting the people decide?

In their mind, people elect the representatives to the legislature. That's their way of deciding. If tolls get phased out, what will support the bridge?

The bridge is mostly paid for, since the bonds used to finance construction of the CCC has long since been paid off. The tolls support the Bridge police and the tolls for the remaining ferries; the plan once the tolls are removed would be to privatize the ferries by subbing them out to private companies. I assume that either state or fed maintenance funds would be used for maintanence work if the tolls are removed.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on June 05, 2012, 07:03:27 PM
I would like to see a toll remain, but use reduce it to a small fraction of what it is now, and use the money to pay for resurfacing the approaches every few years and making sure the signage gets replaced to conform with the rest of the state. I could also see the toll being collected only on the weekends. Confusing, yes, but use it for maintenance only.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on June 06, 2012, 12:57:56 AM
Quote from: mcdonaat on June 05, 2012, 03:46:30 PM
In their mind, people elect the representatives to the legislature. That's their way of deciding. If tolls get phased out, what will support the bridge?

It will come from LaDOTD's budget.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on June 06, 2012, 01:07:51 AM
Fix up our rural highways and give them to the parishes. Shed the highways that exist solely for political favors (see LA 3121 SPUR and LA 700 for prime examples), renumber the roads to where they make sense (we don't need north-south highways with even numbers and east-west highways with odd numbers), and call it a day. If you shed the unimportant routes, you can cut the highway system down to 7,000 miles, not including the Interstate system. Also, BRING BACK LA 7!!!
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on June 06, 2012, 01:29:48 PM
I'd like to see the tolls remain myself.  When the tolls go away the cost of lighting and a few other things along the bridge and expressway will be passed on to all of the cities that the CCC and Westbank Expressway travel through and there will be a large reduction in "minor" things such as mowing and street sweeping. Basically, the municipalities are going to pass these costs on to residents who are already in an uproar over paying $0.40 to cross a bridge. They can barely keep the lights on along I-10 through New Orleans and Metairie as it is. Harvey? Marrero?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on June 07, 2012, 03:34:09 AM
Maybe shorten the tolls to weekends only, or non-peak hours? My idea is to toll I-610 to pay for lights and maintenance on the New Orleans highway system, and it's multiple children of 10, signed or not. Also, make 610 a geaux-pass highway only. Sounds crazy, but you have so many four lane or six lane surface streets, AND the 10 loop through the CBD. No time lost, a lit highway, mowed grass, updated signage, and no more bumps!
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on June 12, 2012, 04:30:46 PM
The I-12 widening project between O'Neal Lane and Juban Road is complete. All six lanes are opening. Work continues on widening the highway to six lanes between Juban Road and Satsuma.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: froggie on June 12, 2012, 09:42:37 PM
How about the I-10 widening between I-12 and LA 42, or I-12 in Slidell?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on June 13, 2012, 03:20:31 PM
GeauxWiderNOLA (http://www.geauxwidernola.com/index.php)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on June 13, 2012, 03:44:26 PM
I-12 in Saint Tammany is coming along well. They were pouring the concrete on the US 11 overpass earlier this month. They plan on switching traffic to the new inside lane soon while the outside is redone. It's still on target for completion later this summer.

I-10 is looking good too. Westbound is on the new inside lanes in some areas.

See trafficland.com--->click on map of US at the bottom right ---------> Louisiana----->Baton Rouge to see how the new I-12 looks and a peek at the I-10 project.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on June 14, 2012, 10:53:32 PM
I'm talking with the DOTD about installing traffic advisories on US 190 about 3 miles from where La 415 splits to the south towards I-10. Too many times I have driven along La 415, then to I-10, only to see nothing but gridlock ahead of me, after I was already on I-10. Anyone for or against this? The same thing could be implemented along I-110 South near Harding Blvd, on an overhead gantry for both Harding and 110, advising traffic to take US 190 instead of the new bridge.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: pctech on June 15, 2012, 04:11:00 PM
Just took a ride on recently completed I-12 from O Neal Lane to Range exit. Interesting indeed!
Just few observations.
Amite river bridge now one long causeway, (as it should have been originally) this should help with upstream flooding.
From Amite river to Range, east bound side is concrete pavement, westbound side is asphalt pavement.
It'll be interesting to see which holds up better.
Eastbound exit at Range is a "Caltrans" type double lane type exit. It's even labeled similar at the exit, however the approach warning sign to the does not show that it's a double lane exit.
Westbound entrance from Range has a 3 laned entrance/merging ramp controlled by a "staging" traffic signal. That should prove to be entertaining!
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: froggie on June 16, 2012, 09:35:56 AM
QuoteWestbound entrance from Range has a 3 laned entrance/merging ramp controlled by a "staging" traffic signal. That should prove to be entertaining!

Most other areas call that a ramp meter.  And it's probably because LaDOTD installed them on I-12 closer in.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on June 16, 2012, 04:52:31 PM
Quote from: froggie on June 16, 2012, 09:35:56 AM
QuoteWestbound entrance from Range has a 3 laned entrance/merging ramp controlled by a "staging" traffic signal. That should prove to be entertaining!

Most other areas call that a ramp meter.  And it's probably because LaDOTD installed them on I-12 closer in.

In fact, I was metered a week ago getting onto I-12. Seemed dumb, because traffic was moving at about 5 MPH. But who knows... what the DOTD needs to do is install flashers on the interchanges near I-12 and I-10 warning drivers if an incident is causing delays. Maybe even have a digital readout showing the speed of the traffic on the routes, so drivers can gauge for themselves if they want to take the highway or not. It would work very well with Airline/I-12 and Essen/I-10, and even better about two miles before the 10/110 split going west/north, since a good bit of the people taking I-10 west can take I-110 north to the old bridge, then over on US 190 to Port Allen.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: pctech on June 16, 2012, 05:21:52 PM
Quote from: mcdonaat on June 16, 2012, 04:52:31 PM
Quote from: froggie on June 16, 2012, 09:35:56 AM
QuoteWestbound entrance from Range has a 3 laned entrance/merging ramp controlled by a "staging" traffic signal. That should prove to be entertaining!

Most other areas call that a ramp meter.  And it's probably because LaDOTD installed them on I-12 closer in.

In fact, I was metered a week ago getting onto I-12. Seemed dumb, because traffic was moving at about 5 MPH. But who knows... what the DOTD needs to do is install flashers on the interchanges near I-12 and I-10 warning drivers if an incident is causing delays. Maybe even have a digital readout showing the speed of the traffic on the routes, so drivers can gauge for themselves if they want to take the highway or not. It would work very well with Airline/I-12 and Essen/I-10, and even better about two miles before the 10/110 split going west/north, since a good bit of the people taking I-10 west can take I-110 north to the old bridge, then over on US 190 to Port Allen.
Sounds too advanced for DOTD, they are still trying figure out traffic signal synchronization.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on June 16, 2012, 05:31:31 PM
Quote from: pctech on June 16, 2012, 05:21:52 PM
Sounds too advanced for DOTD, they are still trying figure out traffic signal synchronization.
Not really too advanced... lights will never truly be synchronized. Replace some of the major intersections with actual interchanges, like Siegen/10 as an extension of the Mall of LA setup to Pecue Lane, and you'll have traffic flowing smoothly. Maybe even direct traffic north to Airline, where Airline actually is elevated for that section, with traffic bound for Jeff Hwy would be on the ground.

Use the TIMED tax to go towards traffic warning systems, and you could even have the giant signs like are along I-10 that say things like "10E to Essen: 4 MILES, 7 MINUTES." Give me the funds, I can make it happen.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: froggie on June 16, 2012, 06:32:55 PM
QuoteReplace some of the major intersections with actual interchanges,

Interchanges are expensive.  Even signal synchronization is more realistic (and less costly) than your interchange idea.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on June 16, 2012, 07:33:53 PM
Quote from: mcdonaat on June 16, 2012, 04:52:31 PM
Maybe even have a digital readout showing the speed of the traffic on the routes, so drivers can gauge for themselves if they want to take the highway or not. It would work very well with Airline/I-12 and Essen/I-10, and even better about two miles before the 10/110 split going west/north, since a good bit of the people taking I-10 west can take I-110 north to the old bridge, then over on US 190 to Port Allen.

They already have those, in both Baton Rouge and New Orleans.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on June 16, 2012, 10:30:02 PM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on June 16, 2012, 07:33:53 PM
Quote from: mcdonaat on June 16, 2012, 04:52:31 PM
Maybe even have a digital readout showing the speed of the traffic on the routes, so drivers can gauge for themselves if they want to take the highway or not. It would work very well with Airline/I-12 and Essen/I-10, and even better about two miles before the 10/110 split going west/north, since a good bit of the people taking I-10 west can take I-110 north to the old bridge, then over on US 190 to Port Allen.

They already have those, in both Baton Rouge and New Orleans.
I was referring to the ones already in place, but it would be nice to have them on major highways that commuters use that aren't the Interstates. I was thinking of maybe along Airline Highway before I-12, if anywhere at all.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: froggie on June 16, 2012, 10:38:00 PM
Problem there is, to have any sort of reliable travel time probability on the non-Interstates, the signals need to be synchronized. (yes, 'tis true)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on June 16, 2012, 11:50:51 PM
Quote from: froggie on June 16, 2012, 10:38:00 PM
Problem there is, to have any sort of reliable travel time probability on the non-Interstates, the signals need to be synchronized. (yes, 'tis true)

Baton Rouge's surface roads downright suck. Instead of a network of boulevards and arterial roads, all you have are roads that lead to the Interstates. When the Interstates get backed up, the surface roads get backed up too.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: pctech on June 17, 2012, 04:49:47 PM
Quote from: mcdonaat on June 16, 2012, 11:50:51 PM
Quote from: froggie on June 16, 2012, 10:38:00 PM
Problem there is, to have any sort of reliable travel time probability on the non-Interstates, the signals need to be synchronized. (yes, 'tis true)

Baton Rouge's surface roads downright suck. Instead of a network of boulevards and arterial roads, all you have are roads that lead to the Interstates. When the Interstates get backed up, the surface roads get backed up too.
Couldn't agree more. Not only do most roads lead to the interstates, development has been encouraged along the interstates without needed supporting infrastructure. 
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on June 17, 2012, 06:58:20 PM
Quote from: pctech on June 17, 2012, 04:49:47 PM
Quote from: mcdonaat on June 16, 2012, 11:50:51 PM
Quote from: froggie on June 16, 2012, 10:38:00 PM
Problem there is, to have any sort of reliable travel time probability on the non-Interstates, the signals need to be synchronized. (yes, 'tis true)

Baton Rouge's surface roads downright suck. Instead of a network of boulevards and arterial roads, all you have are roads that lead to the Interstates. When the Interstates get backed up, the surface roads get backed up too.
Couldn't agree more. Not only do most roads lead to the interstates, development has been encouraged along the interstates without needed supporting infrastructure. 
In my opinion, Burbank Drive needed to be a southern bypass of Baton Rouge. Instead of allowing development, build it as a six-lane controlled access freeway, connecting with Brusly and the Port of Baton Rouge. Have it tie into LA 1 with a major interchange, and become a four-lane surface street connecting with La 415. You can take the now-upgraded Burbank Expressway and spur it to meet I-10 between Highland and Gonzales. It sounds like a pretty good plan to me... Costly, but feasible. I'm sure that the L'auberge casino wouldn't mind easier access to their casino from the east and west.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Hot Rod Hootenanny on June 18, 2012, 10:13:28 PM
Quote from: mcdonaat on June 17, 2012, 06:58:20 PM
Quote from: pctech on June 17, 2012, 04:49:47 PM
Quote from: mcdonaat on June 16, 2012, 11:50:51 PM
Quote from: froggie on June 16, 2012, 10:38:00 PM
Problem there is, to have any sort of reliable travel time probability on the non-Interstates, the signals need to be synchronized. (yes, 'tis true)

Baton Rouge's surface roads downright suck. Instead of a network of boulevards and arterial roads, all you have are roads that lead to the Interstates. When the Interstates get backed up, the surface roads get backed up too.
Couldn't agree more. Not only do most roads lead to the interstates, development has been encouraged along the interstates without needed supporting infrastructure. 
In my opinion, Burbank Drive needed to be a southern bypass of Baton Rouge. Instead of allowing development, build it as a six-lane controlled access freeway, connecting with Brusly and the Port of Baton Rouge. Have it tie into LA 1 with a major interchange, and become a four-lane surface street connecting with La 415. You can take the now-upgraded Burbank Expressway and spur it to meet I-10 between Highland and Gonzales. It sounds like a pretty good plan to me... Costly, but feasible. I'm sure that the L'auberge casino wouldn't mind easier access to their casino from the east and west.

Burbank Dr. is the southern bypass for LSU, not Baton Rouge.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on June 18, 2012, 11:28:05 PM
Quote from: Hot Rod Hootenanny on June 18, 2012, 10:13:28 PM
Quote from: mcdonaat on June 17, 2012, 06:58:20 PM
Quote from: pctech on June 17, 2012, 04:49:47 PM
Quote from: mcdonaat on June 16, 2012, 11:50:51 PM
Quote from: froggie on June 16, 2012, 10:38:00 PM
Problem there is, to have any sort of reliable travel time probability on the non-Interstates, the signals need to be synchronized. (yes, 'tis true)

Baton Rouge's surface roads downright suck. Instead of a network of boulevards and arterial roads, all you have are roads that lead to the Interstates. When the Interstates get backed up, the surface roads get backed up too.
Couldn't agree more. Not only do most roads lead to the interstates, development has been encouraged along the interstates without needed supporting infrastructure. 
In my opinion, Burbank Drive needed to be a southern bypass of Baton Rouge. Instead of allowing development, build it as a six-lane controlled access freeway, connecting with Brusly and the Port of Baton Rouge. Have it tie into LA 1 with a major interchange, and become a four-lane surface street connecting with La 415. You can take the now-upgraded Burbank Expressway and spur it to meet I-10 between Highland and Gonzales. It sounds like a pretty good plan to me... Costly, but feasible. I'm sure that the L'auberge casino wouldn't mind easier access to their casino from the east and west.

Burbank Dr. is the southern bypass for LSU, not Baton Rouge.
You sure? I consider Nicholson to Nicholson Extension to Highland as the bypass for LSU. Burbank has the same speed limit, same lights... if BR wants a bypass, build it along the Nicholson corridor, then angle it towards Gonzales. The main purpose would be to take thru traffic off of I-10, but still have access to the major corridors (Gardere substituting for Essen, Bluebonnet, Siegen) for shopping and the like.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on June 19, 2012, 12:31:13 AM
No, the Nicholson Extension just took traffic away from the heart of the LSU campus and acts as a better route to get to athletic facilities on Nicholson Drive, which still runs through the campus.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Urban Prairie Schooner on June 19, 2012, 08:11:51 PM
Quote from: pctech on June 17, 2012, 04:49:47 PM
Quote from: mcdonaat on June 16, 2012, 11:50:51 PM
Quote from: froggie on June 16, 2012, 10:38:00 PM
Problem there is, to have any sort of reliable travel time probability on the non-Interstates, the signals need to be synchronized. (yes, 'tis true)

Baton Rouge's surface roads downright suck. Instead of a network of boulevards and arterial roads, all you have are roads that lead to the Interstates. When the Interstates get backed up, the surface roads get backed up too.
Couldn't agree more. Not only do most roads lead to the interstates, development has been encouraged along the interstates without needed supporting infrastructure. 

That's what happens when your urban sprawl relies on former farm to market roads. BR's freeway and arterial system appears to be designed for a city of about half its current size.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on June 19, 2012, 08:35:56 PM
Quote from: Urban Prairie Schooner on June 19, 2012, 08:11:51 PM
Quote from: pctech on June 17, 2012, 04:49:47 PM
Quote from: mcdonaat on June 16, 2012, 11:50:51 PM
Quote from: froggie on June 16, 2012, 10:38:00 PM
Problem there is, to have any sort of reliable travel time probability on the non-Interstates, the signals need to be synchronized. (yes, 'tis true)

Baton Rouge's surface roads downright suck. Instead of a network of boulevards and arterial roads, all you have are roads that lead to the Interstates. When the Interstates get backed up, the surface roads get backed up too.
Couldn't agree more. Not only do most roads lead to the interstates, development has been encouraged along the interstates without needed supporting infrastructure. 

That's what happens when your urban sprawl relies on former farm to market roads. BR's freeway and arterial system appears to be designed for a city of about half its current size.
Baton Rouge could use Airline Highway as a controlled-access freeway, to be honest. The Central Thruway should help with traffic coming from Central towards BR and Gonzales, and a Pecue Lane upgrade to a freeway-style boulevard should help move traffic from I-10 to Woman's. Minimize your stop-and-go on major highways, and you have a guilt-free system.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on June 21, 2012, 08:19:23 PM
Update for Wikipedia: I'm adding Louisiana highway shields in black-and-white for the highways that have been changed 100% from the green shields to the monochrome shields. The one so far that I have done is LA 976, since it's short and has been changed over. If anyone notices a highway that they've clinched recently, and the highway has been changed to black-and-white completely, let me know!
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on June 23, 2012, 03:57:31 PM
Quote from: mcdonaat on June 21, 2012, 08:19:23 PM
Update for Wikipedia: I'm adding Louisiana highway shields in black-and-white for the highways that have been changed 100% from the green shields to the monochrome shields. The one so far that I have done is LA 976, since it's short and has been changed over. If anyone notices a highway that they've clinched recently, and the highway has been changed to black-and-white completely, let me know!

LA 21, LA 22, LA 25, LA 38, LA 40, LA 59, LA 60, LA 62, LA 445, LA 436, LA 437, LA 438, LA 439, LA 442, LA 443, LA 445, LA 1065, LA 1075, LA 3158.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on June 23, 2012, 04:07:11 PM
The state FINALLY plans to widen the last two lane segment of US 190 in Mandeville; expected to go to bid in October.
http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2012/06/drivers_will_have_to_wait_a_bi.html (http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2012/06/drivers_will_have_to_wait_a_bi.html)

Also, the new cash lane on the LA 1 toll bridge in Leesville is causing problems.
http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2012/06/new_cash_lane_on_leeville_toll.html (http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2012/06/new_cash_lane_on_leeville_toll.html)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on June 24, 2012, 08:17:53 PM
Just for kicks, I'm trying to compile an image collection of parish road markers. I already have Grant, Winn, Rapides, West Baton Rouge, and Natchitoches Parish shields. If anyone knows where I could take a photo of the other 58 (the rest, minus Orleans, since it's unlikely I'll ever find one), it would be appreciated!
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Hot Rod Hootenanny on June 24, 2012, 11:03:29 PM
Quote from: mcdonaat on June 24, 2012, 08:17:53 PM
Just for kicks, I'm trying to compile an image collection of parish road markers. I already have Grant, Winn, Rapides, West Baton Rouge, and Natchitoches Parish shields. If anyone knows where I could take a photo of the other 58 (the rest, minus Orleans, since it's unlikely I'll ever find one), it would be appreciated!

East Baton Rouge Parish, just south of Zachary
http://goo.gl/maps/t1IX
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: bassoon1986 on June 24, 2012, 11:56:21 PM
Quote from: mcdonaat on June 24, 2012, 08:17:53 PM
Just for kicks, I'm trying to compile an image collection of parish road markers. I already have Grant, Winn, Rapides, West Baton Rouge, and Natchitoches Parish shields. If anyone knows where I could take a photo of the other 58 (the rest, minus Orleans, since it's unlikely I'll ever find one), it would be appreciated!

Many exits on I-49 have them for those parishes. Desoto has one at the Stonewall exit. Natchitoches has one at the LA 478 exit. Woodworth exit in Rapides
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on June 25, 2012, 01:40:58 AM
I got the Ouachita, Rapides, Natchitoches ones from parish exits, and some from non-exits. Per the one south of Zachary, which road am I supposed to look at? I'm on my iPad, and it only pulls up the satellite view, not the street view, unless I force it to show.

EDIT: I just saw it, and it looks extremely old!! I'm in talks with the DOTD to actually begin signing the parish routes, especially the major ones that connect from the end of a state highway, as a transitioning point.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: pctech on June 25, 2012, 11:42:43 AM
I took my first drive across the Audubon bridge north of Baton Rouge this weekend. It's very impressive indeed. There was hardly any traffic at all,( in either direction) I can't help but think that the money for this could have spent better somewhere else in the system. 
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Hot Rod Hootenanny on June 25, 2012, 09:30:00 PM
Quote from: pctech on June 25, 2012, 11:42:43 AM
I took my first drive across the Audubon bridge north of Baton Rouge this weekend. It's very impressive indeed. There was hardly any traffic at all,( in either direction) I can't help but think that the money for this could have spent better somewhere else in the system. 

Have you driven the Sunshine or the Gramercy-Lutcher Bridges? Speaking of bridges to nowhere.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on June 26, 2012, 03:21:41 PM
Quote from: pctech on June 25, 2012, 11:42:43 AM
I took my first drive across the Audubon bridge north of Baton Rouge this weekend. It's very impressive indeed. There was hardly any traffic at all,( in either direction) I can't help but think that the money for this could have spent better somewhere else in the system.

LA 10 (and MS 26) makes up the Zachary Taylor Parkway, which is a proposed four-laning of the two highways stretching from I-49 near Washington to I-59 at Poplarville. The Audubon Bridge is part of the proposed parkway.


QuoteHave you driven the Sunshine or the Gramercy-Lutcher Bridges? Speaking of bridges to nowhere.

The Sunshine Bridge is a key route to Donaldsonville from eastern Ascension Parish, since Donaldsonville is the Ascension Parish seat.

The Gramercy Bridge was a bridge to nowhere, stopping at the two River Roads. Now you can get to I-10 and LA 3127
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on June 26, 2012, 04:09:00 PM
I think that the four-laning of La. 10 is pointless when you're missing a huge chunk of the highway at Melville. Once La. 10 is four lanes the entire way, and the road has bypasses around Morganza, Washington, and the route is advertised as a different way to go than along US 190 between I-49 and US 61 (where a good chunk between the atchafalaya river and Erwinville is still 55MPH), you'll see some development.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Anthony_JK on June 26, 2012, 07:59:31 PM
Actually, the Zachary Taylor Parkway uses LA 1 from Alexandria to New Roads, then LA 10 via the Audubon Bridge to St. Francisville, then LA 10 east to /Popularville. It doesn't use LA 10 through St. Landry Parish precisely due to the lack of a bridge at Melville...and now even the ferry is gone, too.

Thet proposed 4-laning would take place alont there, not along LA 10 past Washington.

And, if you really wanted to save some money, 4-laning US 71 from Meeker to the US 190 interchange just west of Krotz Springs would be more desirable. Only a bypass or widening at Bunkie would be needed, and a possible interchange with US 167 at Meeker.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on June 26, 2012, 08:46:37 PM
I would definitely four-lane La. 1 between Marksville and Alexandria, but the only thing I would change is moving the Zachary Taylor Parkway designation to La. 3170 between La. 1 and US 71/167. It connects better with traffic coming from the north, since you have to loop back under the Pineville Expressway to access La. 1.

Between Marksville and Simmesport, a four-lane would be handy, but you would need a new bridge at Simmesport crossing the Atchafalaya. La. 1 between Morganza and New Roads is very heavily traveled, so it would need a pretty decent four-lane. The old La. 3131 (Hospital Road) in New Roads is about to be four-laned, because a new Walmart is being built, along with decent development. You can piggyback along US 61, but the big problem would be Jackson and Clinton, since both downtowns are right on La. 10. Also, I don't ever see US 51 being four-laned along La. 10's route; I can see La. 10 being rerouted straight where it turns to the south at 51, and having it connect with La. 1059. I'm hoping La. 1 can be upgraded between Marksville and 3170 ASAP. I always take La. 107 north to Pineville just to avoid taking 1, because once you get stuck behind a truck going 40 in a 55, there's no chance to pass them.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on July 05, 2012, 06:09:50 PM
They would have to do a bypass or convert some streets to one-way in Franklinton for LA 10...not to mention another bypass for LA 25.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on July 05, 2012, 08:08:42 PM
Just noticed a Louisiana bicycle map today in the DOTD building and picked it up. It's detailed, with bike routes marked in a highlighter-style stripe. Interesting, to say the least!
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: NE2 on July 05, 2012, 09:46:54 PM
Quote from: mcdonaat on July 05, 2012, 08:08:42 PM
Just noticed a Louisiana bicycle map today in the DOTD building and picked it up. It's detailed, with bike routes marked in a highlighter-style stripe. Interesting, to say the least!
This one? http://www.dotd.louisiana.gov/maps/
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on July 06, 2012, 03:44:02 AM
Quote from: NE2 on July 05, 2012, 09:46:54 PM
Quote from: mcdonaat on July 05, 2012, 08:08:42 PM
Just noticed a Louisiana bicycle map today in the DOTD building and picked it up. It's detailed, with bike routes marked in a highlighter-style stripe. Interesting, to say the least!
This one? http://www.dotd.louisiana.gov/maps/
Yes, but it printed like a normal state highway map. Full state, insets for metro areas, and a weatherproof material, kind of like a slick paper. It also has rules of the road, where not to ride, and a place to mark trip notes!
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: apjung on July 14, 2012, 07:32:53 AM
Officials try to fix nightmare Slidell intersection
http://www.wwltv.com/news/local/northshore/Officials-try-to-fix-nightmare-Slidell-intersection-162441496.html
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on July 16, 2012, 02:18:54 AM
White Castle ferry could close permanently:
http://theadvocate.com/home/3338679-125/ferry-couldclose-for-good-permanently
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: codyg1985 on July 16, 2012, 09:18:23 AM
Quote from: apjung on July 14, 2012, 07:32:53 AM
Officials try to fix nightmare Slidell intersection
http://www.wwltv.com/news/local/northshore/Officials-try-to-fix-nightmare-Slidell-intersection-162441496.html

I have learned to avoid the Gause Blvd when coming through. It is always a pain to get through that area. A SPUI would be nice since it would reduce the amount of traffic lights along Gause, but it won't help totally since there are about 675 traffic lights in the span of a mile along that section of Gause Blvd.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: codyg1985 on July 16, 2012, 09:26:06 AM
Causeway set to get new toll collection system (http://www.wwltv.com/video?id=160094645&sec=1003428&ref=rcvidmod)

Hmm, I am curious as to whether this news means that the Causeway bridge will implement EZPass?

QuoteRight now, the Commission is in the process of revising a $2.5 million proposal from a New York-based company.

"The one that we are recommending is on the Golden Gate Bridge (and) Chesapeake Bay tunnel,"  Dufrechou said. "It's very reliable, very robust, even if we have adjacent lightening strikes."
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: apjung on July 17, 2012, 03:26:53 AM
Quote from: codyg1985 on July 16, 2012, 09:26:06 AM
Causeway set to get new toll collection system (http://www.wwltv.com/video?id=160094645&sec=1003428&ref=rcvidmod)

Hmm, I am curious as to whether this news means that the Causeway bridge will implement EZPass?

Probably not, maybe they'll go with GeauxPass which will make it compatible with the Crescent City Connection and the LA 1 Expressway.
http://www.geauxpass.com/

Speaking of LA 1 Expressway, Somebody uploaded videos of almost the entire drive on the elevated Expressway
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgQrOsFJ7k8 (southbound)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwUTcDr6knY (northbound)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on July 17, 2012, 03:51:18 PM
Quote from: apjung on July 14, 2012, 07:32:53 AM
Officials try to fix nightmare Slidell intersection
http://www.wwltv.com/news/local/northshore/Officials-try-to-fix-nightmare-Slidell-intersection-162441496.html

Hammond has the same problem with the SW Railroad Ave (BUS US 51) and I-12 interchange. Fortunately, DOTD has a plan to revamp this interchange.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on July 19, 2012, 03:05:18 AM
What's the opinion of people on here to opening the old Vicksburg Bridge to bicycles or motorcycle traffic?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: codyg1985 on July 19, 2012, 07:05:59 AM
Quote from: mcdonaat on July 19, 2012, 03:05:18 AM
What's the opinion of people on here to opening the old Vicksburg Bridge to bicycles or motorcycle traffic?

I think that would be great. I don't see it happening though since the railroad would probably oppose such a move, even though the city of Vicksburg actually owns the bridge.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on July 19, 2012, 03:57:23 PM
I'd say that it would be a great piece to add to a national bike route, along the old US 80.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Alps on July 20, 2012, 12:29:23 AM
Quote from: mcdonaat on July 19, 2012, 03:05:18 AM
What's the opinion of people on here to opening the old Vicksburg Bridge to bicycles or motorcycle traffic?
Absolutely. I was surprised that it's not. Maybe it could be open during daylight hours except when a train is on the bridge - you'd close it a half hour in advance and reopen it right after. I don't think that many trains use it. (Security issues, potentially?)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: NE2 on July 20, 2012, 01:14:26 AM
It would be no different from any other rails-with-trails installation. (The rail line is part of the "Meridian Speedway", an intermodal corridor between DFW and the I-85 corridor.)

Apparently the bridge maintenance people will ferry bikes and peds across: http://www.adventurecycling.org/forums/index.php?topic=7281.0
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on July 20, 2012, 01:39:12 AM
Im in favor of having a security checkpoint, but I'm also in favor of being able to bicycle across Without too much interference. It's only a bridge!!!
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: NE2 on July 20, 2012, 01:44:06 AM
Quote from: mcdonaat on July 20, 2012, 01:39:12 AM
Im in favor of having a security checkpoint,
Why? What needs to be secured?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on July 20, 2012, 01:46:44 AM
Quote from: NE2 on July 20, 2012, 01:44:06 AM
Quote from: mcdonaat on July 20, 2012, 01:39:12 AM
Im in favor of having a security checkpoint,
Why? What needs to be secured?
Maybe that was worded wrong... A checkpoint to determine the number of people using the bridge daily, with a log for bikers.

The road would become a haven for rail fans worldwide, as you could stand 5 feet from a train moving slow enough to photograph with detail.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: agentsteel53 on July 20, 2012, 11:32:06 AM
Quote from: NE2 on July 20, 2012, 01:14:26 AM
Apparently the bridge maintenance people will ferry bikes and peds across: http://www.adventurecycling.org/forums/index.php?topic=7281.0

is that the only way to get across legally?  or is there a bike provision on the I-20 bridge?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Darkchylde on July 20, 2012, 09:09:13 PM
Looks like they're wanting to put another tunnel on the Trace and add a couple of roundabouts to LA 59.

http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2012/07/improvements_on_louisiana_59_n.html
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: codyg1985 on July 22, 2012, 12:19:40 PM
Quote from: NE2 on July 20, 2012, 01:14:26 AM
It would be no different from any other rails-with-trails installation. (The rail line is part of the "Meridian Speedway", an intermodal corridor between DFW and the I-85 corridor.)

And as such that rail line is used quite a bit.

Quote from: Steve on July 20, 2012, 12:29:23 AM
Absolutely. I was surprised that it's not. Maybe it could be open during daylight hours except when a train is on the bridge - you'd close it a half hour in advance and reopen it right after. I don't think that many trains use it. (Security issues, potentially?)

According to a security guard I talked to once at the bridge, security issues is a major reason the bridge is closed to non-train traffic. He may or may not be right, but it sounds legit.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Alps on July 22, 2012, 03:20:51 PM
Quote from: codyg1985 on July 22, 2012, 12:19:40 PM
Quote from: NE2 on July 20, 2012, 01:14:26 AM
It would be no different from any other rails-with-trails installation. (The rail line is part of the "Meridian Speedway", an intermodal corridor between DFW and the I-85 corridor.)

And as such that rail line is used quite a bit.

Quote from: Steve on July 20, 2012, 12:29:23 AM
Absolutely. I was surprised that it's not. Maybe it could be open during daylight hours except when a train is on the bridge - you'd close it a half hour in advance and reopen it right after. I don't think that many trains use it. (Security issues, potentially?)

According to a security guard I talked to once at the bridge, security issues is a major reason the bridge is closed to non-train traffic. He may or may not be right, but it sounds legit.
I'm sure that's the reason, but just install a couple of cameras on the bridge. People are able to walk on all sorts of bridges up here without issues arising, and it's because of eyes on the bridge. If the concern is that not enough people will be on the bridge to monitor it, then the cameras can be your eyes.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: RPParish on July 24, 2012, 10:58:28 AM
Quote from: Hot Rod Hootenanny on June 25, 2012, 09:30:00 PM
Quote from: pctech on June 25, 2012, 11:42:43 AM
I took my first drive across the Audubon bridge north of Baton Rouge this weekend. It's very impressive indeed. There was hardly any traffic at all,( in either direction) I can't help but think that the money for this could have spent better somewhere else in the system. 

Have you driven the Sunshine or the Gramercy-Lutcher Bridges? Speaking of bridges to nowhere.

The Sunshine Bridge has a good amount of traffic.  The Lutcher-Gramercy Bridge will get its use when LA 3127 is connected to Houma.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on July 24, 2012, 08:47:42 PM
Drove across it today, the bridges have a good amount of traffic. Here's to hoping we at least get US 51 extended to Houma via the Gramercy Bridge.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Hot Rod Hootenanny on July 24, 2012, 11:09:25 PM
Quote from: RPParish on July 24, 2012, 10:58:28 AM
Quote from: Hot Rod Hootenanny on June 25, 2012, 09:30:00 PM
Quote from: pctech on June 25, 2012, 11:42:43 AM
I took my first drive across the Audubon bridge north of Baton Rouge this weekend. It's very impressive indeed. There was hardly any traffic at all,( in either direction) I can't help but think that the money for this could have spent better somewhere else in the system. 

Have you driven the Sunshine or the Gramercy-Lutcher Bridges? Speaking of bridges to nowhere.

The Sunshine Bridge has a good amount of traffic.  The Lutcher-Gramercy Bridge will get its use when LA 3127 is connected to Houma.

I sure the Audubon bridge will accure a good amount of traffic in 30 and 50 years respectivelly just like those two bridges mentioned aboved.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on July 26, 2012, 09:24:21 PM
I've always wanted the US 80 bridge reopened to vehicular traffic.  I know it would be costly to widen it to 2-12'-wide travel lanes (they are currently 9'), but if the I-20 bridge closes for whatever reason, that would also be a MUCH shorter detour than having to drive to Natchez or Greenville.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: NE2 on July 26, 2012, 09:37:42 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on July 26, 2012, 09:24:21 PM
I've always wanted the US 80 bridge reopened to vehicular traffic.  I know it would be costly to widen it to 2-12'-wide travel lanes (they are currently 9'), but if the I-20 bridge closes for whatever reason, that would also be a MUCH shorter detour than having to drive to Natchez or Greenville.
If the I-20 bridge closed, they'd probably reopen it (either to cars only, or alternating). You'd still want to detour via Natchez or Greenville due to traffic.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: RPParish on August 06, 2012, 02:10:41 PM
Quote from: mcdonaat on July 24, 2012, 08:47:42 PM
Drove across it today, the bridges have a good amount of traffic. Here's to hoping we at least get US 51 extended to Houma via the Gramercy Bridge.

Maybe they can run wild with and extend I-55 to Houma/Port Fourchon.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: codyg1985 on August 06, 2012, 03:01:08 PM
Quote from: RPParish on August 06, 2012, 02:10:41 PM
Quote from: mcdonaat on July 24, 2012, 08:47:42 PM
Drove across it today, the bridges have a good amount of traffic. Here's to hoping we at least get US 51 extended to Houma via the Gramercy Bridge.

Maybe they can run wild with and extend I-55 to Houma/Port Fourchon.

Don't forget the spur, I-155, to Grand Isle, then to Venice-Boothville.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on August 06, 2012, 04:17:09 PM
Quote from: codyg1985 on August 06, 2012, 03:01:08 PM
Quote from: RPParish on August 06, 2012, 02:10:41 PM
Quote from: mcdonaat on July 24, 2012, 08:47:42 PM
Drove across it today, the bridges have a good amount of traffic. Here's to hoping we at least get US 51 extended to Houma via the Gramercy Bridge.

Maybe they can run wild with and extend I-55 to Houma/Port Fourchon.

Don't forget the spur, I-155, to Grand Isle, then to Venice-Boothville.
Throw in I-255, a much-needed loop around the major area of Hammond. I-355 can be a spur from Laplace to Morgan City, and I-755 can be from Bogalusa to Slidell. Kidding, of course!!

Who here things the Pineville Expressway should be designated as I-149 or 349? It's an expressway, with the proper Clearview format installed, and numbering it as an Interstate, even if hidden, would allow for Exit 1 to be placed at the interchange with I-49 and the downtown Alexandria exits. Makes just as much sense as the hidden I-910 designation, to be honest.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: NE2 on August 06, 2012, 04:25:49 PM
Quote from: mcdonaat on August 06, 2012, 04:17:09 PM
with the proper Clearview format installed
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.differentelephant.com%2Fgallery%2Fvar%2Fresizes%2Finternets%2Femoticons%2Femot-w-hat.gif&hash=8df085bb1d83d9db96c9f8f143ad5b19446b6d44)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on August 06, 2012, 04:44:59 PM
Quote from: NE2 on August 06, 2012, 04:25:49 PM
Quote from: mcdonaat on August 06, 2012, 04:17:09 PM
with the proper Clearview format installed
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.differentelephant.com%2Fgallery%2Fvar%2Fresizes%2Finternets%2Femoticons%2Femot-w-hat.gif&hash=8df085bb1d83d9db96c9f8f143ad5b19446b6d44)
You know... Actual Clearview that is readable, numbers in FHWA style, and the same size font for the whole word. Even has picture directional signs. It looks almost perfect, except for the one sign that was hit by a truck and looks shredded.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: agentsteel53 on August 06, 2012, 04:50:53 PM
Quote from: mcdonaat on August 06, 2012, 04:44:59 PMexcept for the one sign that was hit by a truck and looks shredded.

damn signs not passing that part of ISO legibility standards!
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cenlaroads on August 06, 2012, 06:45:57 PM
Quote from: mcdonaat on August 06, 2012, 04:17:09 PM
Who here things the Pineville Expressway should be designated as I-149 or 349? It's an expressway, with the proper Clearview format installed, and numbering it as an Interstate, even if hidden, would allow for Exit 1 to be placed at the interchange with I-49 and the downtown Alexandria exits. Makes just as much sense as the hidden I-910 designation, to be honest.

I think the only thing preventing this is the lack of shoulders for most of the length of the expressway.  Otherwise it might be a good idea.  There are long term plans to widen the expressway to 6 lanes from the Red River to US 165, and the expressway north of 165 has proper lanes, so maybe one day it could happen.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Urban Prairie Schooner on August 06, 2012, 08:19:21 PM
Quote from: mcdonaat on August 06, 2012, 04:17:09 PM
Who here things the Pineville Expressway should be designated as I-149 or 349? It's an expressway, with the proper Clearview format installed, and numbering it as an Interstate, even if hidden, would allow for Exit 1 to be placed at the interchange with I-49 and the downtown Alexandria exits. Makes just as much sense as the hidden I-910 designation, to be honest.

It would just be a redundant designation, assuming US 167 remains in place, and I don't see 167 moving or being eliminated any time soon. At least Business US 90 (hidden I-910) is to be replaced by I-49 when all is said and done.

Also, am I the only one who glances at the Pineville Expressway on the map and sees it as the 'aorta' of Louisiana north-to-south traffic circulation, if Alexandria is likened to the 'heart'?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on August 07, 2012, 01:08:42 AM
To be a proper expressway, I feel that extending LA 28's onramp southbound to the river would be best, and acceleration lanes are really needed. Other than that, the newly resurfaced section north of US 71 South is the best in the state. Signage is superb, but I wish it was 70MPH between 165 and the 71/167 split.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Darkchylde on August 15, 2012, 03:45:09 PM
Well, the work at the southern end of the Causeway because of the floodwall construction may get done faster than expected - http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2012/08/traffic_snarling_construction.html
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: pctech on August 16, 2012, 08:09:49 AM
I drove up U.S. 61 to St. Francisville  a couple of weeks ago . The new sections of 61 are very nice, rebuilt with concrete roadway/shoulders and bridges also have been rebuilt to modern standards as well. I  wish that DODT had resurfaced the old sections of the highway as well, the surface is pretty worn out.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on August 21, 2012, 09:38:14 PM
A quick look at a 1930 map of Ascension Parish shows SR 1, 77, 525, etc.. but it also makes mention of Airline Hwy as a straight road, already built, as a hard-surfaced four-lane road as early as 1930. No SR 1500 as it was numbered, or US 61... only a route marker (normal circle) with Air Line inside of it.

The Pineville Expressway signing project has been completed in full, even with the Clearview directional shields in place (picture of highway split with shields and arrows). The new US 165 Business route through Alexandria has been signed, but the shields were just moved from Masonic Drive to Bolton Ave.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: pctech on August 31, 2012, 07:31:29 PM
I-10 closed  from flooding between exit 182 and exit 209, also US 61 closed in the same area. Traffic being diverted across to sunshine bridge to the west to reach NOLA or via I-12 to Hammond then south on I-55. I don't remember this ever happening before.

Mark
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on August 31, 2012, 09:11:19 PM
Parish shield update - Webster Parish does a Union Parish system, where every little parish road has a number and is signed accordingly. Also, Goodwill Road (Webster PR 117) isn't signed on the BGS's on I-20, but is signed at the offramp as PR 117. Also is signed at LA 528 with a very, very old shield.

Union Parish actually refers to the roads on the 911 as Parish Road X. I wish the same could be said about some other parishes... I'm almost inclined to steal a Winn Parish marker just because it's the last one left in the entire parish.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: roadman65 on September 11, 2012, 08:18:01 PM
I was actually wondering what the four digit LA route numbers signify?  I see them sporadically spread out throughout the state and they cannot be secondary roads as each parish has its own shields and traditional numbers like many state with county routes have.

I am guessing that they are like Georgia Connector designations in a way, but this is only what I can conclude as I see no common denomaters here?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Alps on September 11, 2012, 08:35:22 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on September 11, 2012, 08:18:01 PM
I was actually wondering what the four digit LA route numbers signify?  I see them sporadically spread out throughout the state and they cannot be secondary roads as each parish has its own shields and traditional numbers like many state with county routes have.

I am guessing that they are like Georgia Connector designations in a way, but this is only what I can conclude as I see no common denomaters here?
No, the hyphenated routes are more like connectors and spurs. Ignore the number of digits when visiting Louisiana.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on September 12, 2012, 02:30:45 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on September 11, 2012, 08:18:01 PM
I was actually wondering what the four digit LA route numbers signify?  I see them sporadically spread out throughout the state and they cannot be secondary roads as each parish has its own shields and traditional numbers like many state with county routes have.

I am guessing that they are like Georgia Connector designations in a way, but this is only what I can conclude as I see no common denomaters here?
Four digit routes, you say? Like LA 1241, LA 3029, or LA 1208-3? They're simply part of our renumbering. We have 1,241 original numbers, with 3xxx routes given as temporary numbers, but that got abused quickly. LA 1000 is no different than LA 999.

Hyphenated routes aren't spurs... I came across a LA 987-3 Spur a few weeks ago, and have the disgust of commuting by it every day. It's like if Georgia 625 (dunno if that's a real route) existed inside of a city, but consisted of multiple city streets. Each different piece of the 625 family would get a number, like GA 625-1, GA 625-2. But like Steve said, ignore the digits. They mean nothing, at all. Be GLAD you didn't visit in 1954, you could take State Route C-1500 down to State Route 7-D, which would put you on State Route 1315 1/2.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: roadman65 on September 15, 2012, 03:08:15 PM
Thanks for the information.  It is interesting and, if I am not mistaken, Kentucky uses 4 digit route numbers as well.  This is something that not only happens in the Bayou Country, and I think I saw the Bluegrass use them on main routes as well.  I do not want to go to KY here, as this is for the Southeast, but to use as a quick note.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on September 17, 2012, 05:50:30 AM
Up for bidding is the closure of LA 456 at the UPRR. That closure would most likely result in the transfer of ownership of LA 456 from US 167 to US 71, freeing up a tiny amount of miles. The original Jefferson Highway would also not be able to be traveled. I'm thinking that LA 456 will actually be deleted from LA 112 all the way to US 71, meaning a shorter route. In my opinion, I would push for that route to be designated Spur LA 470 or Spur LA 112.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: roadman65 on September 23, 2012, 06:30:46 PM
I see why everyone does not like Opalasous as control city on I-10 for I-49.  Further west you have Alexandria for US 165 and Shreveport for US 171.  That does seem odd that an interstate heading for either Shreveport or Alexandria does not get a mention for two fairly average size cities along its route, but two US routes do.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Anthony_JK on September 23, 2012, 07:10:40 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on September 23, 2012, 06:30:46 PM
I see why everyone does not like Opalasous as control city on I-10 for I-49.  Further west you have Alexandria for US 165 and Shreveport for US 171.  That does seem odd that an interstate heading for either Shreveport or Alexandria does not get a mention for two fairly average size cities along its route, but two US routes do.


First...it's OPELOUSAS.

Second...it's the largest city on I-49 north of Lafayette going to Alexandria, and it's a significant rail and roadway route going east or west. Therefore, it more than deserves control city status on I-49.

Plus, what do you have on US 165 between Lake Charles and Alexandria?? Kinder??  Oakdale?? Forest Hill??  Glenmora?? Seriously???

At least US 171 has Leesville, DeRidder, and Many as viable control routes...and even they aren't as big as Opelousas.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on September 23, 2012, 08:24:13 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on September 23, 2012, 06:30:46 PM
I see why everyone does not like Opalasous as control city on I-10 for I-49.  Further west you have Alexandria for US 165 and Shreveport for US 171.  That does seem odd that an interstate heading for either Shreveport or Alexandria does not get a mention for two fairly average size cities along its route, but two US routes do.
Opelousas is a perfect control city. An alternate route for I-10 is used, along with two US routes intersecting (US 167 and US 190). It's a fairly large city, and the parish seat of St. Landry Parish. It's too important of a city.

US 165 is used mostly by people going to Alexandria. US 171 is used mostly by people going to Shreveport. I-49 is used mostly, for traffic from I-10 north, by people going to Opelousas. Direct people where they will likely be going.

HOWEVER, in this same statement, make it known that LA 415 should have Lobdell and Opelousas identified as control cities. TO US 190 is used TO Opelousas, so it makes sense.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Anthony_JK on September 24, 2012, 01:27:44 PM
The BGS for the LA 415 exit for WB I-10 used to have a secondary sign showing Opelousas as a control city.  I don't know if it's still there.

US 190 to I-49 North of Opelousas is also used as a direct path to Alexandria and points northward...replacing US 71 through Morrow, Bunkie, and Meeker. Plus, there's that HUGE Walmart Distribution Center just N of 'Da Op near Nuba, and the Evangeline Downs "racino"/hotel complex.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: roadman65 on September 25, 2012, 12:31:18 PM
I have no problem with Opelousas, myself.  I plan on travleing I-49 later today after I leave Houma, hope I get great pictures along the way and cannot wait to see the new construction north of Shreveport.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on September 26, 2012, 12:31:55 AM
A note of reference - Opelousas' sign has been replaced with Westport.

Also to note - ALL state routes that intersect I-10, and are paved, have TO US 190 shields, and TO Alternate Route I-10 shields... at least the ones that are paved. I like those signs because it allows police to divert traffic from I-10 onto any small and insignificant route and allow the traffic to naturally find its way to US 190.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Alex on September 27, 2012, 02:45:07 PM
Quote from: mcdonaat on September 26, 2012, 12:31:55 AM
A note of reference - Opelousas' sign has been replaced with Westport.

Also to note - ALL state routes that intersect I-10, and are paved, have TO US 190 shields, and TO Alternate Route I-10 shields... at least the ones that are paved. I like those signs because it allows police to divert traffic from I-10 onto any small and insignificant route and allow the traffic to naturally find its way to US 190.

I noted the Alternate I-10 trailblazers in the Port Allen area on a visit in January 2009. When were these installed?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Hot Rod Hootenanny on September 28, 2012, 12:07:41 AM
Quote from: Alex on September 27, 2012, 02:45:07 PM
Quote from: mcdonaat on September 26, 2012, 12:31:55 AM
A note of reference - Opelousas' sign has been replaced with Westport.

Also to note - ALL state routes that intersect I-10, and are paved, have TO US 190 shields, and TO Alternate Route I-10 shields... at least the ones that are paved. I like those signs because it allows police to divert traffic from I-10 onto any small and insignificant route and allow the traffic to naturally find its way to US 190.

I noted the Alternate I-10 trailblazers in the Port Allen area on a visit in January 2009. When were these installed?
2008/2009.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: roadman65 on September 28, 2012, 01:17:39 AM
Quote from: Alex on September 27, 2012, 02:45:07 PM
Quote from: mcdonaat on September 26, 2012, 12:31:55 AM
A note of reference - Opelousas' sign has been replaced with Westport.

Also to note - ALL state routes that intersect I-10, and are paved, have TO US 190 shields, and TO Alternate Route I-10 shields... at least the ones that are paved. I like those signs because it allows police to divert traffic from I-10 onto any small and insignificant route and allow the traffic to naturally find its way to US 190.

I noted the Alternate I-10 trailblazers in the Port Allen area on a visit in January 2009. When were these installed?
I hope they pave LA 169 around the new I-49 freeway that is not paved in NW LA and has an exit ramps being built.  Its only a short distance to US 71 and you have to slow down and LADOT has the maximum limit at 15 mph to use any part of LA 169 between the future and present day routes.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on September 29, 2012, 03:07:24 AM
Found yet another parish sign.. St. John the Baptist PR 25, at the corner of LA 44 and LA 3223. Makes me wonder if LA 3223 was ever signed as PR 23 before the state took that section over...
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: apjung on September 30, 2012, 01:16:02 AM
Another question is why is Morgan City listed at a control city on I-10 BGS signs to US 90. Should it be New Iberia which is closer to Lafayette and has 2½ times the population.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: roadman65 on September 30, 2012, 10:40:10 AM
Quote from: apjung on September 30, 2012, 01:16:02 AM
Another question is why is Morgan City listed at a control city on I-10 BGS signs to US 90. Should it be New Iberia which is closer to Lafayette and has 2½ times the population.
Even Houma is bigger than Morgan City and if not New Iberia than even that would make another good control point.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: achilles765 on October 11, 2012, 02:59:24 AM
Quote from: mcdonaat on August 06, 2012, 04:17:09 PM
Quote from: codyg1985 on August 06, 2012, 03:01:08 PM
Quote from: RPParish on August 06, 2012, 02:10:41 PM
Quote from: mcdonaat on July 24, 2012, 08:47:42 PM

Who here things the Pineville Expressway should be designated as I-149 or 349? It's an expressway, with the proper Clearview format installed, and numbering it as an Interstate, even if hidden, would allow for Exit 1 to be placed at the interchange with I-49 and the downtown Alexandria exits. Makes just as much sense as the hidden I-910 designation, to be honest.

I have been saying this for years now.  Numbered IH 349 or IH 549 in case of a future spur in or south of Lafayette.  Also, extend it a little. 
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Anthony_JK on October 11, 2012, 01:40:15 PM
Quote from: apjung on September 30, 2012, 01:16:02 AM
Another question is why is Morgan City listed at a control city on I-10 BGS signs to US 90. Should it be New Iberia which is closer to Lafayette and has 2½ times the population.

Probably because US 90 goes through the heart of Morgan City, but mostly bypasses New Iberia. But, I wouldn't oppose NI being a control city, either.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on November 05, 2012, 05:21:28 PM
The I-12 widening project in Slidell is complete

http://www.wwltv.com/news/I-12-widening-project--177291291.html (http://www.wwltv.com/news/I-12-widening-project--177291291.html)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Darkchylde on November 07, 2012, 02:08:02 AM
Voters make their call - no tolls on the Crescent City Connection

http://www.wwl.com/Voters-shoot-down-CCC-tolls/14720081

EDIT: ...And of course, this one's up in the air now. Gotta love Louisiana.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on November 10, 2012, 02:49:15 AM
At last check, the "Yea" votes had an eight-vote lead in the CCC tolls vote.

In other news, four lanes now await you as you exit the southbound lanes of the Causeway Bridge widening/levee project is done. Northbound shall be done early next month.

http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2012/11/lanes_to_open_friday_at_metair.html (http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2012/11/lanes_to_open_friday_at_metair.html)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on November 11, 2012, 08:50:47 PM
In Baton Rouge news, state officials say they will not widen the southern end of the Baton Rouge Expressway (I-10 between the bridge and Perkins). I hope HOV lanes come into talks, along with closing the Washington Street exit... maybe by pushing the exit north to leave 110 instead of 10.

http://theadvocate.com/home/4387764-125/state-decides-widening-i-10-between (http://theadvocate.com/home/4387764-125/state-decides-widening-i-10-between)

Also, I-10 widening between the 10/12 split and Highland should be completed by the end of the year. Maybe the state will widen 10 from Highland to Gonzales next.... if only.
http://theadvocate.com/home/4390975-125/i-10-widening-to-be-finished (http://theadvocate.com/home/4390975-125/i-10-widening-to-be-finished)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: pctech on November 12, 2012, 10:24:40 AM
For various reasons the I-10 widen project from 110 to the 10/12 split is not going to happen, everyone  should accept this. We could rebuilt  the 10/110 exchange into a modern stack design to deal with the issues there. As far as improving the surface streets in the area, that'll be a tall order too. No good modern thoroughfare parallels I-10 thru this area
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Anthony_JK on November 12, 2012, 02:24:38 PM
Quote from: pctech on November 12, 2012, 10:24:40 AM
For various reasons the I-10 widen project from 110 to the 10/12 split is not going to happen, everyone  should accept this. We could rebuilt  the 10/110 exchange into a modern stack design to deal with the issues there. As far as improving the surface streets in the area, that'll be a tall order too. No good modern thoroughfare parallels I-10 thru this area

A better solution would be these steps:

1) Fix the I-10/I-110 Split interchange by rebuilding the eastbound TOTSO ramp to two to three lanes, and eliminate the Washington St. exit, since the Highland Rd/Nicholson Dr. ramps on I-10 and extending East Boulevard and the I-10/I-110 frontage roads can adequately handle that traffic.

2) Build a direct south I-10 bypass from just west of Lobdell/Westpark to near Addis, then upgrade LA 1 through Plaquemine and Donaldsonville to freeway standards (with appropriate bypasses), and then use LA 70/the Sunshine Bridge to make the connection with existing I-10 S of Gonzales.

3) Upgrade Airline Highway from LA 415 to the existing I-12 interchange to freeway standards, including improvements to the New Mississippi Bridge.

4) Expedite I-49 South, especially between Lafayette and Morgan City.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on November 12, 2012, 11:32:25 PM
Quote from: Anthony_JK on November 12, 2012, 02:24:38 PM
Quote from: pctech on November 12, 2012, 10:24:40 AM
For various reasons the I-10 widen project from 110 to the 10/12 split is not going to happen, everyone  should accept this. We could rebuilt  the 10/110 exchange into a modern stack design to deal with the issues there. As far as improving the surface streets in the area, that'll be a tall order too. No good modern thoroughfare parallels I-10 thru this area

A better solution would be these steps:

1) Fix the I-10/I-110 Split interchange by rebuilding the eastbound TOTSO ramp to two to three lanes, and eliminate the Washington St. exit, since the Highland Rd/Nicholson Dr. ramps on I-10 and extending East Boulevard and the I-10/I-110 frontage roads can adequately handle that traffic.

2) Build a direct south I-10 bypass from just west of Lobdell/Westpark to near Addis, then upgrade LA 1 through Plaquemine and Donaldsonville to freeway standards (with appropriate bypasses), and then use LA 70/the Sunshine Bridge to make the connection with existing I-10 S of Gonzales.

3) Upgrade Airline Highway from LA 415 to the existing I-12 interchange to freeway standards, including improvements to the New Mississippi Bridge.

4) Expedite I-49 South, especially between Lafayette and Morgan City.
1) That should be priority #1. Fix the curve and traffic will flow better.

2) Maybe name this I-810. Extend LA 415 south to meet it, and just continue the freeway south to Donaldsonville, or to Gramercy.

3) Don't upgrade Airline to freeway standards, but install frontage roads. You can let the frontage roads bulb out whenever older oak trees are in the way, but removing driveways from Airline is the key. J-turns are a good traffic maneuver, and I use them all the time when traffic is heavy.

4) Sign US 90, for now, as "Morgan City, New Orleans." Also put signs up that say trucks need to take US 90 to New Orleans; the weigh station in Breaux Bridge should help with enforcement. Resign I-10 as Baton Rouge and Slidell. In fact, for fun, when you get to the 10/12 split, sign I-12 as Hammond and Biloxi instead of Hammond and Slidell.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on November 13, 2012, 12:02:50 PM
The counting of 30 military, overseas and provisional ballots has begun as of this posting in New Orleans. These ballots will determine the fate of the CCC tolls, in which the "Yes" votes are up by eight.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on November 13, 2012, 12:36:12 PM
WWL-TV reports the renewal of the tolls have passed by sixteen votes after the counting of 30 military, overseas and provisional ballots. A recount is likely.

http://www.wwltv.com/news/local/orleans/CCC--179091111.html (http://www.wwltv.com/news/local/orleans/CCC--179091111.html)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: apjung on November 14, 2012, 10:00:42 AM
Even though I live on the Eastbank, I voted no. I usually take the CCC to the Westbank and the Huey P Long Bridge back to the Eastbank. I guess I'll have to keep doing this until I turn 61.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on November 23, 2012, 12:31:46 AM
The (Shreveport) Times reports that LaDOTD is expected to open bids next month for the construction of I-49 between Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and La. 1. Construction is expected to begin January 2013, with the final leg from MLK to I-220 beginning in 2014.

http://www.shreveporttimes.com/article/20121120/NEWS01/211200322/Work-next-segment-Interstate-49-north-start-2013?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|&gcheck=1&nclick_check=1 (http://www.shreveporttimes.com/article/20121120/NEWS01/211200322/Work-next-segment-Interstate-49-north-start-2013?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7C&gcheck=1&nclick_check=1)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: apjung on November 27, 2012, 12:30:22 AM
The train trestle crossing over I-10 in New Orleans will be repainted and the BGSes on the trestle replaced in time for the Super Bowl. The last time it was repainted was just before the 1988 Republican National Convention.
http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2012/11/interstate_10_train_trestle_to.html
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Alex on November 27, 2012, 10:17:11 AM
Quote from: apjung on November 27, 2012, 12:30:22 AM
The train trestle crossing over I-10 in New Orleans will be repainted and the BGSes on the trestle replaced in time for the Super Bowl. The last time it was repainted was just before the 1988 Republican National Convention.
http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2012/11/interstate_10_train_trestle_to.html

You would think they would show a more recent photo of the bridge in the article...

The bridge definitely needs the paint job. Cannot say I am excited at the prospect of more Clearview along Interstate 10 given how the signs were designed for the I-10/610 split (https://www.aaroads.com/southeast/louisiana010/i-010_eb_exit_230_07.jpg).

April 2012 photos of the bridge:
Eastbound (https://www.aaroads.com/southeast/louisiana010/i-010_eb_exit_231a_04.jpg) | Westbound (https://www.aaroads.com/southeast/louisiana010/i-010_wb_exit_231b_03.jpg)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: lamsalfl on November 27, 2012, 11:16:18 AM
That's a lot better than in Baton Rouge where they use Clearview numbers on interstate shields.  I'm not against clearview, just not on shields.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Urban Prairie Schooner on November 27, 2012, 01:20:00 PM
Quote from: Alex on November 27, 2012, 10:17:11 AM
Quote from: apjung on November 27, 2012, 12:30:22 AM
The train trestle crossing over I-10 in New Orleans will be repainted and the BGSes on the trestle replaced in time for the Super Bowl. The last time it was repainted was just before the 1988 Republican National Convention.
http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2012/11/interstate_10_train_trestle_to.html

You would think they would show a more recent photo of the bridge in the article...

The bridge definitely needs the paint job. Cannot say I am excited at the prospect of more Clearview along Interstate 10 given how the signs were designed for the I-10/610 split (https://www.aaroads.com/southeast/louisiana010/i-010_eb_exit_230_07.jpg).

April 2012 photos of the bridge:
Eastbound (https://www.aaroads.com/southeast/louisiana010/i-010_eb_exit_231a_04.jpg) | Westbound (https://www.aaroads.com/southeast/louisiana010/i-010_wb_exit_231b_03.jpg)

As of last weekend the "Airport" sign on WB 10 is missing.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on November 27, 2012, 01:44:30 PM
Quote from: lamsalfl on November 27, 2012, 11:16:18 AM
That's a lot better than in Baton Rouge where they use Clearview numbers on interstate shields.  I'm not against clearview, just not on shields.
Strangely enough, 110's exit sign for Florida Blvd (I believe it is Exit 1C) has Clearview font with FHWA shields.

I find Clearview much more legible than button copy though :P
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Hot Rod Hootenanny on November 27, 2012, 09:27:43 PM
Quote from: Urban Prairie Schooner on November 27, 2012, 01:20:00 PM
Quote from: Alex on November 27, 2012, 10:17:11 AM
Quote from: apjung on November 27, 2012, 12:30:22 AM
The train trestle crossing over I-10 in New Orleans will be repainted and the BGSes on the trestle replaced in time for the Super Bowl. The last time it was repainted was just before the 1988 Republican National Convention.
http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2012/11/interstate_10_train_trestle_to.html

You would think they would show a more recent photo of the bridge in the article...

The bridge definitely needs the paint job. Cannot say I am excited at the prospect of more Clearview along Interstate 10 given how the signs were designed for the I-10/610 split (https://www.aaroads.com/southeast/louisiana010/i-010_eb_exit_230_07.jpg).

April 2012 photos of the bridge:
Eastbound (https://www.aaroads.com/southeast/louisiana010/i-010_eb_exit_231a_04.jpg) | Westbound (https://www.aaroads.com/southeast/louisiana010/i-010_wb_exit_231b_03.jpg)

As of last weekend the "Airport" sign on WB 10 is missing.
I'm going to miss that Airport sign.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on November 30, 2012, 04:07:39 PM
The DOTD is looking to extend I-220 south into Barksdale, for easier access and to open up plenty of land for development.

http://www.shreveporttimes.com/article/20121130/NEWS01/211300322/Plans-continue-for-Barksdale-East-Gate/Interstate-220-project?source=nletter-news
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: apjung on December 01, 2012, 02:32:09 AM
Apparently DOTD haven't finished installing all the new milepost signs. I haven't driven East of Baton Rouge since last year.
http://www.katc.com/news/crews-to-install-mile-signs-on-i-10-and-i-49/
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on December 04, 2012, 11:53:42 PM
DOTD is now sending citations in the mail to Mississippi drivers who skip out on paying Crescent City Connection tolls.
http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2012/12/citations_in_the_mail_for_cres.html (http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2012/12/citations_in_the_mail_for_cres.html)

Also the state Legislative Auditor's office has found that the Louisiana Toll Authority - who runs the La. 1 toll bridge - has not been going after toll violators, missing out on hundreds of thousands in toll revenue.
http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2012/12/hundreds_of_thousands_of_la_1.html (http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2012/12/hundreds_of_thousands_of_la_1.html)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on December 05, 2012, 12:56:43 AM
Noticed today that the city-parish was mowing along Highland Road, exposing the LA Hwy Commission ROW markers. Counted four different styles, and they're in really good condition. Keep in mind that Highland (where the mowing was, from LSU/Stanford to Kenilworth) is not a state highway, but a city road.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: pctech on December 05, 2012, 03:26:06 PM
Wasn't that section of Highland road a state highway at one time? Before Burbank was completed?

Mark
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on December 05, 2012, 05:36:34 PM
Quote from: pctech on December 05, 2012, 03:26:06 PM
Wasn't that section of Highland road a state highway at one time? Before Burbank was completed?

Mark
At one point, yes. River Road was LA 30, Highland was LA 42 from Nicholson thru Nich Ext, and Highland through campus was 950-14.

The city ROW actually extends a foot back from the rear of the marker.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Urban Prairie Schooner on December 12, 2012, 07:09:29 PM
Looks like LA 639 has been sacrificed to keep the Edgard-Reserve ferry operating a bit longer:
http://www.dotd.la.gov/pressreleases/release.aspx?key=2157
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on December 12, 2012, 10:35:38 PM
Quote from: Urban Prairie Schooner on December 12, 2012, 07:09:29 PM
Looks like LA 639 has been sacrificed to keep the Edgard-Reserve ferry operating a bit longer:
http://www.dotd.la.gov/pressreleases/release.aspx?key=2157
So wait... does this mean the state can close unimportant state highways in exchange for keeping the ferries open?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Hot Rod Hootenanny on December 14, 2012, 07:56:08 PM
Quote from: mcdonaat on December 12, 2012, 10:35:38 PM
Quote from: Urban Prairie Schooner on December 12, 2012, 07:09:29 PM
Looks like LA 639 has been sacrificed to keep the Edgard-Reserve ferry operating a bit longer:
http://www.dotd.la.gov/pressreleases/release.aspx?key=2157
So wait... does this mean the state can close unimportant state highways in exchange for keeping the ferries open?

Yes. Because its Louisiana.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on December 15, 2012, 12:03:29 AM
Quote from: Hot Rod Hootenanny on December 14, 2012, 07:56:08 PM
Quote from: mcdonaat on December 12, 2012, 10:35:38 PM
Quote from: Urban Prairie Schooner on December 12, 2012, 07:09:29 PM
Looks like LA 639 has been sacrificed to keep the Edgard-Reserve ferry operating a bit longer:
http://www.dotd.la.gov/pressreleases/release.aspx?key=2157
So wait... does this mean the state can close unimportant state highways in exchange for keeping the ferries open?

Yes. Because its Louisiana.
Whoa... that's probably why I drove along Washington Parish 61 last night, and came across a fully signed interchange with LA 424, complete with 1950's signage and arrows, and the shield for PR 61.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: NE2 on December 15, 2012, 12:06:52 AM
Am I looking in the wrong place? Why would LA 424 have an interchange?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on December 15, 2012, 12:10:19 AM
Quote from: NE2 on December 15, 2012, 12:06:52 AM
Am I looking in the wrong place? Why would LA 424 have an interchange?
LA 424, interchanging with what is shown on GMaps as LA 1070. By interchanging, I meant intersecting. It has guide signs, reassurance markers, and directional arrows.

http://goo.gl/maps/tTcHJ - PR 61 at LA 424
http://goo.gl/maps/uRQ4b - faded LA 424 reassurance marker
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: NE2 on December 15, 2012, 12:39:59 AM
Ah. By a leg, I meant a tail.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on December 16, 2012, 05:55:46 PM
Next month, DOTD will look at the feasibility of building an alternate route in the case La. 70 is compromised by the sinkhole near Bayou Corne.

http://theadvocate.com/home/4659202-125/sinkhole-prompts-road-study (http://theadvocate.com/home/4659202-125/sinkhole-prompts-road-study)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Alex on December 17, 2012, 11:13:57 AM
From the Re: The Clearview thread (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=1411.msg188953#msg188953),
Quote from: brownpelican on December 04, 2012, 11:55:06 PM
Confirmed: the new signs put up on I-10 in New Orleans proper are in Clearview.

What signs were all replaced, just those at the aforementioned railroad overpass to be repainted, or more heading southeast to U.S. 90 Business?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: lamsalfl on December 17, 2012, 11:59:05 AM
Quote from: Alex on December 17, 2012, 11:13:57 AM
From the Re: The Clearview thread (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=1411.msg188953#msg188953),
Quote from: brownpelican on December 04, 2012, 11:55:06 PM
Confirmed: the new signs put up on I-10 in New Orleans proper are in Clearview.

What signs were all replaced, just those at the aforementioned railroad overpass to be repainted, or more heading southeast to U.S. 90 Business?

Just a few signs on the lakebound expressway (Tchoupitoulas, Camp, O'Keefe, and one of the signs for Earhart/Claiborne).  Nothing on the riverbound expressway.  Not sure what's going on by the railroad underpass other than the painting.   
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on December 17, 2012, 02:28:31 PM
The Poydras exit was also replaced.

I also spotted two new state-named I-310 signs on Airline Hwy. eastbound (south) right before the 310 interchange last Thursday.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: bassoon1986 on December 17, 2012, 03:06:30 PM
Quote from: brownpelican on December 17, 2012, 02:28:31 PM
The Poydras exit was also replaced.


So the "exit 1/3 of a mile" sign is gone now??
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Alex on December 17, 2012, 10:30:04 PM
Quote from: brownpelican on December 17, 2012, 02:28:31 PM
The Poydras exit was also replaced.

I also spotted two new state-named I-310 signs on Airline Hwy. eastbound (south) right before the 310 interchange last Thursday.

Saw those as well back in April (//www.aaroads.com/shields/show.php?image=LA19703101). Jeff R. went by there two weeks before I did and they were not yet in place.

The I-10/610 (//www.aaroads.com/shields/show.php?image=LA19790101) assembly in Nola is the only other state-named shield set in SELA that I know of right now.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on December 18, 2012, 03:13:50 PM
Quote from: Alex on December 17, 2012, 10:30:04 PM
Quote from: brownpelican on December 17, 2012, 02:28:31 PM
The Poydras exit was also replaced.

I also spotted two new state-named I-310 signs on Airline Hwy. eastbound (south) right before the 310 interchange last Thursday.

Saw those as well back in April (//www.aaroads.com/shields/show.php?image=LA19703101). Jeff R. went by there two weeks before I did and they were not yet in place.

The I-10/610 (//www.aaroads.com/shields/show.php?image=LA19790101) assembly in Nola is the only other state-named shield set in SELA that I know of right now.
The contractor is the one who ultimately decides if the state name should be in the shield. It's also why we have too many different variants of the state shield - cartoonish outlines, border or no border, 30x24 or 24x24, Series B, C, or D... too many to count off the top of my head.

Contact the contractors who are awarded signing projects and request that state-named shields be used. Let them know that other states (Missouri, Texas, etc...) use state names in the shields, and that multistate Interstates are good candidates. If enough of us contact them, and let them know that the cost is minimal, if nothing at all, to actually slap Louisiana inside of the shield, then we might start seeing them appear. Would anyone from a state DOT like to chime in and let us know if the price is different?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: agentsteel53 on December 18, 2012, 03:16:30 PM
Quote from: Alex on December 17, 2012, 10:30:04 PM
The I-10/610 (//www.aaroads.com/shields/show.php?image=LA19790101) assembly in Nola is the only other state-named shield set in SELA that I know of right now.

doesn't this still survive?

(//www.aaroads.com/shields/img/LA/LA19610101i1.jpg)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Alps on December 18, 2012, 06:58:12 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on December 18, 2012, 03:16:30 PM
Quote from: Alex on December 17, 2012, 10:30:04 PM
The I-10/610 (//www.aaroads.com/shields/show.php?image=LA19790101) assembly in Nola is the only other state-named shield set in SELA that I know of right now.

doesn't this still survive?

(//www.aaroads.com/shields/img/LA/LA19610101i1.jpg)
I didn't see anything at that location 2 years ago...
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on December 18, 2012, 07:04:20 PM
If I ever head back to NOLA, I'll look. I always have a reason to visit the Northshore or northeast Louisiana, but never Metro NOLA.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: froggie on December 18, 2012, 07:54:49 PM
Google Earth imagery for the eastern part of Slidell has been updated to this past October, showing part of the completed I-12 widening project.  Dropping the eastbound 3rd lane at the exit ramp to I-10 West makes sense, but what's stupid is they begin the westbound 3rd lane as an inside lane just past the overpass over I-59.  What they SHOULD'VE done is have the on-ramp from I-59/EB I-10 be the start of the 3rd lane.  Forcing that fairly-high traffic flow to merge when it easily could've begun the 3rd lane is poor design.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on December 18, 2012, 11:42:34 PM
Quote from: froggie on December 18, 2012, 07:54:49 PM
Google Earth imagery for the eastern part of Slidell has been updated to this past October, showing part of the completed I-12 widening project.  Dropping the eastbound 3rd lane at the exit ramp to I-10 West makes sense, but what's stupid is they begin the westbound 3rd lane as an inside lane just past the overpass over I-59.  What they SHOULD'VE done is have the on-ramp from I-59/EB I-10 be the start of the 3rd lane.  Forcing that fairly-high traffic flow to merge when it easily could've begun the 3rd lane is poor design.
My idea is that LaDOTD is building for if Mississippi ever adds a 3rd lane from Stennis west. I-12 does carry a bulk of the east-west traffic from Baton Rouge to Slidell, so it makes sense to allow I-10 East to I-12 West traffic to merge in, instead of having that lane exit only up ahead.

EDIT: Off topic slightly, but has anyone seen parish-posted shields anywhere? Not including Terrebonne, Union, or Webster, I can't seem to find any parishes that have more than three posted. Washington Parish seems pretty intent on leaving their shields up.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on December 19, 2012, 01:44:16 AM
The Washington Parish 45 sign still exists in Enon...and it's old as dirt. I'll be posting it soon.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Alex on December 19, 2012, 11:14:54 AM
Quote from: mcdonaat on December 18, 2012, 11:42:34 PM

EDIT: Off topic slightly, but has anyone seen parish-posted shields anywhere? Not including Terrebonne, Union, or Webster, I can't seem to find any parishes that have more than three posted. Washington Parish seems pretty intent on leaving their shields up.

Years and years ago there were parish shields posted adjacent to unpaved roads emanating from the US 90 frontage road system in St. Mary Parish. We also found one (//www.aaroads.com/shields/show.php?image=LA19700031) in West Feliciana Parish near the state line in 2009.

Quote from: mcdonaat on December 18, 2012, 03:13:50 PM
The contractor is the one who ultimately decides if the state name should be in the shield. It's also why we have too many different variants of the state shield - cartoonish outlines, border or no border, 30x24 or 24x24, Series B, C, or D... too many to count off the top of my head.

Contact the contractors who are awarded signing projects and request that state-named shields be used. Let them know that other states (Missouri, Texas, etc...) use state names in the shields, and that multistate Interstates are good candidates. If enough of us contact them, and let them know that the cost is minimal, if nothing at all, to actually slap Louisiana inside of the shield, then we might start seeing them appear. Would anyone from a state DOT like to chime in and let us know if the price is different?

To add to this, the state name was readded to the Interstate shield design for Louisiana in late 2010. From an email with Jeff R.

QuoteJust met the new interstate guy in Louisiana. He said the change to state name has occurred.  Just will take awhile to deplete stock. He also said he is working on the I-49 signs north of Shreveport and South of Lafayette.

(//www.aaroads.com/forum_images/southeast/i0012_wall_sign.jpg)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Urban Prairie Schooner on December 20, 2012, 07:13:03 PM
Quote from: mcdonaat on December 18, 2012, 11:42:34 PM
EDIT: Off topic slightly, but has anyone seen parish-posted shields anywhere? Not including Terrebonne, Union, or Webster, I can't seem to find any parishes that have more than three posted. Washington Parish seems pretty intent on leaving their shields up.

A few back roads in north EBR Parish have some old parish road signs up. Port Hudson-Pride Road comes to mind. Also, I'm sure I've seen at least one sign on the Satsuma-Colyell road in Livingston Parish.

Also, seems like pretty much every local road in Cameron Parish has a PR sign (at least back in 2007 when I was there). Federal relief funds are a fount of generosity.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Urban Prairie Schooner on December 20, 2012, 07:26:59 PM
Another route exchange to preserve a Mississippi River ferry crossing for the short term, this time in White Castle. The sacrificial lamb is LA 3066 between LA 75 and LA 3066 Spur:

http://www.dotd.la.gov/pressreleases/release.aspx?key=2166
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on December 21, 2012, 11:04:27 PM
Quote from: Urban Prairie Schooner on December 20, 2012, 07:13:03 PM
Quote from: mcdonaat on December 18, 2012, 11:42:34 PM
EDIT: Off topic slightly, but has anyone seen parish-posted shields anywhere? Not including Terrebonne, Union, or Webster, I can't seem to find any parishes that have more than three posted. Washington Parish seems pretty intent on leaving their shields up.

A few back roads in north EBR Parish have some old parish road signs up. Port Hudson-Pride Road comes to mind. Also, I'm sure I've seen at least one sign on the Satsuma-Colyell road in Livingston Parish.

Also, seems like pretty much every local road in Cameron Parish has a PR sign (at least back in 2007 when I was there). Federal relief funds are a fount of generosity.
Which end of Port Hudson Pride Road? Streetview shows nothing...

Also checked St. Mary dirt roads, but GSV shows a very, VERY limited frontage road system.

Those Cameron Parish shields... are they actually current spec, or the old Louisiana spec that seems to be prevalent in the state? Terrebonne's look hideous.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Urban Prairie Schooner on December 21, 2012, 11:40:36 PM
Quote from: mcdonaat on December 21, 2012, 11:04:27 PM
Those Cameron Parish shields... are they actually current spec, or the old Louisiana spec that seems to be prevalent in the state? Terrebonne's look hideous.

Looked current to me. They were placed post-Rita from what I could tell.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on December 21, 2012, 11:42:35 PM
Quote from: Urban Prairie Schooner on December 21, 2012, 11:40:36 PM
Quote from: mcdonaat on December 21, 2012, 11:04:27 PM
Those Cameron Parish shields... are they actually current spec, or the old Louisiana spec that seems to be prevalent in the state? Terrebonne's look hideous.

Looked current to me. They were placed post-Rita from what I could tell.
Street View has saved me again! I like the PR shields, since it's easier to tell someone to take Par Rd 18 instead of H. Newton Road, especially when you have 14 different Newtons with roads named after them (pretty common in my true home parish of Winn).
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on January 11, 2013, 09:18:58 AM
Major roadwork on the I-10/Causeway/Veterans interchange revamp project will be completed today when new ramps open allowing those from Veterans Blvd. and ground level Causeway Blvd. south to access I-10 east and west.

The entire project is expected to wrap up at the end of the month.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: lamsalfl on January 12, 2013, 02:26:52 PM
I generally love Google Maps, but why are they demoting my I-310 and I-510 to just arterials?  They have the shields up still, but no longer are they orange roads.  Still waiting for them to show I-49 in MO, I-781 in NY, and remove the I-70 shields in Oklahoma.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: codyg1985 on January 13, 2013, 11:26:27 AM
Quote from: lamsalfl on January 12, 2013, 02:26:52 PM
I generally love Google Maps, but why are they demoting my I-310 and I-510 to just arterials?  They have the shields up still, but no longer are they orange roads.  Still waiting for them to show I-49 in MO, I-781 in NY, and remove the I-70 shields in Oklahoma.

If you zoom in close enough the shields aren't even there for I-310.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: txstateends on January 13, 2013, 01:09:54 PM
Quote from: lamsalfl on January 12, 2013, 02:26:52 PM
I generally love Google Maps, but

Still waiting for them to show I-49 in MO,

I kicked their tires a bit... a few show up along the KC-to-Joplin section (mostly closer to KC), one is on the I-44 overlap, and they took out the ones that were north of I-435/I-470/US 50.  Not sure why they can't understand the words "Pineville to Kansas City", pretty straightforward I'd think--but they're probably not the roadfans there in the land of Sergey and Larry that we are, I guess.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: pctech on January 14, 2013, 01:30:40 PM
I don't know what's happening else where in Louisiana, but all the rain of the last couple weeks is causing the asphalt roads in Baton Rouge to disintegrate with a vengeance! I went thru the I-310/ Airline interchange the friday after New Years day, I didn't notice the interstate shields with the state name in them.

Mark
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on January 14, 2013, 05:13:08 PM
Quote from: pctech on January 14, 2013, 01:30:40 PM
I don't know what's happening else where in Louisiana, but all the rain of the last couple weeks is causing the asphalt roads in Baton Rouge to disintegrate with a vengeance! I went thru the I-310/ Airline interchange the friday after New Years day, I didn't notice the interstate shields with the state name in them.

Mark
The asphalt is doing the same up here in the northern part of the state as well...and the temps are right at or just below freezing right now.  :-o That won't help the asphalt either because the expansion and contraction of the freezing & the thawing water will tear it up even more.  Everytime we get an extended period of rain (which has been rare in the last couple of years) the roads tear up.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: pctech on January 15, 2013, 12:55:22 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on January 14, 2013, 05:13:08 PM
Quote from: pctech on January 14, 2013, 01:30:40 PM
I don't know what's happening else where in Louisiana, but all the rain of the last couple weeks is causing the asphalt roads in Baton Rouge to disintegrate with a vengeance! I went thru the I-310/ Airline interchange the friday after New Years day, I didn't notice the interstate shields with the state name in them.

Mark
The asphalt is doing the same up here in the northern part of the state as well...and the temps are right at or just below freezing right now.  :-o That won't help the asphalt either because the expansion and contraction of the freezing & the thawing water will tear it up even more.  Everytime we get an extended period of rain (which has been rare in the last couple of years) the roads tear up.

Maybe we should stop using water soluble asphalt for paving in Louisiana!....just a thought :D
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: pctech on January 23, 2013, 10:56:22 AM
I went through I-10 from the 10/12 split to the Bluebonnet exit (162) yesterday. It appears that DODT is adopting the CALTRANS double right lane exits on new construction in high traffic areas. It does not appear that they they are using the CALTRANS  marking method on the approach BGS, that is far right lane is labeled "exit only" and the next lane in having a white down facing arrow. They  will have only a far right exit only label and they are using redundant BGS...(exit only 1/4 mile, then exit only, then the actual exit sign)

Mark
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: formulanone on January 23, 2013, 03:16:21 PM
Quote from: codyg1985 on January 13, 2013, 11:26:27 AM
Quote from: lamsalfl on January 12, 2013, 02:26:52 PM
I generally love Google Maps, but why are they demoting my I-310 and I-510 to just arterials?  They have the shields up still, but no longer are they orange roads.  Still waiting for them to show I-49 in MO, I-781 in NY, and remove the I-70 shields in Oklahoma.

If you zoom in close enough the shields aren't even there for I-310.

Just noticed this yesterday, as I'm in the New Orleans/Kenner area. Wondered where 310 and 510 disappeared to!

Edit: Just found my answer; also found a non-neutered I-10 shield by the airport.

Quote from: Urban Prairie Schooner on December 20, 2012, 07:13:03 PM
A few back roads in north EBR Parish have some old parish road signs up. Port Hudson-Pride Road comes to mind. Also, I'm sure I've seen at least one sign on the Satsuma-Colyell road in Livingston Parish.

Found this on I-12 in December...probably nothing new.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.formulanone.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2012%2F12%2FInt12wFog-Exit19bgs.jpg&hash=53b7a2b8c47491e11c742ed89e82aea69df9e143)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: agentsteel53 on January 23, 2013, 04:21:26 PM
Quote from: formulanone on January 23, 2013, 03:16:21 PMalso found a non-neutered I-10 shield by the airport.


got a photo?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: formulanone on January 23, 2013, 04:41:52 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on January 23, 2013, 04:21:26 PM
Quote from: formulanone on January 23, 2013, 03:16:21 PMalso found a non-neutered I-10 shield by the airport.


got a photo?

It's not with me now...Saw it after I'd taken a picture of it; will get a better shot of it on Friday.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: formulanone on January 24, 2013, 08:48:37 AM
The colors aren't great on this one, but this was one shot I had...

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.formulanone.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2013%2F01%2FInt10LA-US61-US61signs.jpg&hash=525d9282937eedeab9ed549bbfc391ccab825ac3)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on January 24, 2013, 11:27:18 PM
Quote from: formulanone on January 24, 2013, 08:48:37 AM
The colors aren't great on this one, but this was one shot I had...

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.formulanone.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2013%2F01%2FInt10LA-US61-US61signs.jpg&hash=525d9282937eedeab9ed549bbfc391ccab825ac3)
Holy crap!! Could they have chosen any uglier numbers?   :ded:
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: agentsteel53 on January 25, 2013, 09:40:14 AM
Quote from: cjk374 on January 24, 2013, 11:27:18 PM
Holy crap!! Could they have chosen any uglier numbers?   :ded:

probably. 

(//www.aaroads.com/shields/img/RI/RI19950011i1.jpg)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on January 25, 2013, 09:43:20 PM
^^^Those actually look better to me.  I really like the "U.S." they put on the top of the shield also.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Alps on January 26, 2013, 10:51:29 AM
Quote from: cjk374 on January 25, 2013, 09:43:20 PM
^^^Those actually look better to me.  I really like the "U.S." they put on the top of the shield also.
But the FONT, sir. THE FONT. California manages to do it right.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on January 26, 2013, 01:05:26 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on January 25, 2013, 09:40:14 AM
Quote from: cjk374 on January 24, 2013, 11:27:18 PM
Holy crap!! Could they have chosen any uglier numbers?   :ded:

probably. 

(//www.aaroads.com/shields/img/RI/RI19950011i1.jpg)

Where is this assembly located?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Alps on January 26, 2013, 01:26:17 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on January 26, 2013, 01:05:26 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on January 25, 2013, 09:40:14 AM
Quote from: cjk374 on January 24, 2013, 11:27:18 PM
Holy crap!! Could they have chosen any uglier numbers?   :ded:

probably. 

(//www.aaroads.com/shields/img/RI/RI19950011i1.jpg)

Where is this assembly located?
Along RI 1A  :ded: :no: US 1A itself has barely any signs. RI is a clusterfuck of bad and wrong signage, which makes it a great spot to roadgeek. (That and you can clinch the entire highway system in a day or two.)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on January 26, 2013, 01:39:37 PM
Quote from: Steve on January 26, 2013, 01:26:17 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on January 26, 2013, 01:05:26 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on January 25, 2013, 09:40:14 AM
Quote from: cjk374 on January 24, 2013, 11:27:18 PM
Holy crap!! Could they have chosen any uglier numbers?   :ded:

probably. 

(//www.aaroads.com/shields/img/RI/RI19950011i1.jpg)

Where is this assembly located?
Along RI 1A  :ded: :no: US 1A itself has barely any signs. RI is a clusterfuck of bad and wrong signage, which makes it a great spot to roadgeek. (That and you can clinch the entire highway system in a day or two.)
Wow....RIDOT doubly reinforced their stupidity by putting U.S. in the shield.  But IMHO, that qualifies this assembly for "Best of Road Signs" as well as "Erroneous".
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: formulanone on January 31, 2013, 12:03:27 AM
Here's that close-up of the state-named I-10 shield.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.formulanone.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2013%2F01%2FToInt10LA-LA49-US61n-UpClose.jpg&hash=f0a6c7d7663415a74adb8405c47b5ec76d18932b)

Also found a Parish Road 11 shield along US 90, since those are apparently rare...

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.formulanone.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2013%2F01%2FStMaryParishRoad11sign.jpg&hash=1f0a3d117786e93d63e5d6d6adcb693e1db321a4)

...neighboring Iberia Parish also had a few right off US 90, and not just on the BGS and trailblazers right off the exits.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on February 05, 2013, 12:29:32 PM
LaDOTD Secretary Sherry LeBas announced at a press conference that the Huey P. Long Bridge will be complete and open to traffic on June 16.

EDIT: More info -

* The main approach that takes US 90 east over Bridge City Avenue will open in two months.
* The main approach that takes southbound Clearview Parkway over Jefferson Highway will be done shortly before June 16.
* The June 16 opening will begin with a 5k run/walk that morning.

Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on February 05, 2013, 02:48:24 PM
Quote from: formulanone on January 24, 2013, 08:48:37 AM
The colors aren't great on this one, but this was one shot I had...

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.formulanone.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2013%2F01%2FInt10LA-US61-US61signs.jpg&hash=525d9282937eedeab9ed549bbfc391ccab825ac3)

Shouldn't that say "SOUTH 61" instead of "NORTH"?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: formulanone on February 05, 2013, 05:31:17 PM
Quote from: brownpelican on February 05, 2013, 02:48:24 PM
Shouldn't that say "SOUTH 61" instead of "NORTH"?

Why, yes it should. Here's the last iteration of these signs, in Street View (https://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ll=29.979946,-90.245883&spn=0.002718,0.004823&sll=37.6,-95.665&sspn=40.353767,79.013672&t=m&hq=msy&z=18&layer=c&cbll=29.979906,-90.245669&panoid=gEmoG6U3Hg4t-82jMJA46A&cbp=12,108.4,,0,10.21).

I took a photo of the assembly coming the other way on Airline and I wonder if that one erroneously says "South"...I'll have a look at them in a few hours..., but there's no US 61 re-assurance sign. There's another state-named I-10 and a LA 49 pair.


Edit to remove query.
Edit again, with update.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on February 06, 2013, 01:31:16 AM
Speaking of Google Maps, they need to go ahead and correct the I-10/Causeway interchange, since that project is complete.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: lamsalfl on February 18, 2013, 11:50:12 PM
I-10 widening project finishes in Baton Rouge, state announces plans for further widening all the way to LA 22 in Ascension Parish.

http://www.dotd.la.gov/pressreleases/release.aspx?key=2208
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: apjung on March 06, 2013, 12:00:16 AM
Crescent City Connection tolls suspended after Judge throws out election results
http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/03/crescent_city_connection_tolls_6.html

Special Election is set for May 4. More voters in Eastbank Orleans Parish would most likely stay home since there's no Presidential Election this time around.

I celebrated earlier this evening by going to Boomtown Casino to eat, throw some money in the slots and drive back to the Eastbank using the CCC instead of the HPL.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on March 06, 2013, 05:52:22 PM
If the CCC tolls do comeback, they need to reconfigure the tag and pay lanes. I feel toll tags take the left side of the toll plaza and pay lanes take the right side of the plaza.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on March 06, 2013, 05:53:25 PM
Thirty-one CCC temporary workers to be laid off.

http://www.wwltv.com/news/DOTD-to-lay-off-31-temporary-workers-at-CCC-195680171.html (http://www.wwltv.com/news/DOTD-to-lay-off-31-temporary-workers-at-CCC-195680171.html)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on March 08, 2013, 01:54:49 PM
Tulane Avenue (US 61) between South Carrollton and South Claiborne is about to get a makeover. The plan would narrow Tulane from six to four lanes with bike lanes and left turn lanes.

http://midcitymessenger.com/2013/03/05/tulane-avenue-corridor-will-see-10-million-streetscape-revitalization/ (http://midcitymessenger.com/2013/03/05/tulane-avenue-corridor-will-see-10-million-streetscape-revitalization/)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on March 09, 2013, 02:27:45 AM
A state senator from Napoleonville wants to file a bill in the upcoming legislative session that would bring back tolls on the Sunshine Bridge (La. 70). The senator said the tolls would be split equally among Ascension, Saint John and Assumption parishes. If the bill passes, voters in the three parishes would have the final say.

Meanwhile, some area leaders want some of the toll money to fund a freeway along the west bank of the Mississippi River.

http://theadvocate.com/news/5375057-123/lawmaker-pushes-tolls-on-sunshine (http://theadvocate.com/news/5375057-123/lawmaker-pushes-tolls-on-sunshine)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Anthony_JK on March 09, 2013, 06:13:58 PM
So...I suppose the idea is to toll the Sunshine Bridge in order to fund both a tollway along LA 1/LA 3127 between Port Allen and Boutte AND another Mississippi River bridge in northern Iberville Parish that would access LSU from the south??

Riiiiiiiight....but they can't find the money to complete I-49 South??? Yeaaaahhhhh, sure.

Better idea: 4-lane LA 3127 from Donaldsonville to Boutte, upgrade LA 1 to at least expressway standards between Port Allen and D'ville, improve the access to the Sunshine Bridge from the west; 4-lane LA 70 east of the Sunshine Bridge to better connect with I-10, and extend LA 415 south of Lobdell to connect with the improved LA 1 near Addis. Oh....and fix the damn issue of the I-10 E-bound ramp at the I-110 Split being only 1 lane wide.

Problem solved...and without even the need for tolls.

Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: lamsalfl on March 10, 2013, 12:05:05 AM
The I-110/I-10 interchange is a disaster.  There also needs to be a second bridge.  There is no money for either right now, but I don't see how you fix one of those problems without doing the other.  Just by looking at Googlemaps, it seems a second bridge would one day be built on the northside of the current bridge.  The LA 1 interchange will need reconstruction at this time too, but that's just what has to happen to fix this problem once and for all.  This is all just my opinion, but this is a major national corridor here with national security in play.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on March 10, 2013, 02:24:50 PM
LaDOTD officials met with Mandeville residents about a project to widen US 190 to four lanes from Lonesome Road to St. Joseph Street. Work is scheduled to begin next month.

http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2013/03/project_to_widen_us_190_in_man.html#incart_river (http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2013/03/project_to_widen_us_190_in_man.html#incart_river)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: lamsalfl on March 16, 2013, 12:45:29 AM
The Pontchartrain Expressway in New Orleans from the CCC to I-10 now has exit numbers.

11A - Tchoupitoulas St./S. Peters St. (riverbound)
11C - Tchoupitoulas St. (lakebound)
12A - Camp St.  (lakebound)
12B - O'Keefe Ave. (lakebound)
12C - ???
12D - Carondelet St./St. Charles Ave. (riverbound)
13A-B US90B, Claiborne Ave. (riverbound)
13C - I-10 East Slidell (lakebound)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on March 17, 2013, 08:48:19 PM
Quote from: lamsalfl on March 16, 2013, 12:45:29 AM
The Pontchartrain Expressway in New Orleans from the CCC to I-10 now has exit numbers.

11A - Tchoupitoulas St./S. Peters St. (riverbound)
11C - Tchoupitoulas St. (lakebound)
12A - Camp St.  (lakebound)
12B - O'Keefe Ave. (lakebound)
12C - ???
12D - Carondelet St./St. Charles Ave. (riverbound)
13A-B US90B, Claiborne Ave. (riverbound)
13C - I-10 East Slidell (lakebound)


None of them are signed. Tchoupitoulas, riverbound, is still the only exit with a tab. 11C.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: lamsalfl on March 18, 2013, 12:17:22 AM
Yes, the tabs are not on the overheads, but the gore point signs are there!  I'm not dreaming!  Maybe those signs are coming this week.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: codyg1985 on March 19, 2013, 10:07:43 AM
Quote from: lamsalfl on March 18, 2013, 12:17:22 AM
Yes, the tabs are not on the overheads, but the gore point signs are there!  I'm not dreaming!  Maybe those signs are coming this week.

As part of a sign replacement project with all new Clearview signs, I'm guessing?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: lamsalfl on March 19, 2013, 11:12:03 AM
Some of the signs have been replaced, but not all.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Ace10 on March 19, 2013, 04:14:35 PM
Damn. I was just over there on Saturday. I would've taken some pics if I had known.

However, I did capture these on the way. I-10 is shown in a 3di shield, much like the 2dis shown as 3dis along I-20 near Dallas/Fort Worth in Texas.

These are on I-10 eastbound, west of the interchange with I-610.

(https://astareglobe.org/SyncProof/GetThumb.ashx?Passholder=5f0a48c6f7044f4bb95a72b6b57ace10&SyncLink=483693bd7df84b58b9323cde73f58cc7&File=d9025a929f3941ebb3b51f7aac03ad82&Size=640) (https://astareglobe.org/SyncProof/GetThumb.ashx?Passholder=5f0a48c6f7044f4bb95a72b6b57ace10&SyncLink=483693bd7df84b58b9323cde73f58cc7&File=d9025a929f3941ebb3b51f7aac03ad82&Size=3000)

(https://astareglobe.org/SyncProof/GetThumb.ashx?Passholder=5f0a48c6f7044f4bb95a72b6b57ace10&SyncLink=483693bd7df84b58b9323cde73f58cc7&File=bcdf0e579df34ae0a69083df48d122f6&Size=640) (https://astareglobe.org/SyncProof/GetThumb.ashx?Passholder=5f0a48c6f7044f4bb95a72b6b57ace10&SyncLink=483693bd7df84b58b9323cde73f58cc7&File=bcdf0e579df34ae0a69083df48d122f6&Size=3000)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on March 20, 2013, 01:30:04 AM
Quote from: lamsalfl on March 16, 2013, 12:45:29 AM
The Pontchartrain Expressway in New Orleans from the CCC to I-10 now has exit numbers.

11A - Tchoupitoulas St./S. Peters St. (riverbound)
11C - Tchoupitoulas St. (lakebound)
12A - Camp St.  (lakebound)
12B - O'Keefe Ave. (lakebound)
12C - ???
12D - Carondelet St./St. Charles Ave. (riverbound)
13A-B US90B, Claiborne Ave. (riverbound)
13C - I-10 East Slidell (lakebound)

12C = Earhart Blvd/TO West US 90 Claiborne Avenue (Lakebound)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: pctech on March 25, 2013, 11:43:28 AM
Those big yellow "Left Exit" tabs sure catch your attention!
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: froggie on March 26, 2013, 08:38:28 AM
That's the intention.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on March 26, 2013, 06:07:14 PM
Looks like the lights are going back on for the Crescent City Connection. The Regional Planning Board passed a resolution to turn the lights on, which could happen as early as tomorrow night. It calls for The Young Leadership Card (who originally raised money for the spans back in the late 80s) to pay the costs through the end of June and surplus toll money pay the costs for the rest of the year.

http://www.wwltv.com/news/local/Special-meeting-to-be-held-to-discuss--200033731.html (http://www.wwltv.com/news/local/Special-meeting-to-be-held-to-discuss--200033731.html)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: pctech on March 27, 2013, 09:26:23 AM
Shouldn't the left and center lanes on the I-610 East Slidell BGS be marked  as exit only? (yellow box with black arrows)

Mark
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on March 27, 2013, 11:00:26 AM
No, because of the left exit tabs. Plus, the overwhelming majority of the people who drive the stretch know the lane configurations.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: pctech on April 01, 2013, 10:08:24 AM
A few observations from the weekend:

New I-10 markers in Baton Rouge construction area do not display state name. Essen lane and east bound Bluebonnet exits now double lane exits, (aka Caltrans  style) BGS at exit has double arrows, the far right being an exit only. The approach signs however only show the far right exit only lane.(shouldn't the indicate that the next lane in can exit also?)

I-10 in Kenner from end of 12 mile causeway to Williams Blvd. being planed for re-surfacing. (hopefully bad sections of concrete will be patched before new surface is installed.)

Construction thru Metarie seems to be progressing ok.

Mark
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Darkchylde on April 05, 2013, 05:13:54 AM
Claiborne Avenue study looks at removing ramps but leaving elevated expressway (http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/04/claiborne_avenue_study_looks_a_1.html)

Well, there's some visuals in that article of the possible scenarios in what to do about the Claiborne viaduct portion of I-10 in New Orleans, one of which, sadly, is a complete teardown of the section.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: pctech on April 05, 2013, 07:45:19 AM
I doubt anything will be done to the elevated I-10 section through downtown New Orleans as the money will never materialize. However consultants will make out well doing endless studies. Just like what's been done with the I-10/110 mess here in Baton Rouge.

Mark
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Darkchylde on April 05, 2013, 07:59:23 AM
Quote from: pctech on April 05, 2013, 07:45:19 AM
I doubt anything will be done to the elevated I-10 section through downtown New Orleans as the money will never materialize. However consultants will make out well doing endless studies. Just like what's been done with the I-10/110 mess here in Baton Rouge.

Mark
I'm hoping that's the case, but... meh. In a week I'll be far from the mess.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: lamsalfl on April 05, 2013, 08:25:53 AM
That viaduct is hideous.    Needs to be torn down and rebuilt to modern standards.   Either that or a complete test down, but the current road is a disaster. 
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: agentsteel53 on April 05, 2013, 09:26:52 AM
Quote from: lamsalfl on April 05, 2013, 08:25:53 AM
That viaduct is hideous.    Needs to be torn down and rebuilt to modern standards.   Either that or a complete test down, but the current road is a disaster.

as long as these shields aren't destroyed in the process:

(//www.aaroads.com/shields/img/LA/LA19790101i1.jpg)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: lamsalfl on April 05, 2013, 10:36:56 AM
Wrong road, agent
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: froggie on April 05, 2013, 09:34:26 PM
It's an idea that keeps (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=79.msg69125#msg69125) coming (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=651.msg15827#msg15827) back (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=3680.msg85535#msg85535) from time to time.  In fact, I believe this is a continuation of the study that had begun back in 2010.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: lamsalfl on April 12, 2013, 08:26:09 AM
St. John Parish residents zero in on different proposals for new I-10 interchange

http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2013/04/proposals_unveiled_for_i-10_in.html#incart_m-rpt-2
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Revive 755 on April 12, 2013, 08:53:36 PM
Quote from: lamsalfl on April 05, 2013, 10:36:56 AM
Wrong road, agent

The complete teardown and reroute I-10 option would remove the I-610 shield, and I would bet that the I-10 shield would also be updated as long as the sign crew is there.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: codyg1985 on April 15, 2013, 07:38:52 AM
Quote from: Revive 755 on April 12, 2013, 08:53:36 PM
Quote from: lamsalfl on April 05, 2013, 10:36:56 AM
Wrong road, agent

The complete teardown and reroute I-10 option would remove the I-610 shield, and I would bet that the I-10 shield would also be updated as long as the sign crew is there.

Even if the Claiborne viaduct is rebuilt, I'm sure I-610 will be the detour route as they will have to shut down I-10 through there, so I'm sure those shields will go away when the detour route is signed.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: RPParish on April 16, 2013, 05:14:28 PM
Quote from: lamsalfl on April 12, 2013, 08:26:09 AM
St. John Parish residents zero in on different proposals for new I-10 interchange

http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2013/04/proposals_unveiled_for_i-10_in.html#incart_m-rpt-2

The route closer to Reserve is the better options being that its closer to the industrial areas.

No one is talking about the real issue though, the Bonnet Carre Spillway bridge. That thing is past due for an upgrade.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: apjung on April 16, 2013, 11:11:03 PM
Quote from: RPParish on April 16, 2013, 05:14:28 PM
No one is talking about the real issue though, the Bonnet Carre Spillway bridge. That thing is past due for an upgrade.

Yes, it needs to be widened to 6 lanes and replace the antiquated guardrails to Jersey barrier guardrails.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: pctech on May 03, 2013, 09:18:12 AM
I went to Jazz Fest in NOLA yesterday which took me through the 1-10 construction zone. Here are a couple observations.
I-10 from 12 mile causeway to Williams Blvd. (La 49) repaving is progressing well. Old pavement has been planed and overlay is down. ( wonder if they patched defects in underlying concrete). Construction from Veterans to Clearview is progressing, the drive through there wasn't too bad. You have a lane shift and it appears that some of the new pavement is in place.

Mark
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on May 07, 2013, 02:34:20 PM
Widening and sound wall addition for I-10 from Veterans west to Loyola Dr is now in the design phase.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Anthony_JK on May 08, 2013, 12:28:54 AM
Quote from: apjung on April 16, 2013, 11:11:03 PM
Quote from: RPParish on April 16, 2013, 05:14:28 PM
No one is talking about the real issue though, the Bonnet Carre Spillway bridge. That thing is past due for an upgrade.

Yes, it needs to be widened to 6 lanes and replace the antiquated guardrails to Jersey barrier guardrails.

I actually think it should be more like 8 lanes (2x4) between I-55 and I-310...but 6 lanes will suffice for now.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Anthony_JK on May 08, 2013, 12:37:46 AM
I'm kind of surprised this news didn't make some headlines here, but residents of the Westbank in NOLA have finally placed the kabosh on tolls on the Crescent City Connection bridge. The story from the New Orleans bureau of the Baton Rouge Advocate:

Quote

Crescent City Connection toll renewal shot down by voters (http://theadvocate.com/news/neworleans/neworleansnews/5883450-123/crescent-city-connection-toll-renewal)

New Orleans – The long fight over tolls on the Crescent City Connection is finally over, and opponents of the fees secured a decisive victory based on unofficial results published on the Louisiana Secretary of State's website on Saturday night.

Voters in New Orleans, Plaquemines Parish and Jefferson Parish overwhemingly supported eliminating the tolls, with 78 percent of voters rejecting the renewal. However, overall voter turnout was less than a third of the 308,800 voters that participated in the November election.

John Roberts, a member of Stop the Tolls LLC, said Saturday's result felt like "true justice"  for toll opponents who crusaded aggressively against the fees, and refused to concede victory after an apparent loss last year. Roberts said members of the group always knew the tolls were unfair and that it feels good to finally set the record straight.

"We really have to say it's vindication. We really believed in the cause, and that's why we had the volunteers that we had,"  Roberts said from a victory party in Gretna.

He added that while some volunteers may no longer be interested in the Crescent City Connection, there is a core group that will remain active to be certain the West Bank isn't shortchanged on the money it deserves from the state to maintain the span. They will keep a close eye on how politicians respond to the end of the fees, he said.

The election represented the culmination of months of debate, investigations and legal battles over the renewal of the tolls on the iconic span. Although the Crescent City Connection bridge is paid for, the tolls would have been extended for another 20 years to pay for maintenance and capital improvements.

The fees, which are $1 for those using cash and 40 cents for those with toll tags, generate between $20 million and $22 million per year.

Saturday's election was only possible because toll opponents secured a legal victory in March that invalidated the results of the November election when the tolls were renewed by a mere 36 votes. Baton Rouge Judge William Morvant granted the new election after toll opponents proved that many voters were not allowed to vote on the initial proposition because of the use of provisional ballots.

The toll battle was characterized by an extremely lively debate in advance of the November election but far less discussion before Saturday. Proponents of renewing the tolls have argued that the money generated by the fees helped keep the Crescent City Connection bridge one of the best maintained spans in Louisiana. The money also paid for grass cutting, litter control and lighting along the bridge and the West Bank Expressway.

Proponents questioned whether the lack of a revenue stream would put an undue strain on local governments and police agencies. This week, Jefferson Parish Council Chairman Chris Roberts complained that response times for traffic accidents has increased greatly on the expressway, which is leading to more traffic problems.

However, those arguments were made much less vehemently during the past 60 days, and some politicians who initially supported the tolls actually flip-flopped prior to Saturday's vote.

Toll opponents have consistently argued that the revenue from the tolls has been misused and that the tolls represented an unfair tax on local residents, particularly those on the West Bank.

At a recent press conference, they noted that money from the tolls has been spent on projects all over Louisiana but little has been spent on the West Bank. In addition, they claimed that drivers have saved roughly $3.6 million since the tolls were removed, money that's now back in circulation.

Maybe now someone might suggest the even better idea than removing the tolls: Renewing them on both directions and using the revenue for bonds to finish the Westbank Expressway freeway upgrade all the way to US 90..and perhaps, even extend further to Boutte as part of I-49 South??
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: pctech on May 08, 2013, 09:56:48 AM
Another case of, "I want my infrastructure, but I don't want to pay for it" in my opinion.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Anthony_JK on May 08, 2013, 10:29:20 AM
Quote from: pctech on May 08, 2013, 09:56:48 AM
Another case of, "I want my infrastructure, but I don't want to pay for it" in my opinion.

Not mecessarly.

The bonds for which the tolls were funded to construct the eastbound bridge had long since been paid off, and the revenue from the toll was being used by local authorities for maintenance of the bridge, as well as for running the many ferries serving the Westbank communities. The toll opponents had argued that most of those funds could be better acquired through local revenue or through higher user fees charged by those using the ferries.

In addition, there had been a report that came out last year contending that revenue from the bridge tolls were being grafted into totally unrelated projects, or simply pocketed by the overseers. It was that which fueled the campaign to remove the tolls to begiin with.

There is a push building among some Westbank politicos to use my idea of renewing tolls on the CCC to help complete the freeway upgrade of the Westbank Expressway at least to US 90, both to expedite I-49 South and to take advantage of the Huey P. Long Bridge expansion project, which should be completed by the fall of this year.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on May 08, 2013, 10:10:52 PM
Quote from: Anthony_JK on May 08, 2013, 12:37:46 AM

Quote

Crescent City Connection toll renewal shot down by voters (http://theadvocate.com/news/neworleans/neworleansnews/5883450-123/crescent-city-connection-toll-renewal)


The toll battle was characterized by an extremely lively debate in advance of the November election but far less discussion before Saturday. Proponents of renewing the tolls have argued that the money generated by the fees helped keep the Crescent City Connection bridge one of the best maintained spans in Louisiana. The money also paid for grass cutting, litter control and lighting along the bridge and the West Bank Expressway.



Grass cutting....on a bridge?  :confused:  Or is there more to the CCC than just the bridge?  I thought all the CCC was just a bridge.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: apjung on May 09, 2013, 02:52:17 AM
Interstate 10 roadwork in Metairie, Kenner to continue beyond 2015
http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2013/05/interstate_10_roadwork_in_meta.html

I figured it wasn't quite finished with the current construction work ending at Veterans Blvd. I've always thought that widening would continue West to Williams Blvd. especially to connect the flyover ramp acceleration lane from Southbound Williams Blvd that currently ends in a stub and could be easily extended as the 4th lane.
http://goo.gl/maps/mjovH

Now the plans are to widen it all the way to Loyola Dr especially now that the airport is planning on building a new terminal to be completed in time for the 300th anniversary of the City of New Orleans (May 7, 2018) on the north side of the runway which would require increased access to/from Loyola Dr.
http://www.flymsy.com/press-room/Mayor-Landrieu-Aviation-Board-and-Regional-Leaders-Announce-Plans-to-Build-New-World-Class-Airport-on-North-Side-of-MSY-1?&Sort=
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: froggie on May 09, 2013, 03:08:17 AM
IMO, what MSY needs more than a new terminal is a parallel runway.  But I'm also aware there is huge pushback from the local communities against that.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: pctech on May 09, 2013, 08:48:52 AM
The benefits of the I-10 widening will likely be short lived. The new capacity will quickly be used up, "the if you build it they will come" principle. One only has look at the freeways of CA. I wonder if considered HOV lanes at all during the planning for this.

Mark
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Anthony_JK on May 09, 2013, 09:04:34 AM
Has anyone considered the option of adding direct connections to the airport access road to/from I-10 west, rather than going through Loyola Drive??
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: apjung on May 09, 2013, 09:31:38 PM
Quote from: Anthony_JK on May 09, 2013, 09:04:34 AM
Has anyone considered the option of adding direct connections to the airport access road to/from I-10 west, rather than going through Loyola Drive??

It's not possible due to the flight path of Runway 1/19 restricting the height of any proposed flyover ramps.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: RPParish on May 10, 2013, 11:32:11 AM
Quote from: Anthony_JK on May 09, 2013, 09:04:34 AM
Has anyone considered the option of adding direct connections to the airport access road to/from I-10 west, rather than going through Loyola Drive??
Quote from: Anthony_JK on May 09, 2013, 09:04:34 AM
Has anyone considered the option of adding direct connections to the airport access road to/from I-10 west, rather than going through Loyola Drive??

I hear that the west exit will never be constructed. In fact, someone told me the new east intersection will be tore down after Loyola Ave and the new airport is done.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on May 10, 2013, 10:18:30 PM
Quote from: apjung on May 09, 2013, 09:31:38 PM
Quote from: Anthony_JK on May 09, 2013, 09:04:34 AM
Has anyone considered the option of adding direct connections to the airport access road to/from I-10 west, rather than going through Loyola Drive??

It's not possible due to the flight path of Runway 1/19 restricting the height of any proposed flyover ramps.

It's actually in the plans for the new terminal. The current airport exit will serve the CONRAC and general aviation areas. A new three-level interchange is planned at Loyola to reach the new airport with access for west and east bound traffic.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on May 16, 2013, 08:38:26 PM
Ground has been broken a project in Mandeville to widen US 190 from Asbury to Lonesome roads from two to four lanes. Work will continue until Spring 2014.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Darkchylde on May 19, 2013, 12:42:09 AM
Quote from: brownpelican on May 16, 2013, 08:38:26 PM
Ground has been broken a project in Mandeville to widen US 190 from Asbury to Lonesome roads from two to four lanes. Work will continue until Spring 2014.
The area's needed that for years upon years. The piecemeal widening they did a couple years back created a massive bottleneck there - it's a fairly major through route in that city with a lot of upscale businesses and a few other vital things in the area.

I don't know why they didn't widen it along with the rest.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on May 26, 2013, 11:34:23 AM
Looks like some's wishes to re-study the I-49 Teche Ridge route is dead in the Louisiana legislature.

QuoteState Rep. Terry Landry, D-Lafayette, and state Rep. Mike Huval, R-Breaux Bridge, had filed a legislative "study request"  this session asking the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to evaluate the so-called "Teche Ridge"  route for I-49 South, which would skirt Lafayette to the east through rural St. Martin Parish.

Legislative study requests do not require a vote but can be blocked if at least one third of the members of the House or the Senate file written objections.

The request made it out of the House, but 15 of the state's 39 senators have objected to the proposed study, according to legislative records.

The (Baton Rouge) Advocate
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on May 27, 2013, 10:44:40 PM
Exit tabs are now going up on the Pontchartrain Expwy.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: lamsalfl on June 05, 2013, 12:44:47 PM
Finally, one of the most embarrassing interstates in LA about to get fixed.  I'm assuming the $6mm covers the signs, while no figure was given to the resurfacing.  Says the project ends this winter.   

http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2013/06/i-610_in_new_orleans_to_close.html
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: lamsalfl on June 05, 2013, 12:51:09 PM
Also I presume I-610 will see its first Clearview signage this weekend.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: geoffNOLA on June 06, 2013, 06:55:26 AM
Quote from: cjk374 on May 08, 2013, 10:10:52 PM


Grass cutting....on a bridge?  :confused:  Or is there more to the CCC than just the bridge?  I thought all the CCC was just a bridge.
The tolls paid for the management of US 90 BUS ROW from US 90 to downtown.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: pctech on June 06, 2013, 10:35:34 AM
Wow, I've never seen an entire interstate closed down before. (other than for natural disasters).
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Anthony_JK on June 06, 2013, 12:07:05 PM
Quote from: brownpelican on May 26, 2013, 11:34:23 AM
Looks like some's wishes to re-study the I-49 Teche Ridge route is dead in the Louisiana legislature.

QuoteState Rep. Terry Landry, D-Lafayette, and state Rep. Mike Huval, R-Breaux Bridge, had filed a legislative "study request"  this session asking the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to evaluate the so-called "Teche Ridge"  route for I-49 South, which would skirt Lafayette to the east through rural St. Martin Parish.

Legislative study requests do not require a vote but can be blocked if at least one third of the members of the House or the Senate file written objections.

The request made it out of the House, but 15 of the state's 39 senators have objected to the proposed study, according to legislative records.

The (Baton Rouge) Advocate

Already covered in detail over in the Mid South "I-49 in LA" thread:

https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=3124.msg223241#msg223241

Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on June 13, 2013, 11:47:09 AM
DOTD crews are in the process of removing the  12 toll booths at the Crescent City Connection. All wiring to the booths must be disconnected before the booths are removed. The entire project will wrap up in mid-July, with nightly lane closures. The booths may be used at the La. 1 toll bridge.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: apjung on June 17, 2013, 10:03:05 AM
Drove across the newly widened and rededicated Huey P. Long Bridge last night. There are no street lights installed so it is still dark. There are no plans to install street lights but wiring is in place to add them according to DOTD should funding be available.
http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2013/06/civic_pride_flows_at_huey_p_lo.html#incart_m-rpt-2

http://www.wwltv.com/news/Special-race-held-for-Huey-P-Long-Bridge-re-opening-211739861.html
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: DeaconG on June 17, 2013, 04:07:39 PM
Quote from: apjung on June 17, 2013, 10:03:05 AM
Drove across the newly widened and rededicated Huey P. Long Bridge last night. There are no street lights installed so it is still dark. There are no plans to install street lights but wiring is in place to add them according to DOTD should funding be available.
http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2013/06/civic_pride_flows_at_huey_p_lo.html#incart_m-rpt-2

http://www.wwltv.com/news/Special-race-held-for-Huey-P-Long-Bridge-re-opening-211739861.html


That was one serious rebuild-it looks magnificent!
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: agentsteel53 on June 17, 2013, 04:21:16 PM
are the cateye signs gone off the bridge?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: apjung on June 17, 2013, 06:45:11 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on June 17, 2013, 04:21:16 PM
are the cateye signs gone off the bridge?

Are you referring to this?
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151605703202350&set=a.10151605701067350.1073741830.39317547349

If so then two of the four got refurbished and relocated to the railroad trestle.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151605701067350.1073741830.39317547349&type=3
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: agentsteel53 on June 17, 2013, 06:49:58 PM
that's them.

I had no idea that they were individually mounted letters.  button copy, in effect.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: roadman65 on July 12, 2013, 06:45:17 PM
https://maps.google.com/maps?q=Golden+Meadow,+LA&hl=en&ll=29.252107,-90.222194&spn=0.006983,0.015278&sll=27.698638,-83.804601&sspn=7.174457,15.644531&oq=Golden+Mead&t=h&hnear=Golden+Meadow,+Lafourche,+Louisiana&z=16
Why is there a 90 degree curve on the new alignment of LA 1 between Golden Meadow and Leesville?  Is there some environmental issue that forced the state to do that instead of a traditional curve at this location?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on July 12, 2013, 06:58:31 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on July 12, 2013, 06:45:17 PM
Why is there a 90 degree curve on the new alignment of LA 1 between Golden Meadow and Leesville?  Is there some environmental issue that forced the state to do that instead of a traditional curve at this location?

The new alignment is incomplete. In time it will LA 1 will be extended forward past the "curve", which just serves as a connection to the old alignment and Golden Meadow. If you look to the south you can see where the same situation existed on the other side of Leeville before the new LA 1 was extended southward. The Leeville bridge was built first and the rest added from there in either direction.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: roadman65 on July 12, 2013, 07:02:21 PM
So I can assume that LA 3235 will eventually become LA 1 as well?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on July 12, 2013, 07:14:19 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on July 12, 2013, 07:02:21 PM
So I can assume that LA 3235 will eventually become LA 1 as well?

There could be some truth to that.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dotd.la.gov%2Fprograms_grants%2Fla1project%2FImages%2Fla1MapImprovements_big.jpg&hash=d3b54c3090d4ef18519ec851d2874ea5da837b6a)
LA 1 Project Overview (http://www.la1project.com/)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: roadman65 on July 12, 2013, 07:27:42 PM
It should as LA 3235 is already a bypass and a designated truck route for LA 1.  The only thing is that it stops at LA 24, so it would need to cross the Intracoastal Waterway and somehow curve back to LA 1 north of there or continue on to US 90.  I know that High Priority corridor 44 is along LA 1 between Lockport and Raceland, so it would make sense.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on July 17, 2013, 03:00:58 PM
The state us about to embark on a $46 million project to add 350 miles of cable median barriers to the interstate system. They will be added to Interstates 10, 12, 20 and 55:

* 27 miles on I-10 in West Baton Rouge and Iberville parishes
* 76 miles on I-12 and I-55 in Livingston and Tangipahoa parishes
* 8 miles on I-10 in New Orleans East
* 44 miles in Calcasieu and Jeff Davis parishes.
* 185 miles on I-20 in eight parishes

Installation should be done by June 2016

Source: http://theadvocate.com/news/acadiana/6494647-123/state-launching-more-cable-median (http://theadvocate.com/news/acadiana/6494647-123/state-launching-more-cable-median)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on July 21, 2013, 01:28:58 PM
Gonzales officials have unveiled plans for four roundabouts on La. 30: I-10 (two), Tanger Blvd./Cabela's Pkwy and Saint Landry Ave.

No word on how much the project would be or when construction would start.

http://theadvocate.com/home/6537852-125/gonzales-roundabouts-planned-for-la (http://theadvocate.com/home/6537852-125/gonzales-roundabouts-planned-for-la)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: froggie on July 23, 2013, 02:20:08 AM
Wonder what their rationale was for selecting those Interstate segments for cable median barrier.

On that note, surprised I-59 wasn't included, unless cable median barrier is already installed on I-59.  It wasn't when I left in 2008.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Grzrd on August 09, 2013, 04:20:22 PM
Quote from: froggie on October 21, 2010, 10:09:40 AM
For reference, we've had past discussions on the concept of deconstructing I-10 along Claiborne....one from a couple months ago in the Louisiana thread (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=79.msg69125#msg69125), and another from early 2009 (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=651.msg15827#msg15827).
(above quote from NOLA gets grant to study possible teardown of I-10 over Claiborne (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=3680.msg80906#msg80906) thread)

This article (http://www.louisianaweekly.com/city-to-unveil-claiborne-expressway-options-in-september/) reports that three alternative scenarios and a sub-alternative for the Claiborne elevated portion of I-10 will be presented in September:

Quote
"We're developing three alternative scenarios and a sub-alternative,"  Bill Gilchrist, the city's director of Place-Based Planning, said last week. "We're in the process of running transportation models on these alternatives and reviewing traffic behavior seen in the modeling."  
Several possibilities exist for the overpass. "They include retaining the structure, to alternatives showing the progressive removal of selected ramps, to the removal of the entire elevated portion along Claiborne,"  Gil­christ said. Ramps along the expressway are deteriorating and will need to be repaired soon if they are kept.
"The study is showing that progressive removal of ramps with the elevated structure in place can free up property along Claiborne for other uses,"  Gilchrist said. "Ramps along Claiborne from U.S. 90 to St. Bernard Ave. are built directly over city blocks. Initial findings indicate that removing some of these ramps might open up land for development."
Each scenario takes into account the Rampart streetcar line, scheduled to open in 2015, and other new projects, including the University Medical Center-VA Hospital complex and the Lafitte Greenway, Gilchrist said. "The study is taking into consideration traffic patterns, including those of the port,"  he said.
"We'll present the alternatives as part of the study's overall recommendations at a community meeting in September, with the date to be announced soon," he said. The alternatives will be submitted to the U.S. Dept. of Transportation this fall for an initial project analysis. No time line exists for that review, according to City Hall.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on August 16, 2013, 06:09:35 PM
It took them long enough. I remember this stretch was jacked up when I was a kid in the late 80s.

DOTD has started on an $8.7 million project to resurface US 190 between I-12 and La. 22. An auxillary lane will be added northbound between La. 22 and Fairway Drive and Fairway and I-12 northbound, with another one created between Fairway and La. 22 southbound. One lane should be open at all times in both directions.

The work should be finished in February 2014.

http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2013/08/repairs_to_begin_on_us_190_bet.html#incart_river (http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2013/08/repairs_to_begin_on_us_190_bet.html#incart_river)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on August 20, 2013, 08:47:23 PM
One million bucks has been earmarked to conduct a study on the feasibility of extending Hooper Road (La. 408) across the Amite River to La. 16 in Watson. If built, the road would connect La. 16 and I-110 via Harding Blvd.

http://www.wafb.com/story/23200102/another-road-planned-to-connect-livingston-and-ebr?utm_source=buffer&utm_campaign=Buffer&utm_content=buffer9588c&utm_medium=facebook (http://www.wafb.com/story/23200102/another-road-planned-to-connect-livingston-and-ebr?utm_source=buffer&utm_campaign=Buffer&utm_content=buffer9588c&utm_medium=facebook)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Brian556 on September 04, 2013, 06:50:16 PM
Are there any websites with old Louisiana highway maps?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: NE2 on September 04, 2013, 07:06:26 PM
Quote from: Brian556 on September 04, 2013, 06:50:16 PM
Are there any websites with old Louisiana highway maps?
https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=8424.msg229873#msg229873
http://research.archives.gov/description/821491
https://docs.google.com/folderview?id=0Bz23eC3o6S-fZmJhNGQ4YzAtM2Q2ZC00MDE3LWIyODYtY2U2NDE0NDQxNTBh
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on September 11, 2013, 02:34:28 AM
Anyone know where parish shields are located in Louisiana? I have Natchitoches, EBR, WBR, St James, Richland, Desoto, Rapides, Grant, and Winn photographed already.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: formulanone on September 11, 2013, 08:52:52 AM
If you mean the MUTCD-standard pentagons, then Iberia Parrish has a bunch. Saint Mary and Washington Parrishes had a few.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: bassoon1986 on September 11, 2013, 09:43:14 AM
Quote from: mcdonaat on September 11, 2013, 02:34:28 AM
Anyone know where parish shields are located in Louisiana? I have Natchitoches, EBR, WBR, St James, Richland, Desoto, Rapides, Grant, and Winn photographed already.

I know there is one in my hometown of Blanchard (Caddo Parish), but I can't remember which road. It's either Blanchard Furrh Rd or Blanchard Latex Rd just over the railroad tracks from LA 173. I'd wager that there may also be some in SW Caddo Parish near Greenwood, Bethany, or Springridge.

Webster Parish has them on Goodwill Rd at I-20 and plenty along the side roads of Pine St/Dorcheat Rd (unsigned LA 3008) north of Minden.


Other Interstate exits that have them on a BGS or immediately off the highway are Exit 145 on I-20 (Holly Ridge/ Richland Parish) and I-12 at Satsuma/Colyell (Livingston)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Urban Prairie Schooner on September 11, 2013, 01:16:02 PM
Quote from: mcdonaat on September 11, 2013, 02:34:28 AM
Anyone know where parish shields are located in Louisiana? I have Natchitoches, EBR, WBR, St James, Richland, Desoto, Rapides, Grant, and Winn photographed already.

Cameron Parish - your parish shield cup will runneth over.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Sanctimoniously on September 11, 2013, 04:53:43 PM
Quote from: mcdonaat on September 11, 2013, 02:34:28 AM
Anyone know where parish shields are located in Louisiana? I have Natchitoches, EBR, WBR, St James, Richland, Desoto, Rapides, Grant, and Winn photographed already.

There aren't any in Union anymore? Or were you not counting that because of its proximity to Monroe? I remember a few in the area around LA 552...
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on September 11, 2013, 10:02:11 PM
Quote from: Sanctimoniously on September 11, 2013, 04:53:43 PM
Quote from: mcdonaat on September 11, 2013, 02:34:28 AM
Anyone know where parish shields are located in Louisiana? I have Natchitoches, EBR, WBR, St James, Richland, Desoto, Rapides, Grant, and Winn photographed already.

There aren't any in Union anymore? Or were you not counting that because of its proximity to Monroe? I remember a few in the area around LA 552...
Not counting it because of the sheer number, the same with Cameron, Terrebonne, and Webster. I'm in the process of buying some from local police juries.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Grzrd on October 02, 2013, 04:48:43 PM
LaDOTD has posted links to the FY 2014-15 Draft Highway Plans for the various districts:

http://www.dotd.la.gov/pressreleases/Release.aspx?key=2379
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on October 02, 2013, 07:53:03 PM
Nice to see the Earhart interchanges at Causeway and Dakin in there, as well as the study for the light rail to the airport.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: pctech on October 03, 2013, 10:35:09 AM
LA DODT proposing light rail? Time to buy lottery tickets!!  :D
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: froggie on October 04, 2013, 12:09:51 AM
To be fair, it's a corridor where light rail makes some sense.  It's not like they'd be running it out to an empty swamp or something...
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Grzrd on October 04, 2013, 10:08:16 PM
Anticipating more freight traffic at the Port of South Louisiana (https://maps.google.com/maps?q=Port+of+South+Louisiana,+Reserve,+LA&hl=en&ll=30.063449,-90.547771&spn=0.114992,0.153637&sll=30.054831,-90.552063&sspn=0.460006,0.614548&t=h&hq=Port+of+South+Louisiana,+Reserve,+LA&z=13) resulting from the Panama Canal expansion, officials in St. Charles Parish are apparently working to try and get an I-x10 spur directly to the port:

http://www.heraldguide.com/details.php?id=13196

Quote
The transportation infrastructure in St. Charles Parish is in questionable shape when it comes to handling up to three times more freight traffic that is expected to be shipped through the area after the expansion of the Panama Canal is completed .... Sen. Gary Smith recently traveled to the Panama Canal as part of a group of legislators from the Southern Legislative Conference to examine the canal and hear more about its potential economic impact on southeast Louisiana .... Smith, who is on the Senate Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works .... He said the legislature is already looking at building highway access directly to the Port of South Louisiana.
"We're working to try and get a spur off the interstate there in Reserve so in the future maybe we can have traffic go right to the interstate in the port," he said.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Anthony_JK on October 05, 2013, 03:40:57 AM
Quote from: froggie on October 04, 2013, 12:09:51 AM
To be fair, it's a corridor where light rail makes some sense.  It's not like they'd be running it out to an empty swamp or something...

I'm assuming that this proposed light rail corridor will link to/with the St. Charles Ave/Canal St. trolley line, amirite??
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on October 06, 2013, 12:30:12 AM
Quote from: Anthony_JK on October 05, 2013, 03:40:57 AM
I'm assuming that this proposed light rail corridor will link to/with the St. Charles Ave/Canal St. trolley line, amirite??

AFAIK it would link with the Loyola line which in turn connects to the Canal St line.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: pctech on October 07, 2013, 08:09:20 AM
What is the proposed route to the airport? Does it follow in the existing rail corridor?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: froggie on October 09, 2013, 05:11:53 AM
I'd think they'd try to tie development nodes together instead of following what is already a busy freight rail corridor.  I'd expect them to either follow Airline Hwy or swing north and follow Veterans.  Both have commercial nodes that would benefit from light rail.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: froggie on October 09, 2013, 05:18:16 AM
Meanwhile, I've started sketching out a concept for the oft-discussed proposal to tear down I-10/Claiborne and replace it with a surface boulevard.  It'll be similar to what I recently did for the I-20/59 Birmingham proposal (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=3539.50).  Will post a map once completed (possibly in a couple weeks once I'm back stateside).
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on October 09, 2013, 12:46:55 PM
Quote from: froggie on October 09, 2013, 05:11:53 AM
I'd think they'd try to tie development nodes together instead of following what is already a busy freight rail corridor.  I'd expect them to either follow Airline Hwy or swing north and follow Veterans.  Both have commercial nodes that would benefit from light rail.

Last time it was actually brought up to the public, which has been at least a year, the only way to get Baton Rouge (govt.) to even entertain the idea was to use existing railroad ROW. Most likely it will run along Airline/Earhart as that's the most feasible way to connect with UPT, but I really like the idea of running down Vets and that would probably provide easier access to the new airport.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Urban Prairie Schooner on October 09, 2013, 01:31:24 PM
The two rail proposals that I am aware of are as follows:

Interurban rail between New Orleans and Baton Rouge - in most plans I have seen, this is slated to utilize the KCS railroad line between the cities. The NO terminus would be UPT and the BR terminus would be in the vicinity of the railroad crossing at Florida Street just outside downtown. There would be intermediate stops at various intervals along the route; proposed stops include Mall of Louisiana vicinity, Gonzales, LaPlace, and Kenner. This rail line would serve the transportation need that was previously served by the now-cancelled LASwift bus service.

East-West Corridor light rail between MSY and downtown New Orleans - this has been proposed since the 1990s and has always been planned to utilize the old KCS railroad ROW adjacent to Airline Highway. This is more of a hybrid commuter rail line/fast trip to the airport for tourists.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on October 09, 2013, 02:35:35 PM
A few years back Jefferson Parish decided that they wanted more stops and routing that would spur/attract development, I'm assuming because within the last 3 years they have found themselves fighting a losing battle with New Orleans for new development. That idea didn't go over well with the powers upriver so they now plan to study, or they may have already started, for a streetcar set up along Vets to connect major retail areas, etc. It would terminate at the airport, but the challenge is connecting it to the city where they're looking to get most of their riders.

I have to admit if that it turns out to be feasible and can attract development along the stations like Houston or Atlanta I would rather see it along Airline.


Also if anybody hasn't noticed, DOTD has started installing overhead VMS signs along the I-10 and 610 while the 610 is also undergoing a major resurfacing and signage replacement. They have also installed a diagrammatic clearview bgs at the I-10 entrance at S Carrollton.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: pctech on October 09, 2013, 03:57:38 PM
The Baton Rouge-New Orleans intercity rail is a "no brainer". It requires some political leadership at the capitol.
We're not talking super expensive high speed rail, but normal 80-90 mph trains possibly eventually working up to 110mph.
I remember reading somewhere that "light rail" and "heavy rail" can't cross each other because of safety concerns. Anyone know if it's true?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: NE2 on October 09, 2013, 05:10:56 PM
Quote from: pctech on October 09, 2013, 03:57:38 PM
I remember reading somewhere that "light rail" and "heavy rail" can't cross each other because of safety concerns. Anyone know if it's true?
False: https://maps.google.com/maps?ll=39.917983,-75.255497&spn=0.001186,0.001772&gl=us&t=k&z=20&layer=c&cbll=39.917897,-75.255529&panoid=KqAY9Cfyhup-thEnarwYCg&cbp=12,202.15,,0,9.74 (though it's possible that new construction can't)

They can't share tracks (except if they operate at separate times of day).
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on October 09, 2013, 05:46:45 PM
It can be done but usually the railroad companies, who ultimately have final say in the matter, won't allow it because it will "disrupt" their freight operations. This has been an ongoing problem with one of the new streetcar lines in New Orleans. RTA vs Norfolk Southern.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Urban Prairie Schooner on October 09, 2013, 07:46:00 PM
One issue, besides funding, that has stymied the NO-BR intercity passenger rail is that the folks who are talking about this and planning this haven't really done much to reach out to KCS to start with. KCS has been pretty consistent, though, in holding that any passenger service should not disrupt the regular freight service on the line, so maybe the planners decided to work on the funding first and then tackle the logistics later.

I don't see why a bus service similar to LA Swift wouldn't suffice for the corridor. Buses offer more flexibility and don't have to accommodate railroad freight schedules. The LA Swift did see a good bit of use (10,500 riders per month according to their website). It could at least act as a stopgap until more money and political will were available for rail transit, if that is absolutely desired by the public and their representatives in state government.

Another question: If Louisiana couldn't or wouldn't pony up the couple million or so dollars annually to operate the LA Swift service, I'd love to know where they plan to find the $$ to operate and maintain a more capital and labor intensive transit mode. From what I have heard, Amtrak/the fedgov isn't interested in assuming the responsibility, either; they would only become involved in conjunction with a substantial commitment by the state.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on October 09, 2013, 09:40:13 PM
Quote
Another question: If Louisiana couldn't or wouldn't pony up the couple million or so dollars annually to operate the LA Swift service, I'd love to know where they plan to find the $$ to operate and maintain a more capital and labor intensive transit mode.

Which is exactly why I was surprised to see it listed in the 14-15 plan. Only thing that I can honestly see causing them  to take interest is the 2018 Tricentennial, which is also when the new airport is scheduled to be open, and the fact that the city is in the top 3 for the 2018 Superbowl bid. The last Superbowl led to a lot of investment from the state and city up until the last minute. They are currently in talks to handover the ferries to Veolia, who manages RTA. I would assume that they would do the same with any other form of transit that the state.

I could be completely wrong, but who knows.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: pctech on October 10, 2013, 09:01:20 AM
I agree that LA Swift service loss is regrettable. It seems that we can always find money for things like subsidizing the New Orleans Saints..... It's a matter of priorities.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: lamsalfl on October 10, 2013, 11:25:40 AM
The newly repaved I-610 is nice, but they haven't changed any signs yet or turned on the new VMS.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: froggie on October 10, 2013, 01:41:20 PM
New airport...?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on October 10, 2013, 02:48:55 PM
Quote from: froggie on October 10, 2013, 01:41:20 PM
New airport...?

The current design calls for building from from the ground up on the north side of the current left/right runway with a new entrance from Loyola. All of the current building will be torn down except for the newest portions which will be converted to general aviation and or charters. DOTD has also hinted at adding a full Y interchange at Loyola as part of there I-10 widening from Veterans to Loyola. Cesar Pelli who designed the glass terminal at Reagan National is a part of the design team as well. Apparently the funding is already in place minus the billion they'll probably over run and the city and aviation board has vowed to have it open just in time for the Tricentennial and a possible Superbowl.

Quote from: lamsalfl on October 10, 2013, 11:25:40 AM
The newly repaved I-610 is nice, but they haven't changed any signs yet or turned on the new VMS.

They began replacing signage at interchanges last week. I haven't seen any on the actual mainline yet.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: froggie on October 11, 2013, 02:10:10 AM
So, in short, a new terminal building in the northwest corner with primary access off Loyola.  How will they handle access to/from Airline, since most of the park-and-fly lots are along Airline?

It would also reinforce Veterans as a more logical light rail routing.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: nolia_boi504 on October 11, 2013, 12:32:41 PM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on October 10, 2013, 02:48:55 PM
DOTD has also hinted at adding a full Y interchange at Loyola as part of there I-10 widening from Veterans to Loyola.

Do you know what the projected start/end dates are for the Veteran to Loyola I-10 widening?

Also, the airport access would make more sense to me if the exit to eastbound (NOLA bound) I-10 were via the airport access road on the east side of the runway, using the existing direct connectors to I-10. These would probably need to be modified to allow traffic to go around the N/S runway.

I don't think it makes sense to drive a few miles west to get onto Loyola, in order to head east towards downtown. It makes sense for Baton Rouge bound traffic to exit the airport via Loyola, however.

If the plans are for traffic in and out of the airport to only flow through the Loyola interchange, will there be a reason to keep the existing airport access road and I-10 ramps?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on October 11, 2013, 01:25:23 PM
In short, yes. The Vets approach would be a lot less complicated and the ROW is essentially there for the taking. The tricky part is getting from Veterans to UPT. It's a matter of which affluent neighborhood association would you rather upset. The easiest approach would probably be through Lakeview, but they're still somewhat up in arms over the proposed streetcar terminus which is actually across the street, but not actually in, their neighborhood. Old Metairie, not going to happen. If there was a way to run it along the 17th St canal and then down the Palmetto St/Washington Ave canals onto the existing RR tracks that would be perfect, but it's probably not feasible. Airline is safe and gets the job done.

This is the best plan view of it that I could find.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimgick.nola.com%2Fhome%2Fnola-media%2Fwidth620%2Fimg%2Fpolitics%2Fphoto%2F12586027-mmmain.jpg&hash=89701484865d89f881726505222dfbba0f44a06e)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: froggie on October 24, 2013, 07:55:26 AM
Now that I'm back from sea, I was able to upload the rendition I recently created of the proposal to remove the I-10 Claiborne Expressway.  Details are in a separate thread (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=10747).
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: roadman65 on October 25, 2013, 01:47:04 PM
Does anyone know what is up with the Canal Street Ferry in New Orleans?  I see vehicles are no longer carried with the boats running designed for passengers only.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on October 25, 2013, 05:47:37 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on October 25, 2013, 01:47:04 PM
Does anyone know what is up with the Canal Street Ferry in New Orleans?  I see vehicles are no longer carried with the boats running designed for passengers only.

The state has begun phasing out the N.O. area ferries since a judge turned over the CCC toll extension. DOTD claims that it doesn't have the funding to support a full service operation so the Canal St-Gretna ferry has been docked and the Canal St-Algiers ferry has been reduced to pedestrian only. They were in talks with the company who operates the Regional Transit Authority to handover responsibility of the ferries, but Westbank residents are balking at the fare increases that are being proposed in that scenario.

Quote from: lamsalfl on October 10, 2013, 11:25:40 AM
The newly repaved I-610 is nice, but they haven't changed any signs yet or turned on the new VMS.

Clearview overhead signage has started going up on the 610 and supports for VMS signage has been erected on the I-10 in both directions between the Bonnabel and Oaklawn overpasses.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: roadman65 on October 26, 2013, 05:00:21 PM
I do not like the new all yellow exit tabs on I-10 EB at the 610 split.   I saw them the other day and was not impressed with.

Plus Alex told me clearview is not to be used on exit tabs as they also did as well.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on October 27, 2013, 10:08:53 AM
Quote from: mcdonaat on September 11, 2013, 02:34:28 AM
Anyone know where parish shields are located in Louisiana? I have Natchitoches, EBR, WBR, St James, Richland, Desoto, Rapides, Grant, and Winn photographed already.

Go down US 80 into Lincoln Parish.  They still have some up on some of the roads between the parish line and Choudrant.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: roadman65 on October 27, 2013, 09:24:51 PM
Terrobonne has them.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: roadman65 on October 29, 2013, 01:57:54 PM
A friend of mine who lives in Houma was telling me that Louisiana has a law that prohibits left lane driving unless you are indeed passing another vehicle.  Also, I heard him to tell me that you MUST let a merging vehicle onto the roadway by moving over.  Failure to do this is violation of a state statute.

Now the former I have seen on the books in many states, but the latter I have not.  I do find people to not move over quite frequently whenever I am the merging vehicle with many of them having the next lane free of other vehicles.  If that last one is true, too bad it was not everywhere and most of all enforceable.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: NE2 on October 29, 2013, 02:57:30 PM
If you move left to let a merging vehicle over, and that vehicle speeds up to freeway speeds quickly enough, you're driving in the left lane without passing. Legal failure.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on October 31, 2013, 07:10:04 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on October 25, 2013, 01:47:04 PM
Does anyone know what is up with the Canal Street Ferry in New Orleans?  I see vehicles are no longer carried with the boats running designed for passengers only.

The RTA and NOLA City Council approved a plan that would bump the Algiers ferry fares to $2 per person/car each way and $1 for disabled persons. No one knows when they'll be implemented. Right now, the ferry is open to passengers.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Urban Prairie Schooner on November 01, 2013, 04:30:37 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on October 29, 2013, 01:57:54 PM
A friend of mine who lives in Houma was telling me that Louisiana has a law that prohibits left lane driving unless you are indeed passing another vehicle.  Also, I heard him to tell me that you MUST let a merging vehicle onto the roadway by moving over.  Failure to do this is violation of a state statute.

Now the former I have seen on the books in many states, but the latter I have not.  I do find people to not move over quite frequently whenever I am the merging vehicle with many of them having the next lane free of other vehicles.  If that last one is true, too bad it was not everywhere and most of all enforceable.

Signage on the interstates mandate the first practice pretty clearly. As to the second practice, I wasn't aware it was legally mandated, but it seems like good driving practice, especially since merging is a skill few drivers in this area seem to have mastered. I do this while driving and I have seen other drivers do the same.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on November 03, 2013, 01:21:58 AM
I've always felt that people in the city did a pretty good job at merging, but once you go outside of the levee....  :ded:

I don't what cause DOTD to start actually hanging VMS signs over the highway instead of posting on pole to the side of the road or in the median, but I like this approach better with one exception. On the I-10 EB at Bonnabel the VMS signs are cantilevered over the sound wall and sits directly over the two acceleration lanes versus the 6 or 7 mainlines and is barely noticeable to thru traffic. Likewise in the WB direction the sign hangs over the exit lanes for Bonnabel and Causeway instead of the inside lanes where its target audience is.

All of the BGSs on the riverbound Pontchartrain have been replaced with Clearview from I-10 to the GNO. The control city "Westbank" had been replaced with "Miss River Br". Don't know how I feel about that one.

Is anyone else slightly annoyed that their using Clearview for numbers, all caps, none white on green signs, and every other way that it wasn't approved to be used?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on November 03, 2013, 10:38:39 AM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on November 03, 2013, 01:21:58 AM
Is anyone else slightly annoyed that their using Clearview for numbers, all caps, none white on green signs, and every other way that it wasn't approved to be used?
They are now using (what I think looks like) clearview for the numbers on the gore signs now.  It doesn't look as bad as clearview fonts on the BGSs.  Nothing looks really good in clearview, but especially in Louisiana.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Urban Prairie Schooner on November 04, 2013, 08:44:22 AM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on November 03, 2013, 01:21:58 AM
Is anyone else slightly annoyed that their using Clearview for numbers, all caps, none white on green signs, and every other way that it wasn't approved to be used?

Clearview font is ugly no matter how it is used.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: roadman65 on November 04, 2013, 09:35:29 AM
What are those large ugly pipes along the side of I-10 at the west terminus of I-610 that grace the road on the side of the EB Lanes?  Is that fresh water, or is that part of the area's draining system?   
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: codyg1985 on November 04, 2013, 09:41:48 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on November 04, 2013, 09:35:29 AM
What are those large ugly pipes along the side of I-10 at the west terminus of I-610 that grace the road on the side of the EB Lanes?  Is that fresh water, or is that part of the area's draining system?   

It is part of a pumping system to pump water from underneath overpasses in case of flooding.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: apjung on November 04, 2013, 12:41:08 PM
Quote from: codyg1985 on November 04, 2013, 09:41:48 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on November 04, 2013, 09:35:29 AM
What are those large ugly pipes along the side of I-10 at the west terminus of I-610 that grace the road on the side of the EB Lanes?  Is that fresh water, or is that part of the area's draining system?   

It is part of a pumping system to pump water from underneath overpasses in case of flooding.

Yes and the pipes run along the old I-10 EB ROW. Some of the old bridge supports were not demolished and were reused for the pipes.
http://goo.gl/maps/nzVgf
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on November 04, 2013, 02:42:17 PM
Quote from: Urban Prairie Schooner on November 04, 2013, 08:44:22 AM
Clearview font is ugly no matter how it is used.

The only place that I actually can actually appreciate it is in Texas, the Houston area to be more exact.  Louisiana's examples are definitely nowhere near the worst that I've seen, but I find that their new sign installations to be sloppy. Mix-matched exit tab styles, clearview route numbers on one sign and FHWA on the next. 3di sheilds for 2di routes, etc.

I do like Louisiana's new lane marking and reflector scheme, however.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: pctech on November 05, 2013, 10:37:47 AM
What is our (LA.) new lane marking/ reflector scheme?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on November 05, 2013, 12:15:58 PM
Quote from: pctech on November 05, 2013, 10:37:47 AM
What is our (LA.) new lane marking/ reflector scheme?

The four reflectors between the white stripes. At first they were attached to the stripe, but sometime between the end of last year and beginning of this year they moved them to the center.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: pctech on November 05, 2013, 02:12:43 PM
They (DODT) used that scheme here on the BR interstate expansion. It'll be very visible at night for a few months. What is the projected life span of a pavement marker reflector? How much do they cost? Anyone know?
I'm waiting to see my first APL BGS in Louisiana. :hmmm:
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on November 05, 2013, 07:09:53 PM
Quote from: pctech on November 05, 2013, 02:12:43 PM
They (DODT) used that scheme here on the BR interstate expansion. It'll be very visible at night for a few months. What is the projected life span of a pavement marker reflector? How much do they cost? Anyone know?
I'm waiting to see my first APL BGS in Louisiana. :hmmm:

They restriped all of the NO interstates to the first version with the reflectors as an extension of the stripes back in 2011. Didn't last six months. Now they are restriping them to match those in BR.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on November 06, 2013, 04:18:08 PM
I-20 was done in Ruston & Monroe/West Monroe w/the 4 reflectors in the centerstripe and LOTS of white & yellow reflectors just outside the shoulder lines.  Outside of these towns they only put 2 on the centerstripe and none on the outside.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: bugo on November 07, 2013, 03:40:15 AM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on November 03, 2013, 01:21:58 AM
I've always felt that people in the city did a pretty good job at merging, but once you go outside of the levee....  :ded:

I don't what cause DOTD to start actually hanging VMS signs over the highway instead of posting on pole to the side of the road or in the median, but I like this approach better with one exception. On the I-10 EB at Bonnabel the VMS signs are cantilevered over the sound wall and sits directly over the two acceleration lanes versus the 6 or 7 mainlines and is barely noticeable to thru traffic. Likewise in the WB direction the sign hangs over the exit lanes for Bonnabel and Causeway instead of the inside lanes where its target audience is.

All of the BGSs on the riverbound Pontchartrain have been replaced with Clearview from I-10 to the GNO. The control city "Westbank" had been replaced with "Miss River Br". Don't know how I feel about that one.

Is anyone else slightly annoyed that their using Clearview for numbers, all caps, none white on green signs, and every other way that it wasn't approved to be used?

I'm annoyed that clearview exists at all.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on December 01, 2013, 06:32:10 PM
Denham Springs City Council voted last week to enter a contract with LaDOTD in which the city will pay for engineering and 20 percent of ROW costs while the state pays the rest and for construction of a J-turn on Range Road at Eugene Street.

http://theadvocate.com/home/7685697-125/officials-plan-j-turn-to-ease (http://theadvocate.com/home/7685697-125/officials-plan-j-turn-to-ease)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Grzrd on December 14, 2013, 09:44:26 AM
Quote from: Grzrd on August 09, 2013, 04:20:22 PM
Quote from: froggie on October 21, 2010, 10:09:40 AM
For reference, we've had past discussions on the concept of deconstructing I-10 along Claiborne....one from a couple months ago in the Louisiana thread (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=79.msg69125#msg69125), and another from early 2009 (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=651.msg15827#msg15827).
(above quote from NOLA gets grant to study possible teardown of I-10 over Claiborne (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=3680.msg80906#msg80906) thread)
This article (http://www.louisianaweekly.com/city-to-unveil-claiborne-expressway-options-in-september/) reports that three alternative scenarios and a sub-alternative for the Claiborne elevated portion of I-10 will be presented in September

This Oct. 21, 2013 article (http://www.louisianaweekly.com/claiborne-study-identifies-four-expressway-paths/) reports that Phase 0 of the study has been completed and that four scenarios have been presented for consideration:

Quote
A $2.1 million Livable Claiborne Communities study wound down in October as community members attended two final meetings in a series dating to last December. The study, with $1.5 million from the feds and $600,000 in locally matched funding, represented Phase 0 in a six-phase process that will create federally-supported transportation projects, said William Gilchrist, the city's director of place-based planning ....
the study's planners unveiled scenarios for developing the area along Claiborne Ave. from Napoleon Ave. to Elysian Fields, and between Broad St. on the lake side and Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., Rampart St. and St. Claude Ave. on the Mississippi River side ....
The project's next step, Phase 1, will be a followup study required by the National Environmental Policy Act or NEPA, Gilchrist said ....
In options for the elevated I-10 expressway over Claiborne, the LCC study identified four scenarios, without recommending one over another.
This fall, city planners will submit these scenarios, based on transportation modeling done at the Regional Planning Commission, to the U.S. Dept. of Transportation and the Dept. of Housing and Urban Development. Possibilities include keeping or removing the elevated portion and eliminating some or all of the exit ramps to re-link neighborhoods torn apart by the 1960s-era overpass ....

The article also describes the four scenarios.

In addition, Froggie has posted his suggestion in the Fictional Highways thread (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=10747.msg257390#msg257390).
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: froggie on December 14, 2013, 06:35:06 PM
The article references a website, http://livableclaiborne.com, that talks about the study and includes the presentation from the October public meetings.  I was unaware of the proposal to build a C/D road style system in along BUSINESS US 90, but it's in one of the I-10/Claiborne scenarios.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on December 15, 2013, 11:01:36 PM
An engineering firm has unveiled some proposals that would add roundabouts on La. 447 from La. 16 near Port Vincent to Burgess Avenue in Walker, including the I-12 interchange. The plan would also utilize U-turns and concrete medians.

One option would add 10 roundabouts while a second proposal eliminates three of those roundabouts.

In either case, La. 447 would be widened to four lanes from Buddy Ellis Road to Burgess Avenue and a center lane added from Buddy Ellis to La. 16.

http://theadvocate.com/home/7829468-125/roundabout-proposals-discussed (http://theadvocate.com/home/7829468-125/roundabout-proposals-discussed)


In addition, The Causeway Commission is paying the Texas A&M Transportation Institute $100,000 to study ways to improve the retaining walls/guard rails and keep cars from going off the bridge.

http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2013/12/texas_am_transportation_instit.html#incart_river (http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2013/12/texas_am_transportation_instit.html#incart_river)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Urban Prairie Schooner on January 02, 2014, 08:19:29 PM
Looks like LaDOTD has made public the documentation and maps for the state highway turnback program:
http://www.dotd.la.gov/programs/RoadTransfer/

Though I am sure this program is in line with the present administration's policy of streamlining and shrinking state government, I am pretty certain that DOTD has been looking to do something of this sort for much longer than the current administration has been around. Certainly I have been looking for this to happen for quite a while! :)

So far this program is voluntary with regards to participation by parishes and municipalities. At that rate, any desired progress may take a while. :ded: I have a feeling that any substantial progress could only occur in the unlikely event that the Legislature were to pull an "Iowa 2003" and transfer routes en masse by legislation. Since the local governments would never allow it without substantial financial compensation, I doubt such a thing will ever happen unless some sort of "grand agreement" were in place to provide a financial cushion for localities.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: pctech on January 06, 2014, 10:14:34 AM
I can't imagine cash strapped parish governments wanting to take back state controlled highways. On a different note, I took a day trip to McComb MS.  on Friday. The rebuilt section of I-55 from I-12 to the Ms. state line is very nice, makes you wonder if you are driving in Louisiana.  :-D
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: lamsalfl on January 06, 2014, 05:05:00 PM
http://www.louisianaradionetwork.com/blogs/expand-i-12#.Ussn-rmA2Uk

I-12 widening in Slidell from US 11 to Northshore Blvd. will be let this summer!  DOTD's ultimate goal is to widen ALL of I-12.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: froggie on January 06, 2014, 06:47:19 PM
A mistake that they didn't get it done when they did the widening between US 11 and I-10/59.  Also, they boo-boo'd on the start of the westbound lane...they should have made the on-ramp from I-59/EB I-10 the start of the 3rd lane.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: lamsalfl on January 07, 2014, 01:45:14 AM
If you don't like that configuration you would love the lane configuration of I-10 westbound at the Causeway interchange.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on January 08, 2014, 03:17:09 PM
Quote from: froggie on January 06, 2014, 06:47:19 PM
A mistake that they didn't get it done when they did the widening between US 11 and I-10/59.  Also, they boo-boo'd on the start of the westbound lane...they should have made the on-ramp from I-59/EB I-10 the start of the 3rd lane.

It almost appears as if they were leaving room for an eastward expansion of I-10.

Quote from: lamsalfl on January 07, 2014, 01:45:14 AM
If you don't like that configuration you would love the lane configuration of I-10 westbound at the Causeway interchange.

I've been waiting for I don't know how long to see what they will do with that once all of this construction is said and done. I seriously hope that they don't leave it like that.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: pctech on January 14, 2014, 09:14:19 AM
How long have they been "patching" the pavement on I-10 from Highland Rd.  to the Sorrento exit between  Baton Rouge and New Orleans? I encountered this work on my last two trips to NOLA. I don't remember that many defects in that section of I-10 relative to the areas that been cut out and patched.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Urban Prairie Schooner on January 14, 2014, 08:51:40 PM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on January 08, 2014, 03:17:09 PM
Quote from: froggie on January 06, 2014, 06:47:19 PM
A mistake that they didn't get it done when they did the widening between US 11 and I-10/59.  Also, they boo-boo'd on the start of the westbound lane...they should have made the on-ramp from I-59/EB I-10 the start of the 3rd lane.

It almost appears as if they were leaving room for an eastward expansion of I-10.

Quote from: lamsalfl on January 07, 2014, 01:45:14 AM
If you don't like that configuration you would love the lane configuration of I-10 westbound at the Causeway interchange.

I've been waiting for I don't know how long to see what they will do with that once all of this construction is said and done. I seriously hope that they don't leave it like that.

I emailed LaDOTD about that very question. The plan is to remove the lane drop and re-stripe the merge with the Causeway onramp when the Veterans-to-Clearview widening project is complete.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Grzrd on January 16, 2014, 03:57:26 PM
Quote from: Grzrd on June 02, 2011, 08:33:49 PM
Quote from: Sykotyk on May 11, 2011, 01:49:58 AM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on May 06, 2011, 01:18:19 PM
Audubon is open.
New bridge now open for traffic (http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/New-bridge-now-open-for-traffic.html?index=1&c=y)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.2theadvocate.com%2Fimages%2FHIGHWATER013.JPG&hash=57dc662ffe9c4c751b3587a1b59c5145ff35166f)
Just drove this today. Quite impressive. There's still no signage in the town of St. Francisville advising you that LA-10 multiplexes with US61. So, for now, LA-10 goes E/W through US61, and also goes west of US61 south of town without any indication.
LADOTD video of bridge opening can be found on this page:
http://www.timedla.com/bridge/audubon/overview/

This article (http://www.gobogalusa.com/news/article_6d56d626-7b20-11e3-8049-0019bb2963f4.html) provides an update on efforts to four-lane the Zachary Taylor Parkway (of which the John James Audubon Bridge is the centerpiece):

Quote
Efforts to see a four-lane Zachary Taylor Parkway become a reality continue, and $300,000 in grant funding will help with addressing changes from the project's original master plan.
Maria Bowen, executive director of the parkway association, said the parkway will run approximately 210 miles, from Interstate 49 in Alexandria to Interstate 59 in Poplarville, Miss., and essentially cover Louisiana Highways 1 and 10.
The parkway's center point is John James Audubon Bridge, which was officially completed in 2012 ....
In recent years those working with the parkway have discovered the money is not there to four-lane the highways, Bowen said. Thus, she said they have been "trying to make a better pace for funding"  by working on cohesive economic development efforts and looking at ways to bring in grants in areas such as culture, tourism and recreation ....
The $300,000 in grant funding that has been awarded through the Community Development Block Grant program will be used to go back to the master plan developed in the late 1990s and address changes brought on by hurricanes or other factors ....
The funding will also be used to look at developing a scenic byway within the parkway, Bowen said.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on January 16, 2014, 04:52:39 PM
Four-lane segments of the parkway do exist - LA 1 through Alexandria, Marksville, and soon-to-be-completed Marksville to Mansura; LA 10 is also four lanes where it runs concurrent with US 61. I would focus more on the stretch between Marksville and Alexandria, and then turn my attention to Morganza to US 61. The ROW is already bought between New Roads and US 61, so why not four-lane it?

Also, while you are four-laning the JJA, sign Bicycle Route 90!
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: froggie on January 16, 2014, 08:32:38 PM
Does it really need 4-laning?  I have my doubts...
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Urban Prairie Schooner on January 16, 2014, 08:42:16 PM
Quote from: Grzrd on January 16, 2014, 03:57:26 PM
Quote from: Grzrd on June 02, 2011, 08:33:49 PM
Quote from: Sykotyk on May 11, 2011, 01:49:58 AM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on May 06, 2011, 01:18:19 PM
Audubon is open.
New bridge now open for traffic (http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/New-bridge-now-open-for-traffic.html?index=1&c=y)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.2theadvocate.com%2Fimages%2FHIGHWATER013.JPG&hash=57dc662ffe9c4c751b3587a1b59c5145ff35166f)
Just drove this today. Quite impressive. There's still no signage in the town of St. Francisville advising you that LA-10 multiplexes with US61. So, for now, LA-10 goes E/W through US61, and also goes west of US61 south of town without any indication.
LADOTD video of bridge opening can be found on this page:
http://www.timedla.com/bridge/audubon/overview/

This article (http://www.gobogalusa.com/news/article_6d56d626-7b20-11e3-8049-0019bb2963f4.html) provides an update on efforts to four-lane the Zachary Taylor Parkway (of which the John James Audubon Bridge is the centerpiece):

Quote
Efforts to see a four-lane Zachary Taylor Parkway become a reality continue, and $300,000 in grant funding will help with addressing changes from the project's original master plan.
Maria Bowen, executive director of the parkway association, said the parkway will run approximately 210 miles, from Interstate 49 in Alexandria to Interstate 59 in Poplarville, Miss., and essentially cover Louisiana Highways 1 and 10.
The parkway's center point is John James Audubon Bridge, which was officially completed in 2012 ....
In recent years those working with the parkway have discovered the money is not there to four-lane the highways, Bowen said. Thus, she said they have been "trying to make a better pace for funding" by working on cohesive economic development efforts and looking at ways to bring in grants in areas such as culture, tourism and recreation ....
The $300,000 in grant funding that has been awarded through the Community Development Block Grant program will be used to go back to the master plan developed in the late 1990s and address changes brought on by hurricanes or other factors ....
The funding will also be used to look at developing a scenic byway within the parkway, Bowen said.

I could possibly see a use for a four lane road (at least in part) in the LA 1/LA 10 corridor from St. Francisville to Alexandria some day. (Passing lanes here and there would certainly work in the near term.) However, one would think that there are much higher traffic priorities in La. than constructing the Zachary Taylor Parkway. Efforts of this sort smack of highway building for spurious economic development reasons.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: apjung on January 16, 2014, 10:47:45 PM
Four lane it and leave it to where it can be easily upgraded to an Interstate 14
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on January 16, 2014, 11:17:11 PM
Quote from: apjung on January 16, 2014, 10:47:45 PM
Four lane it and leave it to where it can be easily upgraded to an Interstate 14
Wait a second... Correct me if I'm wrong, but I-14, if run through Louisiana, would be Natchez-Vidalia-Jonesville-Alexandria-Leesville. The Parkway is Bogalusa-St. Francisville-New Roads-Marksville-Alexandria. One is US 84/LA 28/LA 8, the other is LA 10/LA 1.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Alps on January 17, 2014, 12:13:25 AM
Quote from: mcdonaat on January 16, 2014, 11:17:11 PM
Quote from: apjung on January 16, 2014, 10:47:45 PM
Four lane it and leave it to where it can be easily upgraded to an Interstate 14
Wait a second... Correct me if I'm wrong, but I-14, if run through Louisiana, would be Natchez-Vidalia-Jonesville-Alexandria-Leesville. The Parkway is Bogalusa-St. Francisville-New Roads-Marksville-Alexandria. One is US 84/LA 28/LA 8, the other is LA 10/LA 1.
You're wrong. Take it to Fictional Highways.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: NE2 on January 17, 2014, 01:00:17 AM
I-14 is an actual plan, because Congress.
http://www.gulfcoaststrategichighway.org/Louisiana.html
QuoteThe proposed Gulf Coast Strategic Highway route in Louisiana stretches 199 miles from the Sabine River to the Mississippi River. It crosses central Louisiana connecting Fort Polk, England Airpark and Camp Beauregard.  The route follows LA 8 from the Sabine to Leesville, the gateway to Fort Polk.  It then follows LA 28 eastward through Alexandria to the intersection with US 84 near Archie.  It follows US 84 from Archie to Vidalia and the Vidalia-Natchez Bridge over the Mississippi River.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gulfcoaststrategichighway.org%2FPhotos%2520GC%2Fi14%2520GCSH%252012.08map.jpg&hash=60444e6d83abbd804d1e32722cee179dfddf757b)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on January 17, 2014, 01:11:44 AM
Quote from: Steve on January 17, 2014, 12:13:25 AM
Quote from: mcdonaat on January 16, 2014, 11:17:11 PM
Quote from: apjung on January 16, 2014, 10:47:45 PM
Four lane it and leave it to where it can be easily upgraded to an Interstate 14
Wait a second... Correct me if I'm wrong, but I-14, if run through Louisiana, would be Natchez-Vidalia-Jonesville-Alexandria-Leesville. The Parkway is Bogalusa-St. Francisville-New Roads-Marksville-Alexandria. One is US 84/LA 28/LA 8, the other is LA 10/LA 1.
You're wrong. Take it to Fictional Highways.
Actually.... the post I replied to suggested four-laning the Zachary Taylor Parkway and upgrading to I-14 standards. A perfectly plausible solution, except I-14 (the Gulf Coast Strategic Highway) lies about 60 miles north, using US 84 and LA 28. I don't see what Fictional Highways has to do with this... I was just pointing out that the Zachary Taylor Parkway is a different highway than the proposed I-14.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Grzrd on January 17, 2014, 08:41:32 AM
Quote from: NE2 on January 17, 2014, 01:00:17 AM
I-14 is an actual plan, because Congress.
http://www.gulfcoaststrategichighway.org/Louisiana.html

Prior discussion of this plan can be found in this thread:

https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=4385.msg96235#msg96235
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Anthony_JK on January 17, 2014, 09:42:00 AM
Now, I'm not sure I'd go along with freewayizing the proposed Zachary Taylor Parkway via LA 1/LA 10 between Alexandria and St. Francisville, since a perfectly good freeway/expressway alternative already exists: I-49 to Opelousas then US 190 east to BTR. A 4-laned highway with some access management would do just fine for the ZTP.

I'm not even sure I-14 is really anything but a pipe dream; since they have already 4-laned LA 28 between Leesville and Alex; they could extend the same 4-lane along LA 28 east of Pineville to Archie, then follow US 84 from there to Ferriday. That in and of itself should be perfectly adequate for Central Louisiana traffic (along with a 4-laning of US 84 from Winnfield east to Archie).

Finishing I-49 South to NOLA and I-69 should be the only freeway priorities for Louisiana right now (along with widening the existing highways). A freeway from Lake Charles to Alex to Monroe to the proposed I-530 extension would be next up in my priority list. I-14 would be way, way down the road.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: pctech on January 17, 2014, 11:08:40 AM
Improving existing freeways should be a priority over building new ones (excluding I49/69). Other highways can be widened  as needed. High on the priority list should be improving the 110-110 exchange in Baton Rouge, now site of daily gridlock. Repairing/improving I-10 from the I-12/59 to the MS. border comes to mind as well.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Anthony_JK on January 17, 2014, 12:13:14 PM
Quote from: pctech on January 17, 2014, 11:08:40 AM
Improving existing freeways should be a priority over building new ones (excluding I49/69). Other highways can be widened  as needed. High on the priority list should be improving the 110-110 exchange in Baton Rouge, now site of daily gridlock. Repairing/improving I-10 from the I-12/59 to the MS. border comes to mind as well.

Totally agree on fixing that I-10/I-110 Split bottleneck/TOTSO. That would be my second highest priority (behind I-49).
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Alps on January 17, 2014, 07:11:02 PM
Quote from: NE2 on January 17, 2014, 01:00:17 AM
I-14 is an actual plan, because Congress.
http://www.gulfcoaststrategichighway.org/Louisiana.html
QuoteThe proposed Gulf Coast Strategic Highway route in Louisiana stretches 199 miles from the Sabine River to the Mississippi River. It crosses central Louisiana connecting Fort Polk, England Airpark and Camp Beauregard.  The route follows LA 8 from the Sabine to Leesville, the gateway to Fort Polk.  It then follows LA 28 eastward through Alexandria to the intersection with US 84 near Archie.  It follows US 84 from Archie to Vidalia and the Vidalia-Natchez Bridge over the Mississippi River.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gulfcoaststrategichighway.org%2FPhotos%2520GC%2Fi14%2520GCSH%252012.08map.jpg&hash=60444e6d83abbd804d1e32722cee179dfddf757b)
Sorry. I think I've been willfully ignoring it.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on January 18, 2014, 12:04:15 AM
To keep this from deviating into fictional highway plans, I would love for LA 28 to be four-laned from Libuse to Holloway on a first stretch, then push for twinning of the Catahoula Lake area after that. US 84 doesn't see much traffic at all, and what it does see is mostly local hunters and residents.

US 165, in my humble opinion, should NOT be upgraded to a freeway, since you would have to bypass every little town along the way. Create controlled access in some spots, and do a Texas move - raise that speed limit to 70 MPH. Having driven the route from Alexandria to Monroe TONS of times, the most boring part has to be the straight stretch between the railroad overpass north of Columbia, through the Ouachita/Caldwell line, to that large west curve. Sometimes, straighter isn't better.

I could really see an Interstate upgrade of LA 139 at the state line to just north of Bastrop, and a full-blown bypass of the town. Follow US 165 roughly, hugging the middle between US 165 and LA 139 to Monroe, connecting with a finished MLK Expwy across Bayou Desiard. Ever noticed the HUGE median between the two pieces of pavement? Not to be a complete pipe-dream person, but extending the MLK Expwy north to almost Sterlington, having a nice interchange to connect with the new LA 2 bridge, and then moving traffic quickly between Bastrop and Monroe could be an ultimate gift to many commuters. US 165 becomes a parking lot at night, and it sucks.

That I-10/110 interchange may seem like a terrible idea, but if you build a southern bypass of Baton Rouge, your problems are solved. It would take many plant workers and trucks off of I-10, and shift them away from the 10/110 split. Plus, the majority of traffic in the mornings goes straight from 10W to 110N... suburbs to downtown jobs, and ExxonMobil. Believe me, I've driven into BR from Port Allen every morning for almost a year, and have noticed the backups of people for MILES... and traffic going onto the ramp to 10W is flowing at about 60 MPH.

Anyone wanna buy a bridge? You can set it up and rent it out for birthday parties... or restore it as an entrance to your property. Hell, build a small slough and set the bridge up over it. You could have your own piece of the Jefferson Hwy. http://www.dotd.la.gov/programs_grants/bridgemarketing/
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Urban Prairie Schooner on January 25, 2014, 07:50:47 PM
Quote from: mcdonaat on January 18, 2014, 12:04:15 AM
That I-10/110 interchange may seem like a terrible idea, but if you build a southern bypass of Baton Rouge, your problems are solved. It would take many plant workers and trucks off of I-10, and shift them away from the 10/110 split. Plus, the majority of traffic in the mornings goes straight from 10W to 110N... suburbs to downtown jobs, and ExxonMobil. Believe me, I've driven into BR from Port Allen every morning for almost a year, and have noticed the backups of people for MILES... and traffic going onto the ramp to 10W is flowing at about 60 MPH.

A northern bypass would really take the truck traffic off the BR interstate system. We just had a frozen precipitation event (freezing rain/sleet/small amount of snow) which closed the interstates, and the number of trucks either parked on the shoulders of I-10 and I-12 or trying to wind their way through the city on surface streets was incredible. From my experience, most through truck traffic uses I-10 to I-12 through BR, so as to bypass New Orleans.

One idea of mine is to construct a tolled trucks-only bypass in a northern arc around the city, with parts of US 190 and I-110 serving as links between segments. The tolls would vary based on the level of congestion on the interstate system.  Truckers will gladly pay the toll in order to avoid rush hour congestion.  Alternately, auto traffic could use certain segments of the proposed highway during rush hour (to take traffic off I-12 and the surface arterials with destinations of Watson or Walker).

A southern bypass would be nice, too, but would require a new Miss. River bridge which greatly increases the costs, thus rendering it less feasible, so it can come later. Right now the worst local congestion is along the east-west corridor out to Livingston Parish and across the I-10 bridge to Port Allen. The I-10 widening has greatly improved the rush hour flow to the south.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: froggie on January 26, 2014, 07:56:42 AM
QuoteOne idea of mine is to construct a tolled trucks-only bypass in a northern arc around the city,

I doubt you'd get local support for this unless it was open to all traffic, all the time (not part of the time as you suggest later in your post).  Also, as I recall, a northern bypass has been bantered about just as often as a southern bypass has.

QuoteTruckers will gladly pay the toll in order to avoid rush hour congestion.

If the I-81 Virginia proposal from about 10 years ago is any indication, no they won't.  Another indicator is the volume of trucks who stick with the traffic signals on US 13 in order to shunpike DE 1.

QuoteA southern bypass would be nice, too, but would require a new Miss. River bridge which greatly increases the costs, thus rendering it less feasible,

IMO, a southern bypass is quite feasible as an alternative to twinning the I-10 span.  I also recall that a southern bypass was less mileage than a northern bypass, which would make it more enticing to I-10 West-to-I-12 East (and vice versa) through traffic.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: pctech on January 27, 2014, 10:22:54 AM
New I-10 shields at entrances to freeway at Essen Lane and Bluebonnet  have the state name in them....but they are ugly looking signs.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on January 27, 2014, 11:17:23 PM
Quote from: pctech on January 27, 2014, 10:22:54 AM
New I-10 shields at entrances to freeway at Essen Lane and Bluebonnet  have the state name in them....but they are ugly looking signs.
Got photos? If my gut is right, they're Clearview shields... something I've only seen in Baton Rouge. North Louisiana has FHWA Series inside of the shields, while BR has Clearview.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on January 29, 2014, 12:38:59 AM
Quote from: mcdonaat on January 27, 2014, 11:17:23 PM
Got photos? If my gut is right, they're Clearview shields... something I've only seen in Baton Rouge. North Louisiana has FHWA Series inside of the shields, while BR has Clearview.

NO has a mixture of both. Installation appears to be hit or miss.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on January 30, 2014, 08:31:27 PM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on January 29, 2014, 12:38:59 AM
Quote from: mcdonaat on January 27, 2014, 11:17:23 PM
Got photos? If my gut is right, they're Clearview shields... something I've only seen in Baton Rouge. North Louisiana has FHWA Series inside of the shields, while BR has Clearview.

NO has a mixture of both. Installation appears to be hit or miss.
There are Clearview shields on the new BGSs in Lake Charles. Overhead signs in Lafayette and Sulphur have FHWA shields.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: codyg1985 on January 30, 2014, 08:41:57 PM
Quote from: jbnv on January 30, 2014, 08:31:27 PM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on January 29, 2014, 12:38:59 AM
Quote from: mcdonaat on January 27, 2014, 11:17:23 PM
Got photos? If my gut is right, they're Clearview shields... something I've only seen in Baton Rouge. North Louisiana has FHWA Series inside of the shields, while BR has Clearview.

NO has a mixture of both. Installation appears to be hit or miss.
There are Clearview shields on the new BGSs in Lake Charles. Overhead signs in Lafayette and Sulphur have FHWA shields.

Here are some Clearview shields in Lake Charles:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F7SUMIZx.jpg&hash=fd63c44a77ce5667ea5beefda6f0e4d55bb9d5d1)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on January 30, 2014, 10:00:35 PM
Quote from: Urban Prairie Schooner on January 02, 2014, 08:19:29 PM
Looks like LaDOTD has made public the documentation and maps for the state highway turnback program:
http://www.dotd.la.gov/programs/RoadTransfer/

I just looked at the map for Lafayette Parish. (Grew up there and lived there most of my life.) Wow, DOTD's plan goes even further than I would.

Quote from: Urban Prairie Schooner on January 02, 2014, 08:19:29 PMSo far this program is voluntary with regards to participation by parishes and municipalities. At that rate, any desired progress may take a while. :ded: I have a feeling that any substantial progress could only occur in the unlikely event that the Legislature were to pull an "Iowa 2003" and transfer routes en masse by legislation. Since the local governments would never allow it without substantial financial compensation, I doubt such a thing will ever happen unless some sort of "grand agreement" were in place to provide a financial cushion for localities.

If I were in a position to write such legislation, I would create a transition program to serve as such an agreement. In some parishes, the affected routes could form a hypothetical secondary route system. In other parishes, the affected routes may just fade into the background.

DOTD really does need to focus on the high-priority routes and plan for future growth, not just babysit the legacy of Huey Long.

Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: NE2 on January 30, 2014, 10:22:36 PM
Bleh. They're planning to turn back US 90 from Louisa Street (Gentilly) west to the Huey Long Bridge (and US 61 southeast of I-10 in NO).
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on January 31, 2014, 03:53:45 AM
Lake Charles clearview? Gross. That's an abomination of our tax dollars!

Like I said, come on upstate to see how we do it right!
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Urban Prairie Schooner on January 31, 2014, 08:53:47 AM
Quote from: NE2 on January 30, 2014, 10:22:36 PM
Bleh. They're planning to turn back US 90 from Louisa Street (Gentilly) west to the Huey Long Bridge (and US 61 southeast of I-10 in NO).

In urban areas, DOTD's proposed turnbacks are far greater than I would have anticipated, though understandable in a sense. In rural areas, their cuts are not deep enough IMO. DOTD set a maximum number of route miles per parish population, plus some density criteria to determine an optimal balance of routes in each parish.

These were the criteria used:
Maximum miles in any parish = 300
Maximum miles in parishes with popl. > 100,000 = 275
Maximum miles in parishes with popl. > 150,000 = 250
Maximum miles in parishes with popl. > 200,000 = 225
Maximum miles in parishes with popl. > 250,000 = 200
Maximum miles in parishes with popl. > 300,000 = 175

No more than 5 miles of state highway per 10 sq. mi. of parish area
No less than 1 mile of state highway per 10 sq. mi. of parish area

The sliding scale favors rural parishes since presumably they are less able to assume responsibility for decommissioned state routes.

I am guessing the state would petition AASHTO to reroute US 90 via US 90B, I-10, and Louisa Street should the above proposed turnback come to pass.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on January 31, 2014, 09:34:50 AM
Quote from: mcdonaat on January 31, 2014, 03:53:45 AM
Lake Charles clearview? Gross. That's an abomination of our tax dollars!
Like I said, come on upstate to see how we do it right!
You should see the four Clearview digits crammed into the state shield at Lakeshore Drive.  :no: If there's any benefit to the Lake Charles signs, they show why you don't use Clearview in the shields.

Took another look at the Lafayette plan. They're keeping LA 182 from I-10 to Johnston, and turning back almost everything else. What does that accomplish, and how the heck would they number that? (I fear they'll keep US 90 BUS or create 182-x. I wouldn't mind them making it Business I-10.)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on January 31, 2014, 03:18:57 PM
Quote from: jbnv on January 31, 2014, 09:34:50 AM
Quote from: mcdonaat on January 31, 2014, 03:53:45 AM
Lake Charles clearview? Gross. That's an abomination of our tax dollars!
Like I said, come on upstate to see how we do it right!
You should see the four Clearview digits crammed into the state shield at Lakeshore Drive.  :no: If there's any benefit to the Lake Charles signs, they show why you don't use Clearview in the shields.

Took another look at the Lafayette plan. They're keeping LA 182 from I-10 to Johnston, and turning back almost everything else. What does that accomplish, and how the heck would they number that? (I fear they'll keep US 90 BUS or create 182-x. I wouldn't mind them making it Business I-10.)
Texas, my friend - that's the only reason! Texas uses Clearview, so Louisiana is populating I-10 with it. I'm beginning to think it's for the districts to design the signs, because District 08 and 05 are VERY different. All Interstate signs in District 08 (Alexandria, I-49 and US 167/71) use wide and regular black-and-white shields, with Series C numbering. District 05 (Monroe, I-20) uses black and white shields, all wide, with a white border, and Series D. Very messy!

I would say that they would become city roads. You can't create an XXX-X route unless all routes are hyphenated. You would need a 182-1 and 182-2. Spurs and Business routes would happily be an answer for hyphenated routes!

Now here's something I've noticed - there are no hyphenated routes on the BGS signs anywhere in Louisiana. They all say the name of the street, but no numbers. Imagine LA 1208-3, you have a six-digit sign.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on January 31, 2014, 04:47:43 PM
Quote from: mcdonaat on January 31, 2014, 03:18:57 PM
Quote from: jbnv on January 31, 2014, 09:34:50 AM
Took another look at the Lafayette plan. They're keeping LA 182 from I-10 to Johnston, and turning back almost everything else. What does that accomplish, and how the heck would they number that? (I fear they'll keep US 90 BUS or create 182-x. I wouldn't mind them making it Business I-10.)
I would say that they would become city roads. You can't create an XXX-X route unless all routes are hyphenated. You would need a 182-1 and 182-2. Spurs and Business routes would happily be an answer for hyphenated routes!
Are you sure? Parts of LA 89 and LA 92 have been renumbered to 89-1 and 92-1, but apparently the rest of the routes are not hyphenated. The District 3 turnback plan shows parts of both highways turning back in Lafayette Parish but staying elsewhere.

Quote from: mcdonaat on January 31, 2014, 03:18:57 PM
Now here's something I've noticed - there are no hyphenated routes on the BGS signs anywhere in Louisiana. They all say the name of the street, but no numbers. Imagine LA 1208-3, you have a six-digit sign.
I think there is one in Lake Charles on I-210. The exit where L'Auberge Casino is. And it's a four-digit hyphenated number.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Urban Prairie Schooner on January 31, 2014, 09:57:00 PM
Quote from: jbnv on January 31, 2014, 04:47:43 PM
Parts of LA 89 and LA 92 have been renumbered to 89-1 and 92-1, but apparently the rest of the routes are not hyphenated.

Which segments of these routes are you referring to?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on January 31, 2014, 11:12:29 PM
Quote from: jbnv on January 31, 2014, 04:47:43 PM
Quote from: mcdonaat on January 31, 2014, 03:18:57 PM
Quote from: jbnv on January 31, 2014, 09:34:50 AM
Took another look at the Lafayette plan. They're keeping LA 182 from I-10 to Johnston, and turning back almost everything else. What does that accomplish, and how the heck would they number that? (I fear they'll keep US 90 BUS or create 182-x. I wouldn't mind them making it Business I-10.)
I would say that they would become city roads. You can't create an XXX-X route unless all routes are hyphenated. You would need a 182-1 and 182-2. Spurs and Business routes would happily be an answer for hyphenated routes!
Are you sure? Parts of LA 89 and LA 92 have been renumbered to 89-1 and 92-1, but apparently the rest of the routes are not hyphenated. The District 3 turnback plan shows parts of both highways turning back in Lafayette Parish but staying elsewhere.

Quote from: mcdonaat on January 31, 2014, 03:18:57 PM
Now here's something I've noticed - there are no hyphenated routes on the BGS signs anywhere in Louisiana. They all say the name of the street, but no numbers. Imagine LA 1208-3, you have a six-digit sign.
I think there is one in Lake Charles on I-210. The exit where L'Auberge Casino is. And it's a four-digit hyphenated number.
Really? I didn't know about 89-1 and 92-1... I'll have to look that up!

Also, if you can send photos of I-210 at L'Auberge, I would love to see it! The most for Lake Charles that I see is on the US 165 exit from US 71 in Alexandria.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on January 31, 2014, 11:32:52 PM
Unfortunately, I live and work in Tangipahoa Parish now and don't get to Lafayette or Lake Charles very often.

My attempts to find information about 89-1 and 92-1 (as opposed to 89 and 92) have thus failed, but here they are on a map from the DOTD Road Transfer District 3 proposal (http://www.dotd.la.gov/programs/RoadTransfer/documents/Dist_03/District_03_2011_RS.pdf):

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm4.staticflickr.com%2F3813%2F12245582923_3e0b052c84_o.png&hash=b82d9f9563c56971c5845690754ed2d7ddb58023)

See also this StreetView (https://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ll=30.101438,-91.941619&spn=0.011435,0.036221&sll=30.937335,-91.40087&sspn=6.405533,9.272461&oq=youngs&hnear=Youngsville,+Lafayette,+Louisiana&t=m&z=15&layer=c&cbll=30.101691,-91.941644&panoid=993FFuXko-aIR3xA_X8tMw&cbp=12,15.5,,1,5.96).
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on January 31, 2014, 11:38:22 PM
Found it on Streetview. BGS for LA 1138-1/1138-2 (https://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ll=30.196921,-93.241374&spn=0.012611,0.01811&sll=30.101697,-91.941662&sspn=0.025395,0.036221&oq=lake+ch&hnear=Lake+Charles,+Calcasieu,+Louisiana&t=h&z=16&layer=c&cbll=30.196919,-93.245235&panoid=AaD4dqH6EAotsDe0w-pdrQ&cbp=12,268.82,,0,0.81).
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on January 31, 2014, 11:43:47 PM
What the... where's LA 92-2? If you can find it, that would make MUCH more sense to me! All I'm seeing is a LA 92-1, and no 92-2.

On other Louisiana-related topics, LaDOTD has resigned US 167 in Pineville, resurfaced the northern three miles of open freeway, installed new reflectors, and the speed limit is STILL 65! To give anyone out there an idea of why this is ridiculous, US 165 north of Ball is 65 MPH, with driveways, cross streets, and a smaller median than the northern end of the Pineville Expressway. At the same time, if you try and go 50 MPH between Alexandria and the LA 3100 overpass, you WILL get runover. Does anyone know if the Pineville Expressway is going to have the speed increased, like on I-49?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on February 01, 2014, 12:25:50 AM
Quote from: mcdonaat on January 31, 2014, 11:43:47 PM
What the... where's LA 92-2? If you can find it, that would make MUCH more sense to me! All I'm seeing is a LA 92-1, and no 92-2.
There is no 92-2. Just 92 and 92-1. All they did was took part of 92 and made it 92-1. Same thing with 89; there's no 89-2, just 89 and 89-1 that used to be 89. The only logical reason I can find for them doing this is anticipation of the Road Transfer Program. But the Road Transfer Program suggests transferring all of 89, not just 89-1. Maybe they just don't like Broussard and Youngsville.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: NE2 on February 01, 2014, 12:59:54 AM
89-1: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=30.13507,-91.990843&spn=0.030249,0.056691&gl=us&t=m&z=15&layer=c&cbll=30.135077,-91.99076&panoid=g8m62h5FMEGmjH8bPimvWQ&cbp=12,89.41,,0,-2.42
92-1: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=30.088368,-91.905999&spn=0.030115,0.056691&gl=us&t=m&z=15&layer=c&cbll=30.088183,-91.905809&panoid=i09X-zV9e5QayUskpkXz1w&cbp=12,330.56,,1,4.05

PS: when the Goog went through in May 2013, there were no shields at the circle in Youngsville, but directions and arrows were in place.

All I can think of is possible reroutings onto Chemin Metairie.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Alex on February 01, 2014, 11:12:33 AM
Thanks for posting this!

Quote from: Urban Prairie Schooner on January 02, 2014, 08:19:29 PM
Looks like LaDOTD has made public the documentation and maps for the state highway turnback program:
http://www.dotd.la.gov/programs/RoadTransfer/

Though I am sure this program is in line with the present administration's policy of streamlining and shrinking state government, I am pretty certain that DOTD has been looking to do something of this sort for much longer than the current administration has been around. Certainly I have been looking for this to happen for quite a while! :)

So far this program is voluntary with regards to participation by parishes and municipalities. At that rate, any desired progress may take a while. :ded: I have a feeling that any substantial progress could only occur in the unlikely event that the Legislature were to pull an "Iowa 2003" and transfer routes en masse by legislation. Since the local governments would never allow it without substantial financial compensation, I doubt such a thing will ever happen unless some sort of "grand agreement" were in place to provide a financial cushion for localities.

Ugh, talk about a gutting of the system, in addition to what NE2 mentioned in NOLA, East Baton Rouge Parish loses a good number of state highways and most of U.S. 61 Business / 190 Business with this proposal.

Slidell will lose U.S. 190 Business and portion of U.S. 11. (More useless US highway/Interstate overlaps hooray!)

U.S. 79 & 80 will leave their surface route through Bossier City and Shreveport, US 71 may leave its surface route through the city, as would the northern most stretch of U.S. 171.

U.S. 165 Business will disappear through Monroe.

Just about every remaining state highway in an urban area will be relegated to expressway or arterial. IMO, the fun of roadding in Louisiana will drop with the lack of numbered routes and odd side routes.  :thumbdown: :thumbdown: :thumbdown:
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Urban Prairie Schooner on February 01, 2014, 07:59:51 PM
Quote from: jbnv on February 01, 2014, 12:25:50 AM
Quote from: mcdonaat on January 31, 2014, 11:43:47 PM
What the... where's LA 92-2? If you can find it, that would make MUCH more sense to me! All I'm seeing is a LA 92-1, and no 92-2.
There is no 92-2. Just 92 and 92-1. All they did was took part of 92 and made it 92-1. Same thing with 89; there's no 89-2, just 89 and 89-1 that used to be 89. The only logical reason I can find for them doing this is anticipation of the Road Transfer Program. But the Road Transfer Program suggests transferring all of 89, not just 89-1. Maybe they just don't like Broussard and Youngsville.

I would love to know why DOTD did this. Maybe I am dense but I am not seeing an obvious reason.

It looks like those "-1"s were tacked on to their signs, and fairly crudely at that.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Urban Prairie Schooner on February 01, 2014, 08:15:33 PM
Quote from: Alex on February 01, 2014, 11:12:33 AM
Thanks for posting this!

Quote from: Urban Prairie Schooner on January 02, 2014, 08:19:29 PM
Looks like LaDOTD has made public the documentation and maps for the state highway turnback program:
http://www.dotd.la.gov/programs/RoadTransfer/

Though I am sure this program is in line with the present administration's policy of streamlining and shrinking state government, I am pretty certain that DOTD has been looking to do something of this sort for much longer than the current administration has been around. Certainly I have been looking for this to happen for quite a while! :)

So far this program is voluntary with regards to participation by parishes and municipalities. At that rate, any desired progress may take a while. :ded: I have a feeling that any substantial progress could only occur in the unlikely event that the Legislature were to pull an "Iowa 2003" and transfer routes en masse by legislation. Since the local governments would never allow it without substantial financial compensation, I doubt such a thing will ever happen unless some sort of "grand agreement" were in place to provide a financial cushion for localities.

Ugh, talk about a gutting of the system, in addition to what NE2 mentioned in NOLA, East Baton Rouge Parish loses a good number of state highways and most of U.S. 61 Business / 190 Business with this proposal.

Slidell will lose U.S. 190 Business and portion of U.S. 11. (More useless US highway/Interstate overlaps hooray!)

U.S. 79 & 80 will leave their surface route through Bossier City and Shreveport, US 71 may leave its surface route through the city, as would the northern most stretch of U.S. 171.

U.S. 165 Business will disappear through Monroe.

Just about every remaining state highway in an urban area will be relegated to expressway or arterial. IMO, the fun of roadding in Louisiana will drop with the lack of numbered routes and odd side routes.  :thumbdown: :thumbdown: :thumbdown:

I don't agree with all the turnback choices and I agree that it makes the road hobby less interesting. Maybe if the numbers are retained in the parish system (similar to Florida) it won't have as deleterious an effect in that area. In any case, this decommissioning effort is an attempt to put Louisiana in line with other states as to how many roads the state highway authority maintains.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Anthony_JK on February 01, 2014, 09:24:14 PM
Quote from: Urban Prairie Schooner on January 25, 2014, 07:50:47 PM

A northern bypass would really take the truck traffic off the BR interstate system. We just had a frozen precipitation event (freezing rain/sleet/small amount of snow) which closed the interstates, and the number of trucks either parked on the shoulders of I-10 and I-12 or trying to wind their way through the city on surface streets was incredible. From my experience, most through truck traffic uses I-10 to I-12 through BR, so as to bypass New Orleans.

How would a northern bypass remove truck traffic from I-10, when I-10 remains the most direct route to I-12?? Not to mention that the majority of gridlock on I-10 is commuter traffic to and from downtown BTR?

QuoteOne idea of mine is to construct a tolled trucks-only bypass in a northern arc around the city, with parts of US 190 and I-110 serving as links between segments. The tolls would vary based on the level of congestion on the interstate system.  Truckers will gladly pay the toll in order to avoid rush hour congestion.  Alternately, auto traffic could use certain segments of the proposed highway during rush hour (to take traffic off I-12 and the surface arterials with destinations of Watson or Walker).

Wouldn't work, because of everything Froggie said, plus, you'd still need to either upgrade the old US 190 bridge in the same form as the Huey P. Long Bridge in NOLA was upgraded, plus upgrade Airline Highway to freeway standards to I-12; or build a new crossing further north to reach the Baker/Zachary area. With the Audubon Bridge (LA 10) now complete, there's really no need for a crossing of the Mississippi north of US 190.

QuoteA southern bypass would be nice, too, but would require a new Miss. River bridge which greatly increases the costs, thus rendering it less feasible, so it can come later. Right now the worst local congestion is along the east-west corridor out to Livingston Parish and across the I-10 bridge to Port Allen. The I-10 widening has greatly improved the rush hour flow to the south.

Unless LA 1 is improved through Plaquemine and Addis to reach the Sunshine Bridge AND the I-10/I-110 Split bottleneck (the single lane TOTSO/Washington St exit) is resolved, a southern I-10 bypass with a new Miss. River bridge near Addis/Gardere would be most ideal. If you could find a way to extend this bypass from near Gonzales to connect with I-12 near Walker, then that would solve the issue of connecting with I-12.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Anthony_JK on February 01, 2014, 09:30:00 PM
Quote from: mcdonaat on January 31, 2014, 11:43:47 PM
What the... where's LA 92-2? If you can find it, that would make MUCH more sense to me! All I'm seeing is a LA 92-1, and no 92-2.

On other Louisiana-related topics, LaDOTD has resigned US 167 in Pineville, resurfaced the northern three miles of open freeway, installed new reflectors, and the speed limit is STILL 65! To give anyone out there an idea of why this is ridiculous, US 165 north of Ball is 65 MPH, with driveways, cross streets, and a smaller median than the northern end of the Pineville Expressway. At the same time, if you try and go 50 MPH between Alexandria and the LA 3100 overpass, you WILL get runover. Does anyone know if the Pineville Expressway is going to have the speed increased, like on I-49?

When LADOTD and FHWA grow some sac and make the Pineville Expressway I-349 like it should be.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on February 02, 2014, 10:40:03 AM
This is an opportunity for somebody (either DOTD or the local/parish governments) to have these soon-to-be former routes labeled as historic routes.  US 79/80 leaving their original routes through Bossier City & Shreveport??? BLASPHEMY!!!!  :angry: 
I was looking at the Minden map & noticed that the DOTD seems to be abandoning US 79 from the US 80 junction to where the US 79 truck route turns off at Wal-Mart.  This would be a perfect example of a road that would need the historic label since it has always run through historic downtown.

All of the hyphenated and 4-digit routes...not so much.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on February 02, 2014, 01:28:18 PM
Quote from: Alex on February 01, 2014, 11:12:33 AMJust about every remaining state highway in an urban area will be relegated to expressway or arterial. IMO, the fun of roadding in Louisiana will drop with the lack of numbered routes and odd side routes.  :thumbdown: :thumbdown: :thumbdown:
But they are keeping the useless two-lane segment of US 90 in Lafayette plus a short inner-city portion of LA 182.  :confused:
Quote from: Urban Prairie SchoonerMaybe if the numbers are retained in the parish system (similar to Florida) it won't have as deleterious an effect in that area.
If I were DOTD, I would encourage parishes to sign the decommissioned routes, especially high-traffic ones, with shields bearing the old number. Pentagon shields would generally be appropriate, but could conflict in parishes that have their own road numbers. Maybe a new designation of "Parish Highway," and a new shape. Wisconsin's rounded rectangle would work well here:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm3.staticflickr.com%2F2889%2F12245294384_a4e81e79e4_s.jpg&hash=b38d53ffb8f585ddcb2405b9cc0f31a591dec5cc)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: froggie on February 02, 2014, 02:03:32 PM
QuoteIMO, the fun of roadding in Louisiana will drop with the lack of numbered routes and odd side routes.

Eye-of-the-beholder.  One does not need "numbered routes" in order to enjoy the "fun of roadding".
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Alex on February 02, 2014, 06:55:37 PM
Quote from: froggie on February 02, 2014, 02:03:32 PM
QuoteIMO, the fun of roadding in Louisiana will drop with the lack of numbered routes and odd side routes.

Eye-of-the-beholder.  One does not need "numbered routes" in order to enjoy the "fun of roadding".

Eh, my eyes needs them (I did write IMO). Numbers are far superior to road names or "former route xx's". You clinch routes, not arterials or secondary locally maintained roads. Absolutely no fun in those for me.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: txstateends on February 03, 2014, 10:18:47 AM
So, with this plan, if everything happens like the proposal suggests, you have something like US 79/80's green section becoming a move to overlap I-20?  But in the case of US 171, it would end where the green section starts, or have a different/red routing to intersect either I-20 or I-49 (and not have the chance to meet up with US 71 after all by taking out LA 3094)?  And US 71 after the merge with I-20, would it overlap with I-49 north of I-20 (since all of US 71 shows green from downtown northward)?

Wow, glad TxDOT isn't trying something similar to this on a relative scale....
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Alex on February 03, 2014, 11:33:39 AM
Quote from: txstateends on February 03, 2014, 10:18:47 AM
So, with this plan, if everything happens like the proposal suggests, you have something like US 79/80's green section becoming a move to overlap I-20?  But in the case of US 171, it would end where the green section starts, or have a different/red routing to intersect either I-20 or I-49 (and not have the chance to meet up with US 71 after all by taking out LA 3094)?  And US 71 after the merge with I-20, would it overlap with I-49 north of I-20 (since all of US 71 shows green from downtown northward)?

Wow, glad TxDOT isn't trying something similar to this on a relative scale....

Just truncate routes where applicable and move the others onto hidden overlaps with the Interstate system. Why bother showing the new concurrences at that point. The precedent is already there as Arkansas routinely omits US highway overlaps on Interstates, as does the Dallas area with US 67 and US 77.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on February 03, 2014, 04:36:00 PM
This is what someone from the DOTD told me, in regards to US 171 in Shreveport.

"When state route LA 3094 was constructed, its was temporarily assigned this route number to avoid using state route US 171 as the numbered route during its three projects that took several years to complete resulting in state route LA 3094 being essentially a dead end route until the completion of all three phases.  This was in lieu of the numbered route US 171 being a dead end route that would be an unexpected condition for a US route and that would not have been accepted by the AASHTO Special Committee on US route numbering that authorizes the use of US route numbers.  As I probably explained previously that after the construction of state route LA 3094 was completed, the Department failed to change the temporary route number to the planned permanent route number US 171.  When our proposal was made recently to make the change all of these years later, the businesses along the route and our district administration disagreed with the proposed change and therefore it was not made."

Looking at that turnback for Rapides Parish, US 71 between US 165 and the Pineville Expressway will be turned back. This is a very poor choice, since the state needs to upkeep the bypass around the US 165/167 junction. Also, you're deleting LA 1, which means DOTD can't "legally" send traffic down LA 1 if I-49 is closed. So, mainline US 71 in Pineville is deleted, Business US 165 is deleted, and LA 1 north of Alexandria is deleted, but LA 1208-2 is kept? What's the reasoning?

LA 492 - kept. Almost no cars use it. LA 3225 - deleted. Used by two commuting traffic and one of the heaviest two lane roads.

Wonder how AASHTO will take the moving and reassigning of US highways? :P
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Urban Prairie Schooner on February 03, 2014, 07:38:45 PM
Quote from: mcdonaat on February 03, 2014, 04:36:00 PM
Looking at that turnback for Rapides Parish, US 71 between US 165 and the Pineville Expressway will be turned back. This is a very poor choice, since the state needs to upkeep the bypass around the US 165/167 junction. Also, you're deleting LA 1, which means DOTD can't "legally" send traffic down LA 1 if I-49 is closed. So, mainline US 71 in Pineville is deleted, Business US 165 is deleted, and LA 1 north of Alexandria is deleted, but LA 1208-2 is kept? What's the reasoning?

LA 492 - kept. Almost no cars use it. LA 3225 - deleted. Used by two commuting traffic and one of the heaviest two lane roads.

There needs to be a state maintained surface alternate parallel to interstates and other freeways where possible; it doesn't necessarily have to be a US highway either.

I don't think traffic counts were the primary consideration for which routes get to stay and which get to go. In fact, somewhere in the main document outlining the turnback process it is stated that major urban arterials should primarily be a local concern.

LA 1208-2 serves the DOTD District 8 HQ. All the other state highway spurs serving district HQs, where they exist, were also retained in the proposed system. Go figure.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on February 03, 2014, 09:25:25 PM
In my opinion, thru routes should be a state priority, and arterials a city priority. US 71 is a thru route in Alexandria/Pineville, and is used heavily by commuters and long-distance travel alike. It acts as a bypass of the 165/167 interchange, and is useful in the state system.

LA 3045, the road serving the DOTD HQ, is proposed for turnback. LA 1208-2 has US 71 in Alexandria, so why need 1208-2?

Notice, though, on the turnback plans - the state is proposing using freed mileage to construct new roads, or adopt certain highways. LA 1196 in Avoyelles Parish is apparently being extended to hook up with LA 3102 in Catahoula Parish, then bypassing Larto Lake to the south on a new alignment. It will then connect to LA 124. It took the DOTD almost 80 years to finally finish the Marksville-Jonesville Highway, in a sense. You can get from LA 107 at a point about 15 mins north of Marksville to Jonesville in about 35 minutes.

The DOTD is also taking Staring Lane Extension and adding it to the state system. The turnback shows LA 30 being deleted from LA 327 Spur to downtown. Any person who erases the green lines and black lines can see LA 30 running from I-12 at Essen Lane south to St. Gabriel.

District 58 shows Concordia Parish will get a new bypass of Vidalia, connecting LA 131 to US 65/84. Franklin Parish will have LA 132 extended from LA 857 to LA 860, a project 80 years old. Pointe Coupee will also get LA 417 reconnected. I'm probably most thrilled about the LA 1196/LA 124 connector!
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on February 26, 2014, 06:52:02 PM
According to LaDOTD, US 84 is in the process of being widened from La 772 (west, since the document doesn't specify which LA 772 - it runs concurrent through Jena with 84) east, through town, to just past the Jena city limits. I'm curious as to how it's going to handle the 90-degree turns US 84 has with La 722 West, and how it plans on sending the route through downtown Jena. It's also, along with US 84's widening in Logansport at the Sabine River bridge, the Black River bridge, and Winnfield being 4-laned, another step that is being widened in Louisiana.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on February 26, 2014, 07:39:32 PM
Why does US 84 go through Jena and Winnfield instead of Alexandria?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Urban Prairie Schooner on February 26, 2014, 07:44:55 PM
Sections of LA 73 (Government Street, Jefferson Highway), LA 30 (Nicholson Drive), and Business US 61/190 (River Road, Florida Street, Chippewa Street) are scheduled to be turned back to East Baton Rouge Parish, pending local approval:

http://theadvocate.com/home/8476004-125/ebr-poised-to-take-over
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: NE2 on February 26, 2014, 08:57:03 PM
Quote from: jbnv on February 26, 2014, 07:39:32 PM
Why does US 84 go through Jena and Winnfield instead of Alexandria?
Same length and less traffic, presumably.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on February 26, 2014, 11:02:46 PM
Quote from: NE2 on February 26, 2014, 08:57:03 PM
Quote from: jbnv on February 26, 2014, 07:39:32 PM
Why does US 84 go through Jena and Winnfield instead of Alexandria?
Same length and less traffic, presumably.
You hit more parish seats. Jena and Winnfield instead of Alexandria. Plus, its shorter.

Nexus 7

Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: pctech on February 27, 2014, 10:40:17 AM
Baton Rouge take over of part of Government St.(LA 73) will let city advance plans to restructure it with a dedicated bike/pedestrian lane and center turn lane.

DODT is going "wild" with new reflective pavement markers on part of I-10/110 in downtown.....I wish that they would scrap of some the old ones first.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on February 27, 2014, 07:46:06 PM
Quote from: pctech on February 27, 2014, 10:40:17 AM
Baton Rouge take over of part of Government St.(LA 73) will let city advance plans to restructure it with a dedicated bike/pedestrian lane and center turn lane.

DODT is going "wild" with new reflective pavement markers on part of I-10/110 in downtown.....I wish that they would scrap of some the old ones first.
It doesn't say it in the actual news report, but LaDOTD giving EBR the downtown streets will be a part of a street swap. DOTD is taking over the Staring Lane extension, per the turnback plan. If that's not what happens, I'd be surprised! DOTD even owns the ROW south of Burbank for Staring Lane.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: pctech on February 28, 2014, 02:25:36 PM
I'd like to see river road (bus. 61/190) be converted to three lanes  from the museum to the state capitol area. It would eliminate traffic hangs due to cars stopping to turn left. There are plans for improvements to the river front and a new park near the capitol.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: apjung on March 17, 2014, 11:22:28 PM
Quote from: Urban Prairie Schooner on January 14, 2014, 08:51:40 PM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on January 08, 2014, 03:17:09 PM
Quote from: froggie on January 06, 2014, 06:47:19 PM
A mistake that they didn't get it done when they did the widening between US 11 and I-10/59.  Also, they boo-boo'd on the start of the westbound lane...they should have made the on-ramp from I-59/EB I-10 the start of the 3rd lane.

It almost appears as if they were leaving room for an eastward expansion of I-10.

Quote from: lamsalfl on January 07, 2014, 01:45:14 AM
If you don't like that configuration you would love the lane configuration of I-10 westbound at the Causeway interchange.

I've been waiting for I don't know how long to see what they will do with that once all of this construction is said and done. I seriously hope that they don't leave it like that.

I emailed LaDOTD about that very question. The plan is to remove the lane drop and re-stripe the merge with the Causeway onramp when the Veterans-to-Clearview widening project is complete.

I hope that's what I saw passing thru about an hour ago. I hope they are there to finally restripe Westbound I-10 at Causeway entrance ramp as I see the "temporary" merge has been coned off.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: pctech on March 23, 2014, 09:29:50 AM
Here is a few observations for a weekend trip from Baton Rouge to Mobile AL. and back,

La. Next phase of widening I-12 has begun east of Denham Springs . Bridges over water ways between there and Hammond are being rebuilt/widened. I-10 from I-12/59 to west Pearl river still goes thump,thump, thump from pavement settling.  (annoying in a car, but really makes tractor-trailer rigs bounce!)

Ms. Construction on I-10/110 Biloxi, in progress, appears to be adding lanes/redesigning interchange.  I-10 from about MP. 51 to MP 58 still has original concrete pavement, but the number of chip outs/pot holes  is increasing. It'll probably be resurfaced before long.

AL. I-10 widening project near Theodore is complete.  "See thru" BGS at I -10/65 still in place.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: roadman65 on March 23, 2014, 12:55:54 PM
Quote from: Tom958 on March 23, 2014, 12:53:46 PM
Sorry, I moved it to this thread (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=2514.0), which seemed more appropriate. I'm pleasantly amazed that the replies came so quickly. :)
I thought that something was wrong with my computer for a minuet LOL!
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: lamsalfl on March 25, 2014, 11:18:50 AM
The daily clusterfuck of the I-10/Pontchartrain Expwy junction

This area is hell during most daylight hours.  My solution is to use the highly underutilized elevated HOV lane. 

1) Lose the shoulders and offer two lanes (one lane each direction with divider)
2) kill where the lane comes down to street level near Magnolia St
3) make full connections to/from existing flyovers connecting with I-10 east
4) Profit
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on March 26, 2014, 03:00:34 PM
Money was made available for capital outlay transportation projects across the state for fiscal year 2015, Gov. Jindal announced. They are:


Rejected was a request for $5 million to overlay a dilapidated LA 16 from Port Vincent to Head of Island and $1 million to construct an interchange at I-10 and LA 74 near Dutchtown.

http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/03/toll_roadway_among_baton_rouge.html#incart_river (http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/03/toll_roadway_among_baton_rouge.html#incart_river)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Urban Prairie Schooner on March 26, 2014, 07:03:46 PM
Quote from: mcdonaat on February 27, 2014, 07:46:06 PM
Quote from: pctech on February 27, 2014, 10:40:17 AM
Baton Rouge take over of part of Government St.(LA 73) will let city advance plans to restructure it with a dedicated bike/pedestrian lane and center turn lane.

DODT is going "wild" with new reflective pavement markers on part of I-10/110 in downtown.....I wish that they would scrap of some the old ones first.
It doesn't say it in the actual news report, but LaDOTD giving EBR the downtown streets will be a part of a street swap. DOTD is taking over the Staring Lane extension, per the turnback plan. If that's not what happens, I'd be surprised! DOTD even owns the ROW south of Burbank for Staring Lane.

As far as I know, DOTD is not acquiring any new roadways as part of the swap, though ultimately they will likely assume Staring Lane into the state system, probably when the segment of Nicholson Drive from Burbank Drive to Gardere Lane is downloaded. I read somewhere in the Advocate that the state has active plans to construct the extension of Staring Lane through Gardere, though it is unknown when that will come to fruition.

The specific segments of roads to be downloaded, per information from City-Parish government, are as follows:

- Nicholson Dr (LA 30) from Burbank Dr (LA 42) to South Blvd
- St. Louis St (LA 30) from South Blvd to Government St
- St. Phillip St (LA 30) from South Blvd to Government St
- Government St (LA 73) from St. Phillip St to Jefferson Hwy
- Jefferson Hwy (LA 73) from Government St to Old Hammond Hwy (LA 426)
- Florida St (BUS US 61/190) from N. River Rd to N. 9th St (I-110 frontage road)
- N. River Rd and N. 3rd St (BUS US 61/190) from Florida St to Choctaw Dr/Chippewa St
- Chippewa St (BUS US 61/190) from Choctaw Dr to Phlox Ave

I am guessing DOTD is leaving the segment of Chippewa east of Phlox in the state system so that the KCS railroad underpass can remain on the state payroll.

This will leave dangling (and readily downloadable) ends for LA 67, LA 327, and LA 427, and dual endings for LA 30/42 and 73/426 (where each route ends at each other without either route continuing). Also, BUS 61/190 will have a chunk of its middle missing (unless or until it is rerouted - 9th/10th Streets to I-110 to LA 3164 would be the logical alternate), not that most drivers would notice in any case.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: pctech on March 27, 2014, 08:03:29 AM
After an inquiry to DODT, I have learned to that the "thump,thump,thump" section of  I-10 from the 10/12/59 exchange to West Pearl river is scheduled to be rehabilitated starting this summer. The interchange ramps are also suppose to repaired.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Anthony_JK on March 27, 2014, 12:35:38 PM
That proposal for an Interstate-grade tollway along Airline Highway came as a huge surprise to local Baton Rouge officials, especially Mayor Kip Holden and the Greater BTR MPO, who still wants to push an outer loop bypass of BTR rather than tolling and upgrading Airline Hwy. The story from the Baton Rouge Advocate:

http://theadvocate.com/home/8736319-125/br-mayor-miffed-at-not

Quote

[...]
But Mayor-President Kip Holden and representatives from his office said this week the Legislature has yet to approach them about the massive infrastructure project.

Holden said news of the legislative initiative has resulted in calls to his office from concerned constituents along Airline Highway who want to know what's going on.

"We're getting some irate people calling us for a plan that was put out by our legislative delegation without any consultation,"  Holden said. "The city, and a lot of the other parish presidents were not consulted."

Holden administration officials expressed concerns that the proposal could compete with years of planning, studies and other work already invested in the Baton Rouge Loop, a proposed 85-mile roadway circling the capitol region with an estimated price tag of $4.5 billion.

Like the recently proposed BUMP project, the Loop would operate as a toll road and be funded through a public-private partnership.

Holden noted that the Metropolitan Planning Organization, which is overseen by the Capital Region Planning Commission, was not involved in the BUMP proposal.

The MPO is the transportation policy-making organization which sets project priorities for the region and is made up of representatives from the various local governments, including Holden.

"Are they trying to usurp the powers of the MPO?"  Holden said. "This is not necessarily a legislative responsibility alone."

Holden also expressed concerns about the plan's impact.

"How are you going to turn Airline Highway into a place where you go 70 miles an hour?"  he said. "What's going to happen to the businesses along Airline Highway? What about the safety of the people crossing Airline Highway?"

The BUMP plan envisions frontage roads parallel to Airline Highway that would provide toll-fee alternatives for local residents and access to businesses.

William Daniel, chief administrative officer for Holden, said the administration's priority continues to be the Northern Bypass, which is the 25-mile northern portion of the Loop, estimated to cost about $750 million.

"We are so much further along on the Northern Bypass and that is our priority,"  Daniel said. "Having been a former legislator, I certainly understand the role that they play in trying to secure capital outlay funds and all of that, but I certainly hope they'd come talk to us about the priorities."

[...]


I actually like this idea of converting Airline Hwy to a Texas-style freeway, and think it would be a decent alternative to widening I-10 or the Northern Bypass. I'm not so sure about the tolls, though.

I still think a southern bypass using an Addis-Gardere bridge across the Mississippi or using LA 1 and the Sunshine Bridge would serve more bang for the buck, but that's only me.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on March 27, 2014, 08:38:31 PM
I love the idea of upgrading Airline Highway. You can upgrade Airline in chunks, which would be much quicker than building a complete northern bypass. If you look along Airline, all you see are long driveways which butt out onto the highway. Plenty of room for a frontage road system, and you can give interchanges instead of stop lights for some of the biggest headaches - I'm talking about you, Choctaw Drive and Old Hammond Hwy!

I think the BR mayor is ticked off that his pet project is now being pushed aside by a cheaper, smarter, quicker alternative that would upgrade a stretch of heavily-congested highway. Once traffic moves quicker on Airline, people won't want that northern loop... but the southern loop needs to be pushed!

By the way, it doesn't matter what Holden says are priorities, the fact remains that Airline is a state highway, built as a bypass, and the city has allowed zoning for businesses all up and down Airline. It's partially their fault why it's so dang congested!
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: pctech on March 28, 2014, 07:37:12 AM
I would support rebuilding Airline to freeway standards. There is enough space for a 6 lane freeway with service roads along most of the route.
It's needs to run from the Huey Long bridge to the East Baton Rouge parish line to the south. The BR bypass loop is "pipe dream" that is never going to happen.
Even this proposal is a long shot as it's going to be expensive and the word "toll"  doesn't sell well in Louisiana.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on March 28, 2014, 05:08:12 PM
Quote from: pctech on March 28, 2014, 07:37:12 AM
Even this proposal is a long shot as it's going to be expensive and the word "toll"  doesn't sell well in Louisiana.

Any project that actually helps the traffic situation in BR will be expensive. That's just reality. And whether or not people like it, the money has to come from somewhere, and it makes the most sense for it to come from the people who actually use it. That's also reality.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: pctech on March 31, 2014, 09:12:21 AM
Does anyone know what they are doing on Jefferson Highway (LA73) from Govt. St. to Bluebonnet? They appear to be cutting out cracks and other defects in the pavement surface and filling them with some type of "grouting" material.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on April 10, 2014, 10:25:18 PM
Well, a lot of people - especially businesses - are not happy with the slow progress of the US 190 widening project in Mandeville.  The project was supposed to wrap up this month after a year of construction but the contractor - Command Construction of Metairie - is having trouble with the project, according to state Rep. Tim Burns, who is threatening legal action if the company doesn't come up with a plan to finish the work faster.

QuoteBurns put those complaints in his letter, saying the crews are undermanned and the company shows little regard for their effects on the area. Burns then said if he didn't get a detailed plan to finish the work timely, and fully staffed, he would look into legal action.

The company told Eyewitness News, through a DOTD spokesperson, that they had already responded to Burns' request. As to what that response entails, we weren't told.

http://www.wwltv.com/news/northshore/Mandeville-lawmaker-threatens-legal-action-over-slow-pace-of-road-construction-254629761.html (http://www.wwltv.com/news/northshore/Mandeville-lawmaker-threatens-legal-action-over-slow-pace-of-road-construction-254629761.html)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on April 23, 2014, 06:39:12 AM
I-20 now has cable barrier in the median in Bienville Parish.  Saw this starting last week.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on May 11, 2014, 03:02:53 PM
Some notes from the NOLA area:

* DOTD asks the Regional Planning Commission to use more than $5 million in unclaimed tolls to A. paint and clean the Eastbank bound span of the CCC and B. rehab the Harvey Tunnel.
* The department department also seeks to use $10.9 million in federal money and $1.9 million in toll credits for:

     -$600,000 in toll credits for demolition of the old toll plaza, a $3.3 million project.
     -$600,000 for U.S. 90-Claiborne Avenue ramp improvements. The estimated cost is $3 million.
     -$400,000 for New Orleans Hospitality Zone Ramp meters, a $2 million project.
     -$1 million in federal funding for U.S. 90 Business pavement marking replacement. No credits are required because it is a safety project.
     -$320,000 in toll credits for the engineering phase of MacArthur Boulevard interchange project on the West Bank. That projected cost is $1.6 million.

http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/05/undedicated_crescent_city_conn.html#incart_river (http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/05/undedicated_crescent_city_conn.html#incart_river)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on May 11, 2014, 09:21:33 PM
Quote from: brownpelican on May 11, 2014, 03:02:53 PM
DOTD asks the Regional Planning Commission to use more than $5 in unclaimed tolls to A. paint and clean the Eastbank bound span of the CCC and B. rehab the Harvey Tunnel.

Good thing it's more. Even DOTD can't make $5 go that far.  :sombrero:
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: pctech on May 13, 2014, 11:31:31 AM
It's official! Baton Rouge's streets are becoming the pot holed riddle mess that they were before the street rehabilitation program of 1990's was begun. They are resorting to dribbling a mixture of loose asphalt and rocks into them, which flies out as soon as the first vehicle crosses......:-(
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on May 14, 2014, 11:36:22 PM
Quote from: pctech on May 13, 2014, 11:31:31 AM
It's official! Baton Rouge's streets are becoming the pot holed riddle mess that they were before the street rehabilitation program of 1990's was begun. They are resorting to dribbling a mixture of loose asphalt and rocks into them, which flies out as soon as the first vehicle crosses......:-(
I wonder if, once all of the projects are done for the Green Light program, the city would ask for a tax renewal, and use it to fix the streets. Some things should be done with state money, like the extension of Staring Lane to Nicholson, and rerouting LA 327 Spur from Gardere onto Staring, but most everything else can be parish funded.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: pctech on May 15, 2014, 11:56:07 AM
I think that some of the Green Light money has been used on state highways (new traffic signals on LA 73/Jefferson Hwy. come to mind) because DODT simply didn't have the funds. We'd be waiting centuries for them otherwise.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on May 15, 2014, 04:37:50 PM
Quote from: pctech on May 15, 2014, 11:56:07 AM
I think that some of the Green Light money has been used on state highways (new traffic signals on LA 73/Jefferson Hwy. come to mind) because DODT simply didn't have the funds. We'd be waiting centuries for them otherwise.
Weren't those lights put up for a sidewalk project or something? I know that, downtown, new signals were put up, but it was a city project that the state didn't want to deal with.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: txstateends on May 15, 2014, 05:23:05 PM
Quote from: pctech on May 13, 2014, 11:31:31 AM
It's official! Baton Rouge's streets are becoming the pot holed riddle mess that they were before the street rehabilitation program of 1990's was begun. They are resorting to dribbling a mixture of loose asphalt and rocks into them, which flies out as soon as the first vehicle crosses......:-(

Dribbling??  Wow, I thought Dallas' pothole problem was bad....
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: lamsalfl on May 17, 2014, 03:02:23 AM
I've never really looked at I-310 traffic counts until just now.  62,295 for the busiest segment (I-10 to US 61)!  The lowest traffic count is 39,528 between Exits 7 and 10.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: apjung on May 17, 2014, 07:26:35 AM
Quote from: lamsalfl on May 17, 2014, 03:02:23 AM
I've never really looked at I-310 traffic counts until just now.  62,295 for the busiest segment (I-10 to US 61)!  The lowest traffic count is 39,528 between Exits 7 and 10.

Now I see the reasoning why the viaduct section isn't 70 MPH.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on May 17, 2014, 03:28:56 PM
Quote from: apjung on May 17, 2014, 07:26:35 AM
Quote from: lamsalfl on May 17, 2014, 03:02:23 AM
I've never really looked at I-310 traffic counts until just now.  62,295 for the busiest segment (I-10 to US 61)!  The lowest traffic count is 39,528 between Exits 7 and 10.

Now I see the reasoning why the viaduct section isn't 70 MPH.
I, too, never realized how high the traffic count was. I wonder if it will grow when I-310 is (hopefully) extended to meet I-49... and possibly widened to an extra lane in each direction.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: apjung on May 20, 2014, 01:55:50 PM
Pontchartrain Expressway lakebound at I-10 will return to 3 lanes with ramp meters installed
http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/05/three_lanes_to_return_to_pontc.html
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: codyg1985 on May 20, 2014, 02:16:02 PM
Quote from: apjung on May 20, 2014, 01:55:50 PM
Pontchartrain Expressway lakebound at I-10 will return to 3 lanes with ramp meters installed
http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/05/three_lanes_to_return_to_pontc.html

I'm assuming the Claiborne on-ramps will get ramp meters?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Stephane Dumas on May 20, 2014, 06:47:29 PM
Some road signs in Louisiana will be billingual French-English.
http://news.msn.com/us/louisiana-lawmakers-want-drivers-to-arret
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on May 20, 2014, 08:58:54 PM
Speed cameras are officially banned in the Pelican State thanks to Gov. Jindal's signature, effective Jan. 1, 2015.

http://theadvocate.com/home/9229166-125/speed-cameras-to-be-banned (http://theadvocate.com/home/9229166-125/speed-cameras-to-be-banned)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on May 20, 2014, 09:00:43 PM
Quote from: Stephane Dumas on May 20, 2014, 06:47:29 PM
Some road signs in Louisiana will be billingual French-English.
http://news.msn.com/us/louisiana-lawmakers-want-drivers-to-arret

I can see the signs popping up all over Acadiana.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on May 21, 2014, 09:54:39 AM
Quote from: brownpelican on May 20, 2014, 09:00:43 PM
Quote from: Stephane Dumas on May 20, 2014, 06:47:29 PM
Some road signs in Louisiana will be billingual French-English.
http://news.msn.com/us/louisiana-lawmakers-want-drivers-to-arret

I can see the signs popping up all over Acadiana.

Lafayette has had bilingual street signs before. This particular picture is 10 years old.

(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5475/14237230024_26ea67577f.jpg)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Anthony_JK on May 21, 2014, 12:08:43 PM
Downtown Lafayette still has them today.

https://www.google.com/maps/@30.227311,-92.015885,3a,75y,90h,90t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sai1QBF6c3Ivj2Zh2hqOh0w!2e0

This is the intersection of Jefferson and Cypress Streets.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on May 21, 2014, 11:20:39 PM
Lawmakers today passed a bill that officially named the I-10 Twin Span after the late WWL-TV reporter and chef Frank Davis, dubbed the Frank Davis Memorial Bridge.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on May 22, 2014, 12:00:49 AM
Quote from: brownpelican on May 21, 2014, 11:20:39 PM
Lawmakers today passed a bill that officially named the I-10 Twin Span after the late WWL-TV reporter and chef Frank Davis, dubbed the Frank Davis Memorial Bridge.
Unanimous approval, 90-0.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Alex on May 23, 2014, 08:53:30 AM
When did Baton Rouge get ramp meters?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: codyg1985 on May 23, 2014, 01:30:16 PM
Quote from: Alex on May 23, 2014, 08:53:30 AM
When did Baton Rouge get ramp meters?

I want to say it has been within the past couple of years. When I was living close to New Orleans, I didn't remember any when I went to Baton Rouge, but when I last drove through there in March 2013, I saw them along I-12.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on May 23, 2014, 01:50:45 PM
Quote from: codyg1985 on May 23, 2014, 01:30:16 PM
Quote from: Alex on May 23, 2014, 08:53:30 AM
When did Baton Rouge get ramp meters?

I want to say it has been within the past couple of years. When I was living close to New Orleans, I didn't remember any when I went to Baton Rouge, but when I last drove through there in March 2013, I saw them along I-12.

I think it's at least a decade. It's been quite a while.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on May 26, 2014, 09:51:41 PM
It's only been two, two and a half years for I-12's ramp meters. Started out in Baton Rouge and went eastward. I don't know if they're planned for the Walker exit when that section is widened.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on May 27, 2014, 12:34:39 AM
Posted in two other threads, but some of y'all probably don't look at those. So here we go... We have Alternate LA 2, and Alternate Myth and Legends Trail. Not only do we have an alternate route of a historic trail, but we have a Louisiana highway that doesn't get a speed limit sign until the junction with LA 111 (LA 8 is the highway I'm referring to), which means if you use the last known speed limit sign, you're legally allowed to go 60 MPH on a two lane road. Quite contrary to Texas, who was 65 MPH on a two lane road, the shoulder was dropped, and the speed went up to 75 MPH... with a giant rumble strip down the middle.

Alternate Myth and Legends Trail - http://goo.gl/maps/eWLV1
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on May 27, 2014, 03:04:52 PM
I couldn't even tell you where the Myth & Legends Trail is, much less the alternate.

I also noticed that there was a Dairy Queen Road with no Dairy Queen on it.

Damn, now I want a Blizzard.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on May 27, 2014, 05:38:31 PM
Quote from: jbnv on May 27, 2014, 03:04:52 PM
I couldn't even tell you where the Myth & Legends Trail is, much less the alternate.

I also noticed that there was a Dairy Queen Road with no Dairy Queen on it.

Damn, now I want a Blizzard.
I figured that an alternate highway makes sense! Not an alternate trail. There's actually a DQ in Deridder, a half hour from this sign...they serve breakfast.

Nexus 7

Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on May 28, 2014, 09:49:28 AM
Quote from: mcdonaat on May 27, 2014, 05:38:31 PM
There's actually a DQ in Deridder, a half hour from this sign...they serve breakfast.

I'm in Hammond now. Nearest one that I know of is in Baton Rouge. Ironically, they just opened a new one in Lafayette after being absent from Lafayette for several years. But I have moved away from Lafayette and probably won't ever move back.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on May 28, 2014, 09:02:05 PM
I have a question for y'all in the toe of the boot:  I'm going to Slidell Saturday.  I have made this trip a thousand times, & I-55 & I-12 have just made me bored to tears.  I'd like to come in on MS 27 where it turns into LA 25 & take it to Covington, then take US 190 in.  On the way back, I wanna take US 51 all the way to Crystal Springs, MS & take MS 27 to Vicksburg.  Any facts or opinions I need to know about these routes before I take my trip Saturday? 
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Alps on May 28, 2014, 10:58:13 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on May 28, 2014, 09:02:05 PM
I have a question for y'all in the toe of the boot:  I'm going to Slidell Saturday.  I have made this trip a thousand times, & I-55 & I-12 have just made me bored to tears.  I'd like to come in on MS 27 where it turns into LA 25 & take it to Covington, then take US 190 in.  On the way back, I wanna take US 51 all the way to Crystal Springs, MS & take MS 27 to Vicksburg.  Any facts or opinions I need to know about these routes before I take my trip Saturday? 
You may want to take this question to the "Road Trips" section of our forum!
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on May 30, 2014, 10:00:32 AM
Quote from: cjk374 on May 28, 2014, 09:02:05 PM
I have a question for y'all in the toe of the boot:  I'm going to Slidell Saturday.  I have made this trip a thousand times, & I-55 & I-12 have just made me bored to tears.  I'd like to come in on MS 27 where it turns into LA 25 & take it to Covington, then take US 190 in.  On the way back, I wanna take US 51 all the way to Crystal Springs, MS & take MS 27 to Vicksburg.  Any facts or opinions I need to know about these routes before I take my trip Saturday?

Look for the abandoned snowball stand on US 51 between Tickfaw and Independence. You can't miss it; it's quite colorful.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: apjung on June 10, 2014, 12:32:29 AM
Quote from: mcdonaat on May 22, 2014, 12:00:49 AM
Quote from: brownpelican on May 21, 2014, 11:20:39 PM
Lawmakers today passed a bill that officially named the I-10 Twin Span after the late WWL-TV reporter and chef Frank Davis, dubbed the Frank Davis Memorial Bridge.
Unanimous approval, 90-0.

And signed into law by Gov. Jindal to take effect on August 1.
http://www.wwltv.com/news/Jindal-signs-bill-re-naming-Twin-Spans-after-Frank-Davis-262464841.html

In other I-10 in Louisiana news, it's officially a minimum of 4 lanes on I-10 Eastbound from Exit 225: Veterans Blvd to Exit 230: I-610 split as DoTD has finally restriped the I-10 Eastbound at Clearview Pkwy entrance ramp and shifting the right lane to a merging lane. Now I'm still waiting for I-10 Westbound at Causeway Blvd entrance ramp to get the same treatment.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on June 17, 2014, 11:41:03 PM
Quote from: jbnv on May 28, 2014, 09:49:28 AM
Quote from: mcdonaat on May 27, 2014, 05:38:31 PM
There's actually a DQ in Deridder, a half hour from this sign...they serve breakfast.

I'm in Hammond now. Nearest one that I know of is in Baton Rouge. Ironically, they just opened a new one in Lafayette after being absent from Lafayette for several years. But I have moved away from Lafayette and probably won't ever move back.

Also one in Metairie on Airline near Clearview.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on June 17, 2014, 11:44:23 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on May 28, 2014, 09:02:05 PM
I have a question for y'all in the toe of the boot:  I'm going to Slidell Saturday.  I have made this trip a thousand times, & I-55 & I-12 have just made me bored to tears.  I'd like to come in on MS 27 where it turns into LA 25 & take it to Covington, then take US 190 in.  On the way back, I wanna take US 51 all the way to Crystal Springs, MS & take MS 27 to Vicksburg.  Any facts or opinions I need to know about these routes before I take my trip Saturday?

Not much to see on Miss. 27 nor La. 25. Traffic picks up when you get to Covington.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on June 17, 2014, 11:46:54 PM
Quote from: brownpelican on June 17, 2014, 11:41:03 PM
Quote from: jbnv on May 28, 2014, 09:49:28 AM
Quote from: mcdonaat on May 27, 2014, 05:38:31 PM
There's actually a DQ in Deridder, a half hour from this sign...they serve breakfast.

I'm in Hammond now. Nearest one that I know of is in Baton Rouge. Ironically, they just opened a new one in Lafayette after being absent from Lafayette for several years. But I have moved away from Lafayette and probably won't ever move back.

Also one in Metairie on Airline near Clearview.
I know that Marksville is about to get a DQ. So far, I know that there are DQs in Pineville, Alexandria, Ball, Natchitoches, Lafayette, Baton Rouge, Central, and Metairie. Any others that I missed?

Dairy Queens actually determine where I make my travels. That, and Hardees. Louisiana seems spotty when it comes to some chains - Lafayette area has Hardees, Shreveport has Carl's Jr. Baton Rouge has Dunkin, but Alexandria/Pineville, 70K people, relies on two Starbucks, one in the Kroger and the other in Albertsons.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on June 18, 2014, 12:07:17 AM
Four projects worth $10 million coming up for the Pontchartrain and Westbank Expressways, DOTD announced.

* US 90 on-ramp at Claiborne Ave: a new elevated one will replace the current one headed toward Metairie and the road will be restriped to three lanes (not including the on-ramp). Construction should start in early 2015 and last a year.

* Restriping from the I-10 split on the Eastbank to Ames Blvd. on the Westbank.

* The CCC toll plaza will be demolished and 12 lanes will be reduced to four thru lanes. This won't happen until 2015-16.

* Seven ramp meters will be installed downtown and will operate during the morning and evening commutes. "They will be installed for drivers heading lakebound who enter on ramps at Annunciation Street, at Baronne Street, at Loyola Avenue and at Claiborne Avenue. They would be installed for drivers headed to the river who enter at Earhart Expressway, at Barrone Street and at Magazine Street." That should begin this fall.

Full details:
http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2014/06/traffic_engineers_ease_fears_a.html#incart_river (http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2014/06/traffic_engineers_ease_fears_a.html#incart_river)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on June 18, 2014, 12:15:40 AM
Correction - that DQ in Metairie is on Airline east of David Drive/Hickory Drive. There's a second one I wasn't aware of on Barataria Blvd. north of Lapalco Blvd.

Gulfport also has one on Pass Road and US 49.

Pascagoula and Long Beach are on US 90 and D'Iberville's is on Auto Mall Parkway.

Hattiesburg, Laurel, Brookhaven MS, Magee MS. and Jackson have them too.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: bassoon1986 on June 18, 2014, 12:25:48 AM
Quote from: mcdonaat on June 17, 2014, 11:46:54 PM
Quote from: brownpelican on June 17, 2014, 11:41:03 PM
Quote from: jbnv on May 28, 2014, 09:49:28 AM
Quote from: mcdonaat on May 27, 2014, 05:38:31 PM
There's actually a DQ in Deridder, a half hour from this sign...they serve breakfast.

I'm in Hammond now. Nearest one that I know of is in Baton Rouge. Ironically, they just opened a new one in Lafayette after being absent from Lafayette for several years. But I have moved away from Lafayette and probably won't ever move back.

Also one in Metairie on Airline near Clearview.
I know that Marksville is about to get a DQ. So far, I know that there are DQs in Pineville, Alexandria, Ball, Natchitoches, Lafayette, Baton Rouge, Central, and Metairie. Any others that I missed?

Dairy Queens actually determine where I make my travels. That, and Hardees. Louisiana seems spotty when it comes to some chains - Lafayette area has Hardees, Shreveport has Carl's Jr. Baton Rouge has Dunkin, but Alexandria/Pineville, 70K people, relies on two Starbucks, one in the Kroger and the other in Albertsons.

Shreveport and Bossier City have quite a few Dairy Queens. I think 4 between the two cities. Also one in Vivian, Benton, and Minden. Bossier city now has a Dunkin Donuts as well.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: pctech on June 18, 2014, 09:56:20 AM
Does anyone know what kind material is being used to patch the numerous cracks and chip outs on Jefferson Highway (LA 73)  in Baton Rouge? It appears to be some kind of epoxy like mix.
It's temperature sensitive as they were throwing bags of ice on one of the fresh patches last weekend as I drove by. It also has kind of epoxy like smell to it.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Anthony_JK on June 18, 2014, 11:47:25 AM
DQ's been in Opelousas for a good long while...still is today (on Landry Street past the St. Landry Parish Courthouse).
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on June 18, 2014, 02:39:34 PM
Quote from: mcdonaat on June 17, 2014, 11:46:54 PM
Louisiana seems spotty when it comes to some chains - Lafayette area has Hardees, Shreveport has Carl's Jr. Baton Rouge has Dunkin, but Alexandria/Pineville, 70K people, relies on two Starbucks, one in the Kroger and the other in Albertsons.

You may find this interesting: my compilation of chain restaurants that failed in Lafayette (http://bienv.com/prose:0).
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cenlaroads on June 19, 2014, 09:28:32 AM
Quote from: mcdonaat on June 17, 2014, 11:46:54 PM
I know that Marksville is about to get a DQ. So far, I know that there are DQs in Pineville, Alexandria, Ball, Natchitoches, Lafayette, Baton Rouge, Central, and Metairie. Any others that I missed?

DeQuincy, DeRidder, Coushatta, Eunice, and Minden all have Dairy Queens that I have seen.  I'm sure there is a more complete list at their website.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on June 20, 2014, 01:29:48 PM
Work begins later this month on the four-lane widening of La. 21 from Bootlegger Road to 11th Street in Covington. The $16.8 million project includes two new bridges across the Tchefuncte River. Work should take about two years.

http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2014/06/widening_of_south_tyler_in_cov.html#incart_river (http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2014/06/widening_of_south_tyler_in_cov.html#incart_river)



Also, a proposal by DOTD would make US 190 between I-12 and the Claiborne Hill overpass (where it goes over La. 21 and the Bogue Falaya River) a "super street". From The Times-Picayune:
QuoteThe state is floating a plan that would in essence block traffic crossing U.S. 190 from the side streets and eliminate all left turns from those streets. Instead, those vehicles feeding onto the thoroughfare would be prompted to make right turns and merge into U-turn or J-turn lanes in order to head back in the other direction.

Each of the turn lanes would be signalized to more easily allow vehicles to re-enter the U.S. 190 flow. While not exactly the notoriously turn-restrictive Tulane Avenue in New Orleans, the new traffic plan would virtually eliminate full access intersections and would mean that vehicles emerging from the side streets would only be able to turn right at U.S. 190.

DOTD says the proposals could cut travel time in half.

]http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2014/06/us_190_near_covington_would_be.html] (http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2014/06/us_190_near_covington_would_be.html)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on June 20, 2014, 01:37:49 PM
Quote from: brownpelican on June 20, 2014, 01:29:48 PM
Also, a proposal by DOTD would make US 190 between I-12 and the Claiborne Hill overpass (where it goes over La. 21 and the Bogue Falaya River) a "super street". From The Times-Picayune:
QuoteThe state is floating a plan that would in essence block traffic crossing U.S. 190 from the side streets and eliminate all left turns from those streets. Instead, those vehicles feeding onto the thoroughfare would be prompted to make right turns and merge into U-turn or J-turn lanes in order to head back in the other direction.

Each of the turn lanes would be signalized to more easily allow vehicles to re-enter the U.S. 190 flow. While not exactly the notoriously turn-restrictive Tulane Avenue in New Orleans, the new traffic plan would virtually eliminate full access intersections and would mean that vehicles emerging from the side streets would only be able to turn right at U.S. 190.

DOTD says the proposals could cut travel time in half.

]http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2014/06/us_190_near_covington_would_be.html] (http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2014/06/us_190_near_covington_would_be.html)

Yes. It really needs to be a freeway. I-112, anyone?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Avalanchez71 on June 20, 2014, 01:41:47 PM
Quote from: jbnv on June 18, 2014, 02:39:34 PM
Quote from: mcdonaat on June 17, 2014, 11:46:54 PM
Louisiana seems spotty when it comes to some chains - Lafayette area has Hardees, Shreveport has Carl's Jr. Baton Rouge has Dunkin, but Alexandria/Pineville, 70K people, relies on two Starbucks, one in the Kroger and the other in Albertsons.

You may find this interesting: my compilation of chain restaurants that failed in Lafayette (http://bienv.com/prose:0).

That list is similar to Franklin, TN as well.

A&W Restaurant
Back Yard Burgers
Bennigan's
Godfather's Pizza
Lone Star Steakhouse
Long John Silver's
Maggie Moo's
Orange Julius
Pizza Inn
Ryan's
Otter's Fried Chicken

Not sure if these were there but maybe.
Steak & Ale
Western Sizzlin'

Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on June 20, 2014, 03:58:22 PM
Quote from: Avalanchez71 on June 20, 2014, 01:41:47 PM
-Otter's Fried Chicken

Otter's was developed by some Louisiana guys who for some reason started their chain in Tennessee. They opened a location right across from a Raising Cane's (great idea!) and in the booming metropolis of Breaux Bridge. Not a big surprise that they are no longer in business. The old location is now a Whataburger.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on June 21, 2014, 10:50:39 PM
Quote from: jbnv on June 20, 2014, 03:58:22 PM
The old location is now a Whataburger.
A perfect ending! Whataburger is amazing. We (Pineville) might be getting one, hopefully a franchise, and hopefully by the Antoon family. They own Outlaw's (a BBQ chain), Popeyes, and Taco Bueno (the only one in Louisiana). All the restaurants are clean, food is always delicious, and worth the trip across the river just for some Taco Bueno.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on June 22, 2014, 06:49:56 PM
Quote from: mcdonaat on June 21, 2014, 10:50:39 PM
Quote from: jbnv on June 20, 2014, 03:58:22 PM
The old location is now a Whataburger.
A perfect ending! Whataburger is amazing. We (Pineville) might be getting one, hopefully a franchise, and hopefully by the Antoon family. They own Outlaw's (a BBQ chain), Popeyes, and Taco Bueno (the only one in Louisiana). All the restaurants are clean, food is always delicious, and worth the trip across the river just for some Taco Bueno.

I respect your enthusiasm. Raising Cane's fingers and their sauce just isn't the same as Whataburger fingers with white gravy. Unfortunately, the Whataburger's eastward progress appears to have stopped at Baton Rouge(*). I'd like to have one in Hammond. (* They do have some in Florida.)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on June 22, 2014, 08:11:47 PM
Quote from: jbnv on June 22, 2014, 06:49:56 PM
I respect your enthusiasm. Raising Cane's fingers and their sauce just isn't the same as Whataburger fingers with white gravy. Unfortunately, the Whataburger's eastward progress appears to have stopped at Baton Rouge(*). I'd like to have one in Hammond. (* They do have some in Florida.)

They have in Mississippi as well. I do have to admit that more and more chains have been flowing into NOLA at an alarming rate lately.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on June 22, 2014, 08:22:02 PM
I'm curious to see how beneficial the N.O. ramp meters will be. When traffic headed to I-10 west was three lanes there were constant accidents along that section because of the way the ramps are set up and people complained for years. Once they striped it down to two lanes accidents decreased by nearly 90%. Now the people from the Westbank and the Stop the Tolls crowd are complaining that the two lanes add an extra 5 to 10 minutes to their commutes so we're about to bring it back to three. Smdh
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Anthony_JK on June 22, 2014, 09:50:08 PM
Quote from: jbnv on June 20, 2014, 01:37:49 PM
Quote from: brownpelican on June 20, 2014, 01:29:48 PM
Also, a proposal by DOTD would make US 190 between I-12 and the Claiborne Hill overpass (where it goes over La. 21 and the Bogue Falaya River) a "super street". From The Times-Picayune:
QuoteThe state is floating a plan that would in essence block traffic crossing U.S. 190 from the side streets and eliminate all left turns from those streets. Instead, those vehicles feeding onto the thoroughfare would be prompted to make right turns and merge into U-turn or J-turn lanes in order to head back in the other direction.

Each of the turn lanes would be signalized to more easily allow vehicles to re-enter the U.S. 190 flow. While not exactly the notoriously turn-restrictive Tulane Avenue in New Orleans, the new traffic plan would virtually eliminate full access intersections and would mean that vehicles emerging from the side streets would only be able to turn right at U.S. 190.

DOTD says the proposals could cut travel time in half.

]http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2014/06/us_190_near_covington_would_be.html] (http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2014/06/us_190_near_covington_would_be.html)

Yes. It really needs to be a freeway. I-112, anyone?

US 190 from I-12 south to the Ponchatrain Causeway approach is already a freeway, right? A "superstreet" north of there is more than sufficient. Plus, that's the new trend with urban arterials in Louisiana; US 90 just south of Lafayette has essentially the same setup (with the "J-turns") as a temporary fix until I-49 South is built.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on June 22, 2014, 11:35:42 PM
^^^There are two traffic lights below La. 22: Florida Street and Brookside Drive.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on June 23, 2014, 08:08:56 PM
Causeway officials came out and flat out said that higher tolls are needed to make major improvements, including raising the guardrails on the southbound span. From WWL-TV:

QuoteAbout 40,000 vehicles cross the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway every weekday and a new state audit indicates last year, bridge tolls brought in more than $16 million.

However, Causeway General Manager Carlton Dufrechou says about $60 million is needed to improve the guardrails...and add safety shoulders to each span.



http://www.wwltv.com/news/northshore/Causeway-Audit-Shows-Little-Money-In-Budget-For-Safety-Improvements-264311791.html (http://www.wwltv.com/news/northshore/Causeway-Audit-Shows-Little-Money-In-Budget-For-Safety-Improvements-264311791.html)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: pctech on June 24, 2014, 03:14:01 PM
I wonder if the DODT has ever considered rebuilding Causeway Blvd. south as controlled access standards all the way to Jefferson Highway (US. 90)? There appears to already be enough right of way and service roads exist as well.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: codyg1985 on June 25, 2014, 07:21:07 AM
Quote from: pctech on June 24, 2014, 03:14:01 PM
I wonder if the DODT has ever considered rebuilding Causeway Blvd. south as controlled access standards all the way to Jefferson Highway (US. 90)? There appears to already be enough right of way and service roads exist as well.

It would be nice if that could happen, and then link it with the Huey P Long Bridge somehow, but that latter thing would be harder to do.

I think DOTD wants to turn Clearview Pkwy into a superstreet between I-10 and Earhart Expressway, but I think an option at the time considered making it a freeway.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on June 25, 2014, 11:44:08 AM
Quote from: codyg1985 on June 25, 2014, 07:21:07 AM
Quote from: pctech on June 24, 2014, 03:14:01 PM
I wonder if the DODT has ever considered rebuilding Causeway Blvd. south as controlled access standards all the way to Jefferson Highway (US. 90)? There appears to already be enough right of way and service roads exist as well.

It would be nice if that could happen, and then link it with the Huey P Long Bridge somehow, but that latter thing would be harder to do.

I think DOTD wants to turn Clearview Pkwy into a superstreet between I-10 and Earhart Expressway, but I think an option at the time considered making it a freeway.

Ditto both of these.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: pctech on July 07, 2014, 04:18:55 PM
I took a ride to Plaquemine La. today, first time that I've been that way in a while. La 1 is becoming a very poor condition highway. Especial just south of town. Plaquemine itself looks like a ghost town, lots of shut down and abandoned businesses.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on July 07, 2014, 06:31:14 PM
Quote from: pctech on July 07, 2014, 04:18:55 PM
I took a ride to Plaquemine La. today, first time that I've been that way in a while. La 1 is becoming a very poor condition highway. Especial just south of town. Plaquemine itself looks like a ghost town, lots of shut down and abandoned businesses.
The business part of Plaquemine has moved west towards Morgan City. Turn at the Jack in the Box and take that highway out of town, and you'll see what I mean.

Maybe the state is saving the money to just resurface the highway and redesign it with passing lanes, or a four-lane highway all the way through White Castle and Donaldsonville?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Urban Prairie Schooner on July 07, 2014, 09:09:16 PM
Quote from: pctech on July 07, 2014, 04:18:55 PM
I took a ride to Plaquemine La. today, first time that I've been that way in a while. La 1 is becoming a very poor condition highway. Especial just south of town. Plaquemine itself looks like a ghost town, lots of shut down and abandoned businesses.

Another road that stinks is US 190 in the Lobdell/Port Allen area, from just west of LA 415 to the Mississippi River bridge.

Plaquemine's business district has for the most part migrated to the west of town along LA 75.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on July 07, 2014, 10:41:51 PM
Quote from: Urban Prairie Schooner on July 07, 2014, 09:09:16 PM
Plaquemine's business district has for the most part migrated to the west of town along LA 75.

What's the benefit of them locating there versus along LA 1?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: rlb2024 on July 07, 2014, 10:58:30 PM
Quote from: pctech on June 24, 2014, 03:14:01 PM
I wonder if the DODT has ever considered rebuilding Causeway Blvd. south as controlled access standards all the way to Jefferson Highway (US. 90)? There appears to already be enough right of way and service roads exist as well.
Several years ago DOTD, Jefferson Parish, and/or the Causeway Commission floated the idea of making Causeway Boulevard an elevated controlled-access roadway from the south end of the bridge to I-10.  Local businesses along Causeway Boulevard threw a major hissy-fit, saying it would deprive them of the majority of their customers.  Bowing to the political pressure, the idea was dropped.

As a result, it takes me almost as long to get from I-10 to the south end of the bridge (about 2 miles) as it does to cross the bridge itself (24 miles) during afternoon rush-hour traffic.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on July 07, 2014, 11:26:30 PM
Quote from: jbnv on July 07, 2014, 10:41:51 PM
Quote from: Urban Prairie Schooner on July 07, 2014, 09:09:16 PM
Plaquemine's business district has for the most part migrated to the west of town along LA 75.

What's the benefit of them locating there versus along LA 1?
I'm guessing it's because LA 75 goes by the school, and it's a route to and from Morgan City/US 90. North along LA 1, you have Brusly, which has way more stuff than Plaquemine.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: pctech on July 08, 2014, 10:15:05 AM
US 190 between Miss. river and LA 415 is being resurfaced. I went thru there as well. It's nearly totally deserted thru there now, mostly closed and abandoned businesses. Near Brusly/Port Allen there is a fair amount of development. I wonder if they are going to ever replace the LA 1 bridge over the intra-costal canal? Are just wait for the decking to crash eventually?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on July 14, 2014, 05:08:09 PM
Here's a story about Causeway officials and the Texas A&M Transportation Institute testing out guardrail designs on the turnaround on the southbound Causeway.

http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2014/07/causeway_rail_designs_hold_up.html#incart_river (http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2014/07/causeway_rail_designs_hold_up.html#incart_river)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on July 20, 2014, 10:17:51 AM
I saw something interesting on my way back from Slidell yesterday....on I-20, the Mound exit (182) and the Richmond exit (173) had their LA 602 shields patched over with new shields.  Apparently, LA 602 has been split in half now.  LA 602-1 is at Richmond, and LA 602-2 is in Mound.  When did this change take place?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: pctech on July 21, 2014, 08:02:59 AM
It doesn't look like that Jindal's cost cutting study which recommended that overlays be reduced to one inch is going to be implemented. It's not gaining any traction with the legislature. The current standard doesn't hold up well most of the time, one can only imagine how one inch overlays would work.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: bassoon1986 on July 21, 2014, 12:20:41 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on July 20, 2014, 10:17:51 AM
I saw something interesting on my way back from Slidell yesterday....on I-20, the Mound exit (182) and the Richmond exit (173) had their LA 602 shields patched over with new shields.  Apparently, LA 602 has been split in half now.  LA 602-1 is at Richmond, and LA 602-2 is in Mound.  When did this change take place?

I looked at GSM for clues, but LA 602 was last videoed in 2008 so no luck there. I thought by looking at the map that there might be a bridge crossing of a bayou and perhaps the bridge was closed and formed 2 segments of highway, but streetview doesn't show a bridge, more of a low road and ditch. I wonder if maybe the section of LA 602 south of I-20 that parallels the interstate was decomissioned and only the spurs north from I-20 remain to serve Richmond and Mound?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Urban Prairie Schooner on July 21, 2014, 07:02:47 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on July 20, 2014, 10:17:51 AM
I saw something interesting on my way back from Slidell yesterday....on I-20, the Mound exit (182) and the Richmond exit (173) had their LA 602 shields patched over with new shields.  Apparently, LA 602 has been split in half now.  LA 602-1 is at Richmond, and LA 602-2 is in Mound.  When did this change take place?

Based on the proposed turnback maps, the section of LA 602 south of I-20 was already gone by January 2012.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on July 27, 2014, 06:11:59 PM
Quote from: Urban Prairie Schooner on July 21, 2014, 07:02:47 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on July 20, 2014, 10:17:51 AM
I saw something interesting on my way back from Slidell yesterday....on I-20, the Mound exit (182) and the Richmond exit (173) had their LA 602 shields patched over with new shields.  Apparently, LA 602 has been split in half now.  LA 602-1 is at Richmond, and LA 602-2 is in Mound.  When did this change take place?

Based on the proposed turnback maps, the section of LA 602 south of I-20 was already gone by January 2012.
Why on earth would you only turn back sections instead of a complete decommissioning? Why not "PR 602" and not worry about a hyphenated route?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on July 28, 2014, 11:10:15 AM
Quote from: mcdonaat on July 27, 2014, 06:11:59 PM
Why on earth would you only turn back sections instead of a complete decommissioning?

LaDOTD isn't exactly known for logical, understandable highway planning.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on August 03, 2014, 10:21:45 PM
The Florida Avenue bridge over the Industrial Canal is shut down until further notice due to electrical issues.

http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2014/08/florida_avenue_bridge_closed_s.html#incart_river (http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2014/08/florida_avenue_bridge_closed_s.html#incart_river)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on August 03, 2014, 10:35:28 PM
A reader of the The Advocate in Baton Rouge gave his proposal for fixing the I-10/I-110 interchange.

Ask The Advocate: A modest proposal for I-10 snarls  (http://theadvocate.com/news/9740289-123/ask-the-advocate-a-modest)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on August 04, 2014, 12:50:53 AM
Quote from: brownpelican on August 03, 2014, 10:35:28 PM
A reader of the The Advocate in Baton Rouge gave his proposal for fixing the I-10/I-110 interchange.

Ask The Advocate: A modest proposal for I-10 snarls  (http://theadvocate.com/news/9740289-123/ask-the-advocate-a-modest)
Did I honestly just see someone pull the race card? Take Washington Street and shift it back to 110 instead of after the split. Highland already goes to Washington Street.

With Washington moved, ease the curve for 10E and have a truck limit of 50 instead of 35 MPH. Slowing traffic down from 60 to 35 is a big problem. Also, Washington Street isn't the only "black neighborhood exit", and there are many alternatives. Close Washington and you still have Government, Highland, Laurel, Dalrymple, and Perkins.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: pctech on August 04, 2014, 02:51:45 PM
This issue about Washington St. exit being closed has had politicians and DODT quaking in their boots for years. You can be labeled as being racist for suggesting it. It's a very dangerous interchange. I've seen drivers headed south on I-110 come to a near stop in the traffic lane to wait for an opening to merge over to the exit or I've seen them "swoop" over 3 lanes of traffic for the same reason. The entire 10/110 exchange needs to be rebuilt as modern stack design. The Washington St. exit could still be part of 110 south but would  not be accessed from 10 east. Maybe something along the lines of the "High 5" in Dallas.
Of course your going to need big$$$$$ to do it.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on August 07, 2014, 01:42:41 AM
The Causeway Commission held a public forum Wednesday night about proposed changes to make the southbound Causeway Bridge safer...to mixed reviews from the public.

Citizens give Causeway officials mixed reviews on bridge safety, proposed railing improvements (http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2014/08/causeway_officials_tell_citize.html#incart_river)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: pctech on August 29, 2014, 09:24:58 AM
I drove across the Veterans Memorial bridge (Gramercy-Wallace) for the  first time this past weekend. As bridges go it's not all that notable. (does have a pretty steep grade on the approaches.) Wasn't this planned as a part of 4 lane highway or expressway to the Houma-Thibodaux area from I-10?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on August 31, 2014, 06:31:38 PM
I'm pretty sure it WASN'T in the plans to build an expressway or four lane highway to Houma-Thibidaux. I'm know it was built to replace the ferry in the area (as was the Audubon and Boggs bridges).
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on September 02, 2014, 04:18:36 PM
Quote from: brownpelican on August 31, 2014, 06:31:38 PM
I'm pretty sure it WASN'T in the plans to build an expressway or four lane highway to Houma-Thibidaux. I'm know it was built to replace the ferry in the area (as was the Audubon and Boggs bridges).
This, and I think that upgrading the highway to four lanes if planned in the future could be done a little easier if the bridge is 4 lanes. Drive across the Audubon Bridge, and you'll see that LA 10 gets hardly any traffic, but the ROW is cleared for a four-lane highway.

I prefer the Sunshine Bridge, honestly.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: pctech on September 03, 2014, 02:04:45 PM
If it was to simply replace the Gramercy ferry it was a big waste of money as there wasn't much traffic on it. It is a 4 lane bridge and I seem to  remember a DODT map with a projected freeway from there to the Thibodaux/Houma  area. The Sunshine bridge is part of a proposed toll road/freeway to the Morgan City area that was never constructed
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Urban Prairie Schooner on September 03, 2014, 07:20:12 PM
Quote from: pctech on September 03, 2014, 02:04:45 PM
If it was to simply replace the Gramercy ferry it was a big waste of money as there wasn't much traffic on it. It is a 4 lane bridge and I seem to  remember a DODT map with a projected freeway from there to the Thibodaux/Houma  area. The Sunshine bridge is part of a proposed toll road/freeway to the Morgan City area that was never constructed

When it was originally constructed, the Sunshine Bridge only connected river bank to river bank and no other roads, so it was in an similar situation. Of course the approaches have been improved so it is much more useful now. The Gramercy bridge would be very useful as part of a four lane north-south link to Houma-Thibodaux. LA 20 is narrow and winding and just doesn't meet modern standards. LA 1 is not particularly narrow, but is winding and indirect.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on September 09, 2014, 04:16:48 PM
Get ready for 18 months of lane closures on the Horace Wilkinson Bridge in Baton Rouge, starting today.

Get ready for 18 months of lane closures on the I-10 Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge  (http://www.nola.com/traffic/baton-rouge/index.ssf/2014/09/i-10_bridge_baton_rouge_closed.html#incart_river)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: pctech on September 11, 2014, 12:47:15 PM
Quote from: brownpelican on September 09, 2014, 04:16:48 PM
Get ready for 18 months of lane closures on the Horace Wilkinson Bridge in Baton Rouge, starting today.

Get ready for 18 months of lane closures on the I-10 Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge  (http://www.nola.com/traffic/baton-rouge/index.ssf/2014/09/i-10_bridge_baton_rouge_closed.html#incart_river)
That'll make driving on I-10 thru Baton Rouge even more a treat! :-)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on September 23, 2014, 09:47:55 PM
I drove I-220 Saturday night when I noticed that many of the BGSs had been replaced.

A big deal?  Kinda sorta.  Many of the exits have new control points.  Most of the signs are the originals hung when the interstate was built in the early 70s (all of the BGSs are on overhead gantries except one or two recent installations).  As of now, these new signs are only on the Bossier City side of the Red River, extruded sheet (the originals were flat panel), and in clearview.  X-(  :ded:

Here are the changes in control points I noticed:

1)  Exit 26 is no longer listed as "Racetrack"...changed to East Texas St.

2)  Exit 12 was Airline Drive/Bossier City...Bossier City has been removed.

3)  Exit 11 was Benton/Bossier City...now changed to Benton Rd.


The changes to exit 11 I really disagree with the most.  There was nothing wrong with having those towns listed as control points.  But then again, no one asked me for my thoughts.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: bassoon1986 on September 24, 2014, 10:15:31 AM
I always wondered when Bossier City might change their BGSs to the street names. 220 is well into the city limits and the growth has exploded in that area. I wonder if North Market St. may replace the 1/71 exit across the river once I-49 north has an exit with Texarkana.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on September 24, 2014, 06:20:39 PM
Listing street names in urban areas is the new norm in Louisiana. I expect that the Hammond exits will eventually get their street names, and I-12 Exit 10 will eventually be "Range St." rather than "Denham Springs."
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: bassoon1986 on September 25, 2014, 09:52:53 AM
Slidell also has done this on I-10, and Lafayette switched one exit for LA 182 a while back. The Denham Springs main exit would make sense now that the new exit displays a street name. All they need is to show "Denham Springs next 2 exits" and replace the destination with Range St.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Grzrd on September 26, 2014, 08:45:14 PM
As previously posted in another thread (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=4510.msg2009207#msg2009207), LaDOTD has posted its Preliminary Highway Program for FY 2015-16 (http://wwwsp.dotd.la.gov/Inside_LaDOTD/Divisions/Multimodal/Pages/Preliminary_Program.aspx).
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on December 10, 2014, 11:11:01 PM
The family of a man who was dozing off on the Causeway when his vehicle went over the bridge has filed a lawsuit.

Family of man who drove off Causeway Bridge sues (http://www.wwltv.com/story/news/local/orleans/2014/12/10/family-of-man-who-drove-off-causeway-bridge-sues/20217235/)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: pctech on December 11, 2014, 02:53:09 PM
 I made the drive to Houma from Baton Rouge about a month ago. Noticed that La. 20 goes all 4 cardinal directions according to the signs. Obviously DODT doesn't follow a uniform direction system like US. routes do. The condition of the highways from Vacherie on the west side of the river to Houma are pretty bad. This route could stand being upgraded to a 4 lane highway as traffic was pretty heavy at times.

Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on December 12, 2014, 07:57:43 AM
Quote from: pctech on December 11, 2014, 02:53:09 PM
I made the drive to Houma from Baton Rouge about a month ago. Noticed that La. 20 goes all 4 cardinal directions according to the signs. Obviously DODT doesn't follow a uniform direction system like US. routes do. The condition of the highways from Vacherie on the west side of the river to Houma are pretty bad. This route could stand being upgraded to a 4 lane highway as traffic was pretty heavy at times.

Try this on for size:  In Quitman, LA where the old US 167 made the 90 degree turn at the Chevron station, LA 155 also makes a 90 degree turn going the opposite way of old 167.  If you are looking at the 2 legs of LA 155 (straight ahead and to your left), both of the reassurance signs say you are going south!   :confused:
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on January 10, 2015, 08:27:34 PM
Streetcar construction begins Monday on North Rampart Street in the French Quarter.

Neighbors brace for headaches from North Rampart streetcar construction (http://www.wwltv.com/story/news/local/2015/01/09/north-rampart-streetcar-construction-begins-monday-neighbors-bracing-for-headaches/21533405/)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: texaskdog on January 10, 2015, 09:05:19 PM
Quote from: brownpelican on December 10, 2014, 11:11:01 PM
The family of a man who was dozing off on the Causeway when his vehicle went over the bridge has filed a lawsuit.

Family of man who drove off Causeway Bridge sues (http://www.wwltv.com/story/news/local/orleans/2014/12/10/family-of-man-who-drove-off-causeway-bridge-sues/20217235/)

Jerk.  They ought to countersue for him being a moron.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on January 14, 2015, 10:28:31 PM
Speeders on the Causeway, beware: Air patrols will begin soon.

Air patrols of speeders on Causeway to begin soon (http://www.wwltv.com/story/news/local/northshore/2015/01/14/causeway-air-patrols/21778481/)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on January 15, 2015, 06:40:15 AM
Frank Davis Naturally N'awlins Bridge....where is that?  I've never heard of that one.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: codyg1985 on January 15, 2015, 06:43:10 AM
Quote from: brownpelican on December 10, 2014, 11:11:01 PM
The family of a man who was dozing off on the Causeway when his vehicle went over the bridge has filed a lawsuit.

Family of man who drove off Causeway Bridge sues (http://www.wwltv.com/story/news/local/orleans/2014/12/10/family-of-man-who-drove-off-causeway-bridge-sues/20217235/)

Because clearly the bridge made the guy doze off and hit the barrier.  :banghead:
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: freebrickproductions on January 15, 2015, 11:28:57 AM
Why don't they sue to maker of the car while they are at it because the car didn't wake the guy up?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: apjung on January 15, 2015, 10:44:02 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on January 15, 2015, 06:40:15 AM
Frank Davis Naturally N'awlins Bridge....where is that?  I've never heard of that one.

It's also known as the I-10 Twin Span bridge before it was renamed in August of 2014 in Honor of the late Frank Davis of WWL-TV in New Orleans.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Davis_%22Naturally_N%27Awlins%22_Memorial_Bridge

"Naturally N'awlins" was a popular weekly news segment on WWL-TV Eyewitness News with Frank Davis reporting.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdBFpMbuB2o

He also frequently fished near the bridge now named for him and also in the weekly Fishing Game Report on WWL-TV Eyewitness News
http://www.wwltv.com/story/life/food/recipes/frank-davis/2014/08/28/14387962/
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: NE2 on January 15, 2015, 11:00:24 PM
Quote from: apjung on January 15, 2015, 10:44:02 PM
It's also known as the I-10 Twin Span bridge before it was renamed in August of 2014.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Davis_%22Naturally_N%27Awlins%22_Memorial_Bridge
Not renamed, just given another name that nobody will probably use.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: apjung on January 15, 2015, 11:32:11 PM
So, at the same time I posted my previous reply, the name on Wikipedia was reverted back to the I-10 Twin Span Bridge.

So I guess until the day more people start calling it the "Frank Davis Bridge", the article will remain as "I-10 Twin Span Bridge" in the foreseeable future. How about the Crescent City Connection that was renamed in 1989? Some people (ie. my parents) are still calling it by the old name GNO or Greater New Orleans Bridge. Even I still dislike the current tacky CCC name that some schoolchildren came up with. I like to imagine had Wikipedia existed back then would it had faced a similar situation on what name to use?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: NE2 on January 15, 2015, 11:56:41 PM
Quote from: apjung on January 15, 2015, 11:32:11 PM
I like to imagine had Wikipedia existed back then would it had faced a similar situation on what name to use?
Yes, until the CCC name won out.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Article_titles#Use_commonly_recognizable_names
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brooklyn%E2%80%93Battery_Tunnel
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triborough_Bridge
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Anthony_JK on January 16, 2015, 12:08:31 AM
Would the "Mercedes Benz Payton-Benson Twin Span Bridge" be better?? #WhoDat   :sombrero: :pan:
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Anthony_JK on January 16, 2015, 12:12:18 AM
Quote from: NE2 on January 15, 2015, 11:00:24 PM
Quote from: apjung on January 15, 2015, 10:44:02 PM
It's also known as the I-10 Twin Span bridge before it was renamed in August of 2014.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Davis_%22Naturally_N%27Awlins%22_Memorial_Bridge
Not renamed, just given another name that nobody will probably use.

Other than the people of NOLA who loved and respected Frank Davis, that is.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: apjung on January 16, 2015, 05:04:12 AM
Quote from: NE2 on January 15, 2015, 11:56:41 PM
Quote from: apjung on January 15, 2015, 11:32:11 PM
I like to imagine had Wikipedia existed back then would it had faced a similar situation on what name to use?
Yes, until the CCC name won out.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Article_titles#Use_commonly_recognizable_names
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brooklyn%E2%80%93Battery_Tunnel
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triborough_Bridge

Okay, good points there. I didn't even realize that the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel had another official name. Any idea how this doesn't apply to corporate naming rights to buildings? (ie. Louisiana Superdome renamed to Mercedes-Benz Superdome in 2011 and New Orleans Arena renamed to Smoothie King Center in 2014)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: NE2 on January 16, 2015, 06:37:34 AM
Quote from: apjung on January 16, 2015, 05:04:12 AM
Any idea how this doesn't apply to corporate naming rights to buildings? (ie. Louisiana Superdome renamed to Mercedes-Benz Superdome in 2011 and New Orleans Arena renamed to Smoothie King Center in 2014)
Because sports fans are consumer whores?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on January 16, 2015, 10:37:23 AM
Talk about turning Airline Highway into a toll expressway came up again as the DOTD received a 28-page report about the proposal from engineering firm AECOM. The cost? Roughly $800 million to be fronted by the firm.

Toll road through the heart of Baton Rouge explained (http://www.wbrz.com/news/toll-road-through-the-heart-of-baton-rouge-explained/)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Anthony_JK on January 16, 2015, 11:02:33 AM
Ahhhh....the BUMP proposal again.


I actually like the idea of freewayizing Airline Highway between LA 415 (with a connection back to I-10) and I-12, with access roads to serve local access needs. I don't like this toll proposal, though, nor do I favor extending it south of I-12.
 
Combine this with a south bypass of I-10 through Addis and Gardere (or an upgrade of LA 1/LA 70 via the Sunshine Bridge), and a localized fix for the 10-110 Split reduction to 1 lane, and that pretty much will solve BTR's problems. Well...that and I-49 South, too.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on January 16, 2015, 11:18:48 AM
Man, I can't believe the 10/110 split STILL hasn't been resolved.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: apjung on January 16, 2015, 07:38:41 PM
Quote from: NE2 on January 16, 2015, 06:37:34 AM
Quote from: apjung on January 16, 2015, 05:04:12 AM
Any idea how this doesn't apply to corporate naming rights to buildings? (ie. Louisiana Superdome renamed to Mercedes-Benz Superdome in 2011 and New Orleans Arena renamed to Smoothie King Center in 2014)
Because sports fans are consumer whores?

I still call it Sears Tower. My parents wouldn't know the new name.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willis_Tower

I fully support calling my home country Taiwan instead of Republic of China to avoid confusion.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic_Of_China
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on January 16, 2015, 07:48:49 PM
Quote from: brownpelican on January 16, 2015, 10:37:23 AM
Talk about turning Airline Highway into a toll expressway came up again as the DOTD received a 28-page report about the proposal from engineering firm AECOM. The cost? Roughly $800 million to be fronted by the firm.

If they're going to pay for it, then go ahead and do it even with the tolls. It's not likely to happen on government money.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on January 18, 2015, 12:15:55 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on January 17, 2015, 10:24:49 PM
Quote from: bassoon1986 on January 17, 2015, 12:19:13 AM
The old green filled in Louisiana shields on BGS of which I think there are only a few left at junctioning highways, and not on mainline interstates anymore

I think this is the last:  http://www.instantstreetview.com/2bmpwvz1mhtn2z24tzpgz2u (http://www.instantstreetview.com/2bmpwvz1mhtn2z24tzpgz2u)

Or maybe the last 2:  http://www.instantstreetview.com/2bml69z1mhmd2z1pbzoqz2u (http://www.instantstreetview.com/2bml69z1mhmd2z1pbzoqz2u)

Also in Louisiana...the BGSs don't put the LA above the number as the state route markers have.

Quote from: cjk374 on January 18, 2015, 09:32:48 AM
Quote from: bassoon1986 on January 17, 2015, 10:52:29 PM
Cjk, I'd forgotten about that exit since most of Louisiana has gone through an overhaul on BGS and many of them to clearview.

The old style LA shields on BGS that I know of left are on US 71/LA 1 at I-220 and on LA 1 northbound approaching the Natchitoches Bypass

You can mark US 71/LA 1 @ I-220 off your list, as all of those BGS shields are now white fill-ins.

However, I have never been on LA 1 south of Natchitoches.  This is a nice find.  So that means we now have the only 3 BGSs left in LA with the open state shield cataloged in this thread?

http://www.instantstreetview.com/2b3wfwz1mwkupz2u4zp6z2u (http://www.instantstreetview.com/2b3wfwz1mwkupz2u4zp6z2u)


Am I right...are these the last 3 outline state shields left in Louisiana? Even Creswell Ln. on I-49 has been replaced (and in clearview  X-( ):  http://www.instantstreetview.com/2abdoxz1nl0iaz1u9zp8z2u (http://www.instantstreetview.com/2abdoxz1nl0iaz1u9zp8z2u)

Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on January 18, 2015, 07:46:51 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on January 18, 2015, 12:15:55 PM
Even Creswell Ln. on I-49 has been replaced (and in clearview  X-( ): 

I wouldn't complain too much about the newer signage. We could have Mississippi's signs.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on January 18, 2015, 09:41:09 PM
Quote from: jbnv on January 18, 2015, 07:46:51 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on January 18, 2015, 12:15:55 PM
Even Creswell Ln. on I-49 has been replaced (and in clearview  X-( ): 

I wouldn't complain too much about the newer signage. We could have Mississippi's signs.

How bad is MS's signage?  I've driven there alot this year, and didn't notice anything extremely horrid.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: bassoon1986 on January 19, 2015, 10:55:04 AM
Quote from: cjk374 on January 18, 2015, 12:15:55 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on January 17, 2015, 10:24:49 PM
Quote from: bassoon1986 on January 17, 2015, 12:19:13 AM
The old green filled in Louisiana shields on BGS of which I think there are only a few left at junctioning highways, and not on mainline interstates anymore

I think this is the last:  http://www.instantstreetview.com/2bmpwvz1mhtn2z24tzpgz2u (http://www.instantstreetview.com/2bmpwvz1mhtn2z24tzpgz2u)

Or maybe the last 2:  http://www.instantstreetview.com/2bml69z1mhmd2z1pbzoqz2u (http://www.instantstreetview.com/2bml69z1mhmd2z1pbzoqz2u)

Also in Louisiana...the BGSs don't put the LA above the number as the state route markers have.

Quote from: cjk374 on January 18, 2015, 09:32:48 AM
Quote from: bassoon1986 on January 17, 2015, 10:52:29 PM
Cjk, I'd forgotten about that exit since most of Louisiana has gone through an overhaul on BGS and many of them to clearview.

The old style LA shields on BGS that I know of left are on US 71/LA 1 at I-220 and on LA 1 northbound approaching the Natchitoches Bypass

You can mark US 71/LA 1 @ I-220 off your list, as all of those BGS shields are now white fill-ins.

However, I have never been on LA 1 south of Natchitoches.  This is a nice find.  So that means we now have the only 3 BGSs left in LA with the open state shield cataloged in this thread?

http://www.instantstreetview.com/2b3wfwz1mwkupz2u4zp6z2u (http://www.instantstreetview.com/2b3wfwz1mwkupz2u4zp6z2u)


Am I right...are these the last 3 outline state shields left in Louisiana? Even Creswell Ln. on I-49 has been replaced (and in clearview  X-( ):  http://www.instantstreetview.com/2abdoxz1nl0iaz1u9zp8z2u (http://www.instantstreetview.com/2abdoxz1nl0iaz1u9zp8z2u)



Cjk, you're talking about these? They were still there at Christmas. The exit signs from I-220 have been gone a while now.

http://www.instantstreetview.com/2bnel2z1mfw7vz1duzrxz2u
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on January 19, 2015, 08:31:38 PM
My bad Bassoon....I didn't scroll down onto US 71/LA 1.  I was focusing on just I-220.   :banghead: :banghead: :pan:
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: lamsalfl on January 19, 2015, 10:47:50 PM
The Westbank-bound bridge is the "Greater New Orleans Bridge" as it has been since it was built in the 1950s.  The newer bridge (Eastbank-bound) built in the late 80's is the "Crescent City Connection".  I'm not sure why there is confusion.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: bassoon1986 on January 20, 2015, 09:32:33 AM
Quote from: cjk374 on January 19, 2015, 08:31:38 PM
My bad Bassoon....I didn't scroll down onto US 71/LA 1.  I was focusing on just I-220.   :banghead: :banghead: :pan:

so 5 of them left, all in NW Louisiana
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: apjung on March 03, 2015, 11:11:00 PM
I've always wondered why Louisiana doesn't have those mileage signs in the median for the next three exits commonly seen in all the other major cities around the country. I posted the question on their Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/GeauxWiderNOLA/posts/832998176761748

Here is their response:
Mr. Jung,

This email is written in response to your request for information regarding Interchange Sequence Signs along various routes in the New Orleans metropolitan area.  As you may be aware, Interchange Sequence Signs are guide signs that are typically used along interchanges that are closely spaced within urban areas.  As per Federal guidelines, the installation of these signs is optional.  Additional information on their use can be found on page 223 of the 2009 Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).  I have included a link to this document for your information and review:

http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/2009r1r2/part2e.pdf

Please know that we appreciate your feedback and will consider the use of Interchange Sequence Signs, when applicable, on future DOTD signing projects.  If you have any questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me.  We thank you for your interest in the safe operation of Louisiana's highway.

Sincerely,

Bambi Hall
Louisiana DOTD
504-484-0210/bambi.hall@la.gov

I learn something new everyday! Those signs listing the next three exits in most urban areas are called "Interchange Sequence Signs."
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on March 05, 2015, 06:46:41 AM
Quote from: apjung on March 03, 2015, 11:11:00 PM
I've always wondered why Louisiana doesn't have those mileage signs in the median for the next three exits commonly seen in all the other major cities around the country. I posted the question on their Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/GeauxWiderNOLA/posts/832998176761748

Here is their response:
Mr. Jung,

This email is written in response to your request for information regarding Interchange Sequence Signs along various routes in the New Orleans metropolitan area.  As you may be aware, Interchange Sequence Signs are guide signs that are typically used along interchanges that are closely spaced within urban areas.  As per Federal guidelines, the installation of these signs is optional.  Additional information on their use can be found on page 223 of the 2009 Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).  I have included a link to this document for your information and review:

http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/2009r1r2/part2e.pdf

Please know that we appreciate your feedback and will consider the use of Interchange Sequence Signs, when applicable, on future DOTD signing projects.  If you have any questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me.  We thank you for your interest in the safe operation of Louisiana's highway.

Sincerely,

Bambi Hall
Louisiana DOTD
504-484-0210/bambi.hall@la.gov

I learn something new everyday! Those signs listing the next three exits in most urban areas are called "Interchange Sequence Signs."

They use them in Shreveport/Bossier, but not in Monroe/West Monroe.  I'm surprised NOLA doesn't have them, especially with as many tourists that come into town.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: apjung on March 05, 2015, 01:15:10 PM
Well, they do have the ISSes on the secret I-910/Future I-49 or Business US 90.
http://goo.gl/maps/v9eDd
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: The Ghostbuster on March 17, 2015, 03:33:44 PM
Does anyone have any updates on the proposal to tear down Interstate 10 along Claiborne Avenue in New Orleans? I have not heard much about it recently, and I would like to know if it is still an active proposal.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on March 17, 2015, 08:40:00 PM
Well, we thought DOTD had learned their lesson about putting Clearview numerals in route shields... This went up a few weeks ago. *sigh*

(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8709/16837917762_c21a3b9fd3.jpg)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on March 17, 2015, 08:56:02 PM
Quote from: jbnv on March 17, 2015, 08:40:00 PM
Well, we thought DOTD had learned their lesson about putting Clearview numerals in route shields... This went up a few weeks ago. *sigh*

(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8709/16837917762_c21a3b9fd3.jpg)

Oh my...THAT'S what clearview shield numerals look like???  Gag a maggot off a gut wagon!!  X-(  :ded:  :wow:
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: pctech on March 30, 2015, 03:39:11 PM
I went Mobile Al from Baton Rouge via I-12 & I-10 this past weekend. Here are some observations of the condition of the highway.

Louisiana:
I-12 widening work progressing at a pretty good pace to the Satsuma area. Bridges between there and Hammond being rebuilt, apparently to accommodate 3 lanes in each direction.
Warning signs for construction in the north shore area, but no actual construction yet.
I-10 to Miss. border, still has "thump, thump,thump" effect on original concrete sections.

Mississippi:
Major construction continues at 1-10/110 interchange at Biloxi. New arrow per lane BGS are being setup there. Original concrete pavement still exits from exit 50 to about milepost 58 and it's mostly in pretty good shape. There were signs that some newly resurfaced sections are already showing signs of rutting and potholes.

Alabama
Welcome center on 10 east is closed for rebuilding. There is resurfacing going on in the downtown Moblle area., work also going on the near I-65 interchange. The I-10 tunnel is now a major bottle neck as traffic was backed up into the evening.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cenlaroads on March 30, 2015, 08:59:00 PM
 Today Louisiana DOTD released the first issue of their new quarterly newsletter. (http://wwwapps.dotd.la.gov/administration/announcements/Announcement.aspx?key=7118)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on April 01, 2015, 03:14:42 PM
Quote from: cenlaroads on March 30, 2015, 08:59:00 PM
Today Louisiana DOTD released the first issue of their new quarterly newsletter. (http://wwwapps.dotd.la.gov/administration/announcements/Announcement.aspx?key=7118)
That quote is interesting about the speed limits set at the 85th percentile. Maybe they haven't done a speed survey on the Pineville Expressway (set at 65 MPH instead of a limited access highway at 70, as is on US 90 in some parts), or where vehicles enter Louisiana from Texas, where the speed drops from 75 MPH on US 190 to 55 MPH.

I'm sure US 71 between its' northern junction with US 167, and Montgomery, could be reasonably set at 65 MPH with the wide shoulders and extremely light traffic, with maybe a drop to 55 MPH where it meets LA 8 near Colfax. I'm also sure that I-49 could use a speed limit of 65 MPH between US 190 and I-10, where you almost feel unsafe with the speed at 70 MPH and uneven shoulders and narrow bridges. I'm mostly surprised that the legislature sets the speed limits, and not the highway engineers. But, who knows? I'm thankful that I-49 is 75 MPH for most of the route.


Also, went across the new O.K. Allen bridge and other than a red light that eventually will be removed, the flow of traffic is very smooth. You have a full right of way along US 71/165 between LA 496 (Bayou Rapides Rd) and the Pineville Expressway. I'm curious as to how the intersection with the entrance to Central Hospital will work out, and I'm pretty surprised at how little work is done to make it basically Interstate-grade between where US 71 splits off and LA 496. The video of the project on Youtube doesn't show much detail, but it already looks halfway thought out.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Grzrd on April 06, 2015, 02:17:29 PM
Quote from: brownpelican on March 26, 2014, 03:00:34 PM
Money was made available for capital outlay transportation projects across the state for fiscal year 2015, Gov. Jindal announced. They are: ...
$2 million for a study of the "West Bank Connector", which may add another bridge across the Mississippi between Plaquemine and Saint Gabriel ...
http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/03/toll_roadway_among_baton_rouge.html#incart_river (http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/03/toll_roadway_among_baton_rouge.html#incart_river)
Quote from: Anthony_JK on April 06, 2015, 01:46:19 PM
About time for an I-49 South update here...it's been a while.
The main justification for this project is less a bypass of Baton Rouge ... There may be some who would use that corridor to bypass the clusterwhack of I-10 through BTR, but that's what the Baton Rouge Loop is proposed to do, right? Most traffic wanting to bypass NOLA will use I-10 to I-12, and LA 415 to Airline Highway (US 190/61) could be an even more effective alternative if the BUMP proposal for a tollway/freeway along that corridor is realized. The proposal for a West Side Expressway along the LA1/LA 3127 corridor from Port Allen to Boutte, with connections to the Sunshine Bridge and a new bridge between Addis and St. Gabriel, could help, too. Direct improvements to I-10, including fixing the bottleneck of the 10-110 Split interchange, would be far more effective, IMHO.
(bottom quote from I49 in LA (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=3124.msg2055939#msg2055939) thread)

In this April 6 Ask the Advocate mailbag (http://theadvocate.com/news/11805300-123/ask-the-advocate-readers-suggest), LaDOTD indicates that the Westside Expressway (as well as a new bridge across the Mississippi River) is being considered for the Statewide Transportation Plan:

Quote
Lauren Lee, public information officer with the state Department of Transportation and Development ....
QUESTION: Speaking of diverting traffic around Baton Rouge, another reader suggests both a west bank expressway and an east bank expressway from Baton Rouge to the Sunshine Bridge would allow vehicles to bypass traffic snarls on I-10 and I-12 in Baton Rouge.
ANSWER: Lee says a Westside Expressway is being considered for inclusion in the Statewide Transportation Plan, which DOTD is in the process of updating.
"This concept includes a new bridge between the I-10 Mississippi River Bridge and the Sunshine Bridge. The estimated cost is approximately $1.7 billion, which includes: $845 million for connector segment, $800 million for new bridge, and $121 million for improvements to La. 3127.
"The new plan will be complete in early fall 2015."

I assume that they are still studying the location between Plaquemine and Saint Gabriel (https://www.google.com/maps/place/St+Gabriel,+LA/@30.2173996,-91.1604234,53112m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!3m1!1s0x8626ae792d9fc12b:0xd49616cfad63d677).
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on April 06, 2015, 09:49:48 PM
Quote from: Grzrd on April 06, 2015, 02:17:29 PM
In this April 6 Ask the Advocate mailbag (http://theadvocate.com/news/11805300-123/ask-the-advocate-readers-suggest), LaDOTD indicates that the Westside Expressway (as well as a new bridge across the Mississippi River) is being considered for the Statewide Transportation Plan:

Quote
Lauren Lee, public information officer with the state Department of Transportation and Development ....
QUESTION: Speaking of diverting traffic around Baton Rouge, another reader suggests both a west bank expressway and an east bank expressway from Baton Rouge to the Sunshine Bridge would allow vehicles to bypass traffic snarls on I-10 and I-12 in Baton Rouge.
ANSWER: Lee says a Westside Expressway is being considered for inclusion in the Statewide Transportation Plan, which DOTD is in the process of updating.
"This concept includes a new bridge between the I-10 Mississippi River Bridge and the Sunshine Bridge. The estimated cost is approximately $1.7 billion, which includes: $845 million for connector segment, $800 million for new bridge, and $121 million for improvements to La. 3127.
"The new plan will be complete in early fall 2015."

I assume that they are still studying the location between Plaquemine and Saint Gabriel (https://www.google.com/maps/place/St+Gabriel,+LA/@30.2173996,-91.1604234,53112m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!3m1!1s0x8626ae792d9fc12b:0xd49616cfad63d677).
$1.7 billion seems like a steal. Just getting the trucks off of I-10 in Baton Rouge seems like a good enough reason. Improvements for LA 3127 is to upgrade the highway to a four-lane, I'm assuming, or would LA 3127 basically be extended north to meet I-10 at LA 415 or between LA 415 and LA 77?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on April 24, 2015, 09:40:51 PM
I recall a few weeks ago, I noticed that the right of way has been cleared on US 190 from the Bogue Falaya River bridge to Lee Road (La. 437). Perhaps they are finally getting ready to four-lane the road and build a new bridge over the river as they proposed right after Hurricane Katrina. NOTE: The state BEEN had the right of way for the expansion.

EDIT: I see that the state is reconstructing the right turn lane westbound (northbound). But by the way the land was cleared, you'd think that a new two-lane road is being built.

Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: pctech on April 28, 2015, 12:18:37 PM
I drove from Baton Rouge to Lafayette via I-10 on Sunday. The condition of the interstate is deteriorating pretty quickly now. Lots of "mounds of asphalt" trpe repairs between the west end of the basin and I-49/US 167.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: pctech on June 02, 2015, 12:17:40 PM
I completed DODT's online Baton Rouge I-10 corridor survey the other day. I wonder if there's room in the giant warehouse where they have stored all the others before it?...Oh it is digital, so it's likely going be stored as a server backup somewhere.  :spin:
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on June 04, 2015, 11:56:52 AM
A public meeting will be held June 11th from 4-7 pm at Covington City Council Chambers to discuss DOTD's proposal for widening US 190 to four lanes from the La. 21/US 190 Bus. split to La. 25. An environmental assessment is currently being prepared for the project.

Public comments can be made through July 11. Here's the link:
http://wwwapps.dotd.la.gov/administration/announcements/announcement.aspx?key=7584 (http://wwwapps.dotd.la.gov/administration/announcements/announcement.aspx?key=7584)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on June 23, 2015, 04:25:15 PM
I've noticed that Alexandria has negative offset turn lanes in place for a number of years, and they work very well. I then began to think... is there anywhere else in the state where negative offset left turn lanes exist? https://goo.gl/maps/GMRK7 is one example. LaDOTD is set to reconstruct more intersections to negative offset along US 71, and I believe LA 28 as well.

Anywhere else in the state? Or is it one of those region-specific things that only happens in one area.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: iBallasticwolf2 on June 23, 2015, 05:46:31 PM
Erlanger Kentucky (It is supposed to be Covington I think) has one here- https://www.google.ca/maps/@38.9913961,-84.5345548,154m/data=!3m1!1e3
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: bassoon1986 on June 25, 2015, 02:28:21 PM
Quote from: mcdonaat on June 23, 2015, 04:25:15 PM
I've noticed that Alexandria has negative offset turn lanes in place for a number of years, and they work very well. I then began to think... is there anywhere else in the state where negative offset left turn lanes exist? https://goo.gl/maps/GMRK7 is one example. LaDOTD is set to reconstruct more intersections to negative offset along US 71, and I believe LA 28 as well.

Anywhere else in the state? Or is it one of those region-specific things that only happens in one area.

Monroe, LA also has a few along US 165. I think it has become a Cenla thing. We are definitely one of the only areas to have these awful 2 way service roads at busy intersections (Macarthur Dr/US 71 and LA 28 West)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: rte66man on June 29, 2015, 08:52:55 PM
Quote from: mcdonaat on June 23, 2015, 04:25:15 PM
I've noticed that Alexandria has negative offset turn lanes in place for a number of years, and they work very well. I then began to think... is there anywhere else in the state where negative offset left turn lanes exist? https://goo.gl/maps/GMRK7 is one example. LaDOTD is set to reconstruct more intersections to negative offset along US 71, and I believe LA 28 as well.

Anywhere else in the state? Or is it one of those region-specific things that only happens in one area.

Oklahoma City has a number of them along the Northwest Expressway (OK3)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Tom958 on July 01, 2015, 06:26:02 PM
Quote from: mcdonaat on June 23, 2015, 04:25:15 PM...negative offset turn lanes...

In Georgia, they've become the rule rather than the exception, even for locations that get almost no traffic.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on July 01, 2015, 08:10:30 PM
Quote from: bassoon1986 on June 25, 2015, 02:28:21 PM
Quote from: mcdonaat on June 23, 2015, 04:25:15 PM
I've noticed that Alexandria has negative offset turn lanes in place for a number of years, and they work very well. I then began to think... is there anywhere else in the state where negative offset left turn lanes exist? https://goo.gl/maps/GMRK7 is one example. LaDOTD is set to reconstruct more intersections to negative offset along US 71, and I believe LA 28 as well.

Anywhere else in the state? Or is it one of those region-specific things that only happens in one area.

Monroe, LA also has a few along US 165. I think it has become a Cenla thing. We are definitely one of the only areas to have these awful 2 way service roads at busy intersections (Macarthur Dr/US 71 and LA 28 West)

I believe I saw this set up at the intersection of Hearne Ave. (LA 3094) and LA 173 in north Shreveport. My google maps doesn't work right on this tablet or I would post the street view link.   :banghead: :banghead: :angry:
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on July 02, 2015, 10:00:36 PM
I think Jefferson Parish takes the cake when it comes to positive offset turning lanes. Which leads to another question. Intersections with at least two lanes marked for right turns are also common in Jefferson Parish, but I can't think of anywhere else in the state. How common is this? I'm sure that the Baton Rouge area may have them.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on July 02, 2015, 10:22:05 PM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on July 02, 2015, 10:00:36 PM
I think Jefferson Parish takes the cake when it comes to positive offset turning lanes. Which leads to another question. Intersections with at least two lanes marked for right turns are also common in Jefferson Parish, but I can't think of anywhere else in the state. How common is this? I'm sure that the Baton Rouge area may have them.

In Ruston, exit 86 east bound has a right turn lane, a center lane that can go left, straight or right, and a left turn lane.  Exit 85 west bound has a right turn lane, a center lane that goes straight or right, and a left straight-only lane (this exit is for a divided US 167/LA 146).
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on July 05, 2015, 10:44:00 PM
Yes, the setup in Shreveport (Hearne at Shreveport-Blanchard) is the style I was referring to. We seem to have them in multiple places all around town, which means instead of solid arrows, you have permissive turns, since you aren't blocked from seeing oncoming traffic by someone turning left in the other lanes approaching you.

I think Alexandria is the only major city that I've been to where two four-lane highways never have a red light. Lafayette has them all along Ambassador and Johnston, Youree is bad about them in Shreveport, and Monroe has quite a few in random places (LA 15 at US 165 Bypass, N 18th at Louisville, N 7th at Cypress). We only have intersections where three sides are four-lanes, or a massive interchange is built instead.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: bassoon1986 on July 06, 2015, 09:50:43 AM
Quote from: cjk374 on January 18, 2015, 12:15:55 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on January 17, 2015, 10:24:49 PM
Quote from: bassoon1986 on January 17, 2015, 12:19:13 AM
The old green filled in Louisiana shields on BGS of which I think there are only a few left at junctioning highways, and not on mainline interstates anymore

I think this is the last:  http://www.instantstreetview.com/2bmpwvz1mhtn2z24tzpgz2u (http://www.instantstreetview.com/2bmpwvz1mhtn2z24tzpgz2u)

Or maybe the last 2:  http://www.instantstreetview.com/2bml69z1mhmd2z1pbzoqz2u (http://www.instantstreetview.com/2bml69z1mhmd2z1pbzoqz2u)

Also in Louisiana...the BGSs don't put the LA above the number as the state route markers have.

Quote from: cjk374 on January 18, 2015, 09:32:48 AM
Quote from: bassoon1986 on January 17, 2015, 10:52:29 PM
Cjk, I'd forgotten about that exit since most of Louisiana has gone through an overhaul on BGS and many of them to clearview.

The old style LA shields on BGS that I know of left are on US 71/LA 1 at I-220 and on LA 1 northbound approaching the Natchitoches Bypass

You can mark US 71/LA 1 @ I-220 off your list, as all of those BGS shields are now white fill-ins.

However, I have never been on LA 1 south of Natchitoches.  This is a nice find.  So that means we now have the only 3 BGSs left in LA with the open state shield cataloged in this thread?

http://www.instantstreetview.com/2b3wfwz1mwkupz2u4zp6z2u (http://www.instantstreetview.com/2b3wfwz1mwkupz2u4zp6z2u)


Am I right...are these the last 3 outline state shields left in Louisiana? Even Creswell Ln. on I-49 has been replaced (and in clearview  X-( ):  http://www.instantstreetview.com/2abdoxz1nl0iaz1u9zp8z2u (http://www.instantstreetview.com/2abdoxz1nl0iaz1u9zp8z2u)



I have photos of 3 out of the 5 green Louisiana state shields remaining on BGS's. (That I know of)

LA 1 north coming into Natchitoches and approaching the bypass. Mainline LA 1 from here is actually signed Bypass North LA 1.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/322/19470547861_e8cd8adc17_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vExDx4)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/vExDx4) by Josh Bumgardner (https://www.flickr.com/photos/geojosh/), on Flickr

LA 1 south at I-220 in Shreveport. There is a similar one in the opposite direction with I-220 West for Dallas and US 71/LA 1 north for Texarkana with the same green shield.
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3732/10272117696_fb77923b44_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/gDHhHw)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/gDHhHw) by Josh Bumgardner (https://www.flickr.com/photos/geojosh/), on Flickr

I-20 westbound in Bossier City at exit 21. There is another identical sign for LA 72 on WB I-20 at exit 22 for Airline Drive.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/278/19466242605_2209829807_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/vEazJv)  (https://flic.kr/p/vEazJv) by Josh Bumgardner (https://www.flickr.com/photos/geojosh/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on July 06, 2015, 09:03:43 PM
Those LA 1 signs at I-220 have survived the sign replacement project so far. Still there as of July 3.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on July 11, 2015, 03:59:59 PM
DOTD will hold a public meeting Aug. 4 at 5:30 pm regarding proposed changes to the proposed Earhart Expressway/Causeway Blvd. interchange. The meeting will be at the senior center at the Wally Pontiff Jr. Playground at 1521 Palm St. in Metairie.

http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2015/07/public_meeting_scheduled_for_c.html#incart_river (http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2015/07/public_meeting_scheduled_for_c.html#incart_river)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on July 17, 2015, 06:53:48 PM
Lane closures this weekend on I-10 East in the Slidell Area, which are part of a  $40 million rehab project (http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2015/07/more_weekend_gridlock_ahead_on.html#incart_related_stories).
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on July 17, 2015, 07:05:42 PM
Another article about what the Causeway's future should be.

http://www.nola.com/futureofneworleans/2015/07/future_of_the_lake_pontchartra.html#incart_river (http://www.nola.com/futureofneworleans/2015/07/future_of_the_lake_pontchartra.html#incart_river)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on July 17, 2015, 09:07:34 PM
Quote from: brownpelican on July 17, 2015, 07:05:42 PM
Another article about what the Causeway's future should be.

http://www.nola.com/futureofneworleans/2015/07/future_of_the_lake_pontchartra.html#incart_river (http://www.nola.com/futureofneworleans/2015/07/future_of_the_lake_pontchartra.html#incart_river)

I didn't realize the bridge was that old...next year it turns 60. I am surprised they haven't had more traffic problems without the shoulders.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Brian556 on August 20, 2015, 09:36:51 PM
At the I-20 EB Welcome Center, they finally replaced the "Area Pet Rest" sign with a "Pet Rest Area" sign.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: The Ghostbuster on August 26, 2015, 03:59:49 PM
A while back, I asked if there were any updates on tearing down Interstate 10 along Claiborne Avenue in New Orleans, and got no replies. I assume either the proposal died out, or went dormant. If anyone can tell me otherwise, let me know.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Anthony_JK on September 10, 2015, 04:33:27 AM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on August 26, 2015, 03:59:49 PM
A while back, I asked if there were any updates on tearing down Interstate 10 along Claiborne Avenue in New Orleans, and got no replies. I assume either the proposal died out, or went dormant. If anyone can tell me otherwise, let me know.

That proposal is most likely in limbo....awaiting resolution of state and federal funding and details of how to mitigate the impacts of transferring traffic lost if the Claiborne Elevated is removed. Frankly, I hope it stays dead.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: The Ghostbuster on September 10, 2015, 05:04:57 PM
Thank you for the information. I agree it should not be torn down. Personally, I would reconstruct it with better aesthetic features, like better pictures of the trees that were razed for its construction.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Anthony_JK on September 10, 2015, 06:53:12 PM
LADOTD just released (http://wwwsp.dotd.la.gov/Inside_LaDOTD/Divisions/Multimodal/Transportation_Plan/Pages/default.aspx) their proposed 2015 Statewide Transportation Plan Update this week. It was originally scheduled to be released for public feedback in October of last year, but the funding crunch delayed its publication.


The plan essentially assumes that without an aggressive increase in state and federal funding for major infrastructure repair and upgrade, only limited maintenance will be possible.


The road and rail portion of the plan also includes many of the "megaprojects" that has been discussed earlier here, as well as completion of the remaining projects developed under the TIMED program. The megaprojects are broken down into four priority levels; Priorities A & B would be funded under certain scenarios of additional state/Federal funding while Priorities C & D are mostly either down-the-road completed projects or pipe dreams.


Some currently relevant projects in Louisiana are included in this plan:


1) I-49 South: The I-49 Connector portion through Lafayette is funded under Priority A (the highest priority, assuming $200M in increased funds starting in 2020); as is an upgrade of US 90 between Raceland and Des Allemands. The Ricohoc/Wax Lake to Berwick segment (through Patterson and Bayou Vista), and the extension of the elevated portion of the Westbank Expressway from Ames Boulevard in Gretna to Westwego is covered under Priority B; which assumes an additional kick of Federal revenue. The remaining uncompleted segments (Des Allemands to Westwego via Boutte plus upgrades to the I-310 and US 90/Huey P. Long Bridge interchanges, and the upgrade in Lafayette Parish of US 90 from the airport to LA 88) would be placed in Priority C, pending future funding sources. (It should be noted, of course, that portions of that latter segment are already under construction or are planned to be constructed under Design-Build contracts.)


2) Interstate widening: Priority A includes: the widening of I-10 though Lake Charles (including reconstruction of the Calcasieu River Bridge); finishing the widening of I-10 west of Lake Charles to the Sabine River bridge/Texas state line; widening I-10 in Lafayette from the LA 93 (Scott) interchange to the I-10/I-49 interchange (to match the now under construction widening/rebuilding of I-10 east of there to LA 347 near Henderson); widening I-10 through Baton Rouge (6 to 8 lanes) and from LA 30 south of Baton Rouge through Gonzales to LA 74; I-20 through Shreveport/Bossier City and Monroe; I-12 through Slidell to the I-10/I-59 terminus; and I-10 in Kenner/Metarie from Williams Blvd. to Veterans Blvd (6/8). Unless otherwise noted, widening would be 4 to 6 lanes. I-10 south of LA 74 to LA 22, I-10 east of the Claiborne Elevated in New Orleans, and I-12 from Satsuma to I-55 in Tangipahoa Parish would get the widening treatment under Priority B. The remaining segments of I-10, I-20, and I-49 between Lafayette and Opelousas would get widened under Priorities C & D.


3) The I-49 Inner City Connector in Shreveport would be funded under Priority B right now, as would a new bridge across the Mississippi River south of Baton Rouge near Addis, a connector between that and LA 415, the Baton Rouge North Bypass loop, the North-South Hurricane Evacuation Corridor for Houma-Thibodeaux, and widening US 84 between Archie (its intersection with LA 28) and Ferriday. The reconstructed interchange between I-10 and Loyola Drive accessing the new Louis Armstrong NOIA terminal would also be included in Priority B.


4) The southern semicircle of the Alexandria Beltway/LA 28 realignment would be built under Priority A; the rest would fall under Priority D.


5) Possible projects that remain in the "pipe dream" stage are: a freeway along US 165 between I-10 and I-20, along with a "corridor upgrade" of US 165 through Monroe (possibly to freeway??) and a direct link to US 425 bypassing Bastrop/Mer Rouge; a freeway along US 190 from US 165 near Kinder to I-49 at Opelousas (but why none on US 190 between Opelousas and BTR???); an extension of I-510 across the Mississippi River at Chalmette connecting with the Westbank Expressway/Future I-49 South; an upgrade of MacArthur Drive in Alexandria to freeway standards; the BUMP conversion of Airline Highway in BTR to a freeway/tollway; the south Baton Rouge loop freeway bypass; and the proposed Westbank Corridor involving LA 1 and LA 3127.


Also, I-69 through NW LA is pushed back to Priorities C & D, as well as the extension of LA 3132 east of Flornoy Lucas Road to connect with proposed I-69.


The full listing of megaprojects can be found here (http://wwwsp.dotd.la.gov/Inside_LaDOTD/Divisions/Multimodal/Transportation_Plan/2015_Statewide_Transportation_Plan/07_Megaprojects.pdf). (pdf file, use either Adobe or Foxit PDF Reader)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on September 10, 2015, 10:07:08 PM
Talk of converting US 165 to a full freeway? I don't know why but that surprises me. IMHO, they will need to build a new freeeway around Monroe instead of trying to convert the current US 165 bypass. It is built up way to much with businesses. A new freeway will probably be cheaper.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on September 11, 2015, 08:24:44 AM
Quote from: cjk374 on September 10, 2015, 10:07:08 PM
Talk of converting US 165 to a full freeway? I don't know why but that surprises me.

My first guess is that they want to improve access between Texas and central Louisiana.

My second guess is that they think US 165 is a more realistic corridor for a freeway than I-69.

Sometimes all it takes is to put an idea out there, people latch onto it and it starts moving.

There are a few cases for making US 190 a freeway from Kinder to Baton Rouge. US 190 is the default detour for I-10. Also, US 190 as a freeway or full expressway would collect a lot of traffic coming from/going to central Louisiana and north of Baton Rouge, keeping that traffic off of I-10.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: froggie on September 11, 2015, 10:11:09 AM
Quote4) The southern semicircle of the Alexandria Beltway/LA 28 realignment would be built under Priority A; the rest would fall under Priority D.

Is there more information somewhere about this project?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Brian556 on September 11, 2015, 01:57:49 PM
Quote from JBNV:
Quote
There are a few cases for making US 190 a freeway from Kinder to Baton Rouge. US 190 is the default detour for I-10. Also, US 190 as a freeway or full expressway would collect a lot of traffic coming from/going to central Louisiana and north of Baton Rouge, keeping that traffic off of I-10.

If you are going I-49 south to I-10 east to Baton Rouge, turning east on US 190 takes 18 miles off the trip.
However, due to traffic signals, the time is about the same.

I like taking US 190 due to it's unique feel. In a way portions of it feel like a lost interstate, especially since the pavement is old, brown and rough, the guardrails are old and beat up, and the old style concrete bridge railings. And, as an added bonus, you have an old alignment next to it through the swamps.

As for the Baton Rouge congestion problem, it looks like re-routing I-10 to the south, and extending the I-12 designation west over the old I-10 would help greatly. Is that what they are planning to do?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on September 11, 2015, 03:29:36 PM
Quote from: Brian556 on September 11, 2015, 01:57:49 PM
If you are going I-49 south to I-10 east to Baton Rouge, turning east on US 190 takes 18 miles off the trip.
However, due to traffic signals, the time is about the same.

I like taking US 190 due to it's unique feel. In a way portions of it feel like a lost interstate, especially since the pavement is old, brown and rough, the guardrails are old and beat up, and the old style concrete bridge railings. And, as an added bonus, you have an old alignment next to it through the swamps.

I've taken 190 from Baton Rouge to Opelousas a few times recently. It still gets a substantial amount of traffic even without incidents on I-10. Those traffic lights are monsters when 190 picks up I-10 traffic. I think a case can be made for upgrading it to a freeway. In fact, that case should have been made 50 years ago. Besides bypassing multiple small towns, they will also have to replace the bridge at Morganza Spillway. Great for nostalgia, not so good for progress.

Quote from: Brian556 on September 11, 2015, 01:57:49 PM
As for the Baton Rouge congestion problem, it looks like re-routing I-10 to the south, and extending the I-12 designation west over the old I-10 would help greatly. Is that what they are planning to do?

I haven't heard of any such plan. I don't see much logic in doing that.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on September 11, 2015, 06:39:51 PM
It has been bunches of years since I have driven US 190 between Opp & BR. Is the median still extremely narrow with that beat-up old double guardrail? Also, wouldn't they need to by-pass Port Barre, Krotz Springs and Lottie when they build 190 up to freeway standards?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on September 11, 2015, 08:24:44 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on September 11, 2015, 06:39:51 PM
It has been bunches of years since I have driven US 190 between Opp & BR. Is the median still extremely narrow with that beat-up old double guardrail? Also, wouldn't they need to by-pass Port Barre, Krotz Springs and Lottie when they build 190 up to freeway standards?

Yes (though not as much) and yes.

In Krotz Springs, the bridge over the Atchafalaya River drops right into town, so a bypass is impractical. However, the entire town is south of the highway, so they would need to build some new lanes north of the existing ones. It's doable but might not win many fans in town.

190 clips Port Barre by a small amount, so while an interchange with LA 103 would uproot several businesses, it is quite feasible.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on September 11, 2015, 09:02:46 PM
Quote from: jbnv on September 11, 2015, 08:24:44 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on September 11, 2015, 06:39:51 PM
It has been bunches of years since I have driven US 190 between Opp & BR. Is the median still extremely narrow with that beat-up old double guardrail? Also, wouldn't they need to by-pass Port Barre, Krotz Springs and Lottie when they build 190 up to freeway standards?

Yes, at least part of the old double guardrail is still there.

As for bypasses, not if the locals give up some right-of-way.

In Krotz Springs, the bridge over the Atchafalaya River drops right into town, so a bypass is impractical. However, the entire town is south of the highway, so they would need to build some new lanes north of the existing ones. It's doable but might not win many fans in town.

190 clips Port Barre by a small amount. They could clear a right-of-way around the existing road, build one-way service roads, and then build an overpass along the existing route. Would uproot several businesses but otherwise would have only a small impact on the town.

Same thing in Livonia and other villages along the route.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: apjung on September 12, 2015, 03:11:40 AM
Quote from: Anthony_JK on September 10, 2015, 06:53:12 PM
LADOTD just released (http://wwwsp.dotd.la.gov/Inside_LaDOTD/Divisions/Multimodal/Transportation_Plan/Pages/default.aspx) their proposed 2015 Statewide Transportation Plan Update this week. It was originally scheduled to be released for public feedback in October of last year, but the funding crunch delayed its publication.


The plan essentially assumes that without an aggressive increase in state and federal funding for major infrastructure repair and upgrade, only limited maintenance will be possible.


The road and rail portion of the plan also includes many of the "megaprojects" that has been discussed earlier here, as well as completion of the remaining projects developed under the TIMED program. The megaprojects are broken down into four priority levels; Priorities A & B would be funded under certain scenarios of additional state/Federal funding while Priorities C & D are mostly either down-the-road completed projects or pipe dreams.


Some currently relevant projects in Louisiana are included in this plan:


1) I-49 South: The I-49 Connector portion through Lafayette is funded under Priority A (the highest priority, assuming $200M in increased funds starting in 2020); as is an upgrade of US 90 between Raceland and Des Allemands. The Ricohoc/Wax Lake to Berwick segment (through Patterson and Bayou Vista), and the extension of the elevated portion of the Westbank Expressway from Ames Boulevard in Gretna to Westwego is covered under Priority B; which assumes an additional kick of Federal revenue. The remaining uncompleted segments (Des Allemands to Westwego via Boutte plus upgrades to the I-310 and US 90/Huey P. Long Bridge interchanges, and the upgrade in Lafayette Parish of US 90 from the airport to LA 88) would be placed in Priority C, pending future funding sources. (It should be noted, of course, that portions of that latter segment are already under construction or are planned to be constructed under Design-Build contracts.)


2) Interstate widening: Priority A includes: the widening of I-10 though Lake Charles (including reconstruction of the Calcasieu River Bridge); finishing the widening of I-10 west of Lake Charles to the Sabine River bridge/Texas state line; widening I-10 in Lafayette from the LA 93 (Scott) interchange to the I-10/I-49 interchange (to match the now under construction widening/rebuilding of I-10 east of there to LA 347 near Henderson); widening I-10 through Baton Rouge (6 to 8 lanes) and from LA 30 south of Baton Rouge through Gonzales to LA 74; I-20 through Shreveport/Bossier City and Monroe; I-12 through Slidell to the I-10/I-59 terminus; and I-10 in Kenner/Metarie from Williams Blvd. to Veterans Blvd (6/8). Unless otherwise noted, widening would be 4 to 6 lanes. I-10 south of LA 74 to LA 22, I-10 east of the Claiborne Elevated in New Orleans, and I-12 from Satsuma to I-55 in Tangipahoa Parish would get the widening treatment under Priority B. The remaining segments of I-10, I-20, and I-49 between Lafayette and Opelousas would get widened under Priorities C & D.


3) The I-49 Inner City Connector in Shreveport would be funded under Priority B right now, as would a new bridge across the Mississippi River south of Baton Rouge near Addis, a connector between that and LA 415, the Baton Rouge North Bypass loop, the North-South Hurricane Evacuation Corridor for Houma-Thibodeaux, and widening US 84 between Archie (its intersection with LA 28) and Ferriday. The reconstructed interchange between I-10 and Loyola Drive accessing the new Louis Armstrong NOIA terminal would also be included in Priority B.


4) The southern semicircle of the Alexandria Beltway/LA 28 realignment would be built under Priority A; the rest would fall under Priority D.


5) Possible projects that remain in the "pipe dream" stage are: a freeway along US 165 between I-10 and I-20, along with a "corridor upgrade" of US 165 through Monroe (possibly to freeway??) and a direct link to US 425 bypassing Bastrop/Mer Rouge; a freeway along US 190 from US 165 near Kinder to I-49 at Opelousas (but why none on US 190 between Opelousas and BTR???); an extension of I-510 across the Mississippi River at Chalmette connecting with the Westbank Expressway/Future I-49 South; an upgrade of MacArthur Drive in Alexandria to freeway standards; the BUMP conversion of Airline Highway in BTR to a freeway/tollway; the south Baton Rouge loop freeway bypass; and the proposed Westbank Corridor involving LA 1 and LA 3127.


Also, I-69 through NW LA is pushed back to Priorities C & D, as well as the extension of LA 3132 east of Flornoy Lucas Road to connect with proposed I-69.


The full listing of megaprojects can be found here (http://wwwsp.dotd.la.gov/Inside_LaDOTD/Divisions/Multimodal/Transportation_Plan/2015_Statewide_Transportation_Plan/07_Megaprojects.pdf). (pdf file, use either Adobe or Foxit PDF Reader)

It's a good thing that the I-510 Mississippi River Bridge hasn't been built yet. Had the proposed southern loop been built that would have connected I-310 and I-510, cruise ships wouldn't have been able to reach New Orleans. In the future when the bridge is built, it will most likely have the highest clearance over the River to allow these cruise ships to pass underneath.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Anthony_JK on September 13, 2015, 10:24:00 PM
Quote from: jbnv on September 11, 2015, 09:02:46 PM
Quote from: jbnv on September 11, 2015, 08:24:44 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on September 11, 2015, 06:39:51 PM
It has been bunches of years since I have driven US 190 between Opp & BR. Is the median still extremely narrow with that beat-up old double guardrail? Also, wouldn't they need to by-pass Port Barre, Krotz Springs and Lottie when they build 190 up to freeway standards?

Yes, at least part of the old double guardrail is still there.

As for bypasses, not if the locals give up some right-of-way.

In Krotz Springs, the bridge over the Atchafalaya River drops right into town, so a bypass is impractical. However, the entire town is south of the highway, so they would need to build some new lanes north of the existing ones. It's doable but might not win many fans in town.

190 clips Port Barre by a small amount. They could clear a right-of-way around the existing road, build one-way service roads, and then build an overpass along the existing route. Would uproot several businesses but otherwise would have only a small impact on the town.

Same thing in Livonia and other villages along the route.
Quote from: jbnv on September 11, 2015, 09:02:46 PM
Quote from: jbnv on September 11, 2015, 08:24:44 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on September 11, 2015, 06:39:51 PM
It has been bunches of years since I have driven US 190 between Opp & BR. Is the median still extremely narrow with that beat-up old double guardrail? Also, wouldn't they need to by-pass Port Barre, Krotz Springs and Lottie when they build 190 up to freeway standards?

Yes, at least part of the old double guardrail is still there.

As for bypasses, not if the locals give up some right-of-way.

In Krotz Springs, the bridge over the Atchafalaya River drops right into town, so a bypass is impractical. However, the entire town is south of the highway, so they would need to build some new lanes north of the existing ones. It's doable but might not win many fans in town.

190 clips Port Barre by a small amount. They could clear a right-of-way around the existing road, build one-way service roads, and then build an overpass along the existing route. Would uproot several businesses but otherwise would have only a small impact on the town.

Same thing in Livonia and other villages along the route.

Port Barre would be somewhat of a big deal to upgrade because US 190 has plenty of businesses along it, and also LA 103 runs concurrently along US 190 between Saizan Street (the main street through town) and its southern extension on the other side of Bayou Teche (Port Barre is where Bayou Teche gives birth to Bayou Cortableau before going south through Arnaudville, Cecilia/Breaux Bridge, and St. Martinville). The roadway narrows to a 5-lane arterial (2 lanes both direction + center lane), so there would be some ROW needed, especially if frontage roads had to be built as well for local access. An alternative would be to run any freeway on new alignment alongside the UP railroad ROW and let the arterial serve as the local access route.

Krotz Springs would probably be less of a problem, but there would still be the issue of frontage roads for local access.

Livonia and Erwinville would probably be even  less of an issue, other than the fact that you would need a split interchange at LA 77 in Erwinville Livonia due to the proximity of Bayou Grosse de Tete.

The guardrail still remains from Krotz Springs eastward to the LA 1 intersection west of Erwinville, but LADOTD did remove it east of there to LA 415 some time ago in order to widen the median to a more modern standard.

Either way it goes, it would be some effort to convert this to a freeway...and how in the hell would you run it through Opelousas to begin with??


[Just noted and corrected my mistaking Erwinville for Livonia. Sorry about that.]
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on September 14, 2015, 09:06:34 PM
Opelousas would have to be a new terrain bypass. I see that as being the most cost-efficient & least disturbing to the business owners and residents IMHO.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on September 15, 2015, 09:35:58 PM
Another classic structure is about to become just a memory:

http://wwwapps.dotd.la.gov/administration/announcements/Announcement.aspx?key=8620

If you are unable to call it up, the O.K. Allen bridge in Alexandria (US 71/165) will be demolished September 27.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: rlb2024 on September 15, 2015, 10:50:02 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on September 15, 2015, 09:35:58 PM
Another classic structure is about to become just a memory:

http://wwwapps.dotd.la.gov/administration/announcements/Announcement.aspx?key=8620

If you are unable to call it up, the O.K. Allen bridge in Alexandria (US 71/165) will be demolished September 27.

Did something change since the press release was published?  It seems to say that the demolition will be this coming Saturday, September 19.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on September 16, 2015, 06:00:55 AM
Quote from: rlb2024 on September 15, 2015, 10:50:02 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on September 15, 2015, 09:35:58 PM
Another classic structure is about to become just a memory:

http://wwwapps.dotd.la.gov/administration/announcements/Announcement.aspx?key=8620

If you are unable to call it up, the O.K. Allen bridge in Alexandria (US 71/165) will be demolished September 27.

Did something change since the press release was published?  It seems to say that the demolition will be this coming Saturday, September 19.

I can't read one page & type the next. My bad.  :pan: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead:
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on September 16, 2015, 08:53:39 AM
Quote from: cjk374 on September 15, 2015, 09:35:58 PM
Another classic structure is about to become just a memory: [T]he O.K. Allen bridge in Alexandria (US 71/165) will be demolished September 27.

Another monument to Louisiana politics going away. Good.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on September 16, 2015, 03:52:06 PM
Speaking of I-10 in Baton Rouge, I found the video of the first public meeting of the I-10 Corridor study. It's roughly 25 minutes.
https://vimeo.com/138668348 (https://vimeo.com/138668348)

I also found the survey results from businesses, the general public and online.
http://i10br.com/project-info/ (http://i10br.com/project-info/)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on October 21, 2015, 11:29:35 PM
When voters voted a few years ago to do away with the Crescent City Connection tolls, everyone thought the toll plaza would be removed. The toll booths are gone, but the gantry remains. According to WWL-TV, the state doesn't even have a plan (http://www.wwltv.com/story/news/local/orleans/2015/10/21/two-years-later-ccc-toll-plazas-remain/74344420/) in place to take the gantry down.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: froggie on October 22, 2015, 07:46:49 AM
I know West Bank residents hated paying it, but eliminating that toll was one of the stupidest things they've ever done.  It's really going to come back to bite both them and the state when the spans (likely starting with the original span) needs major rehab in about 15-20 years...
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on October 22, 2015, 08:45:35 AM
Quote from: brownpelican on October 21, 2015, 11:29:35 PM
When voters voted a few years ago to do away with the Crescent City Connection tolls, everyone thought the toll plaza would be removed. The toll booths are gone, but the gantry remains. According to WWL-TV, the state doesn't even have a plan (http://www.wwltv.com/story/news/local/orleans/2015/10/21/two-years-later-ccc-toll-plazas-remain/74344420/) in place to take the gantry down.

And this is a problem why?

Quote from: froggie on October 22, 2015, 07:46:49 AM
I know West Bank residents hated paying it, but eliminating that toll was one of the stupidest things they've ever done.  It's really going to come back to bite both them and the state when the spans (likely starting with the original span) needs major rehab in about 15-20 years...

Why I support tolling all major highways, especially now that electronic tolling is feasible and affordable.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: roadman65 on October 22, 2015, 08:53:34 AM
Isn't the elimination of the tolls on the CCC, the main reason why the Canal Street Ferry discontinued automobiles?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on October 22, 2015, 10:31:25 AM
Quote from: jbnv on October 22, 2015, 08:45:35 AM
Quote from: brownpelican on October 21, 2015, 11:29:35 PM
When voters voted a few years ago to do away with the Crescent City Connection tolls, everyone thought the toll plaza would be removed. The toll booths are gone, but the gantry remains. According to WWL-TV, the state doesn't even have a plan (http://www.wwltv.com/story/news/local/orleans/2015/10/21/two-years-later-ccc-toll-plazas-remain/74344420/) in place to take the gantry down.

And this is a problem why?

Probably because there are too many lanes still open through the toll plaza when it doesn't need to be.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: pctech on October 22, 2015, 01:54:29 PM
Not holding my breath only any improvements to I-10 in Baton Rouge. However i'm sure we'll plenty of more studies. Consultants will be happy however!
I was in Denver about 3 weeks ago, traffic on I-25 was very heavy (my friend compared it to the 405 in LA) however at no point did the freeway narrow down to one lane with a drop lane exit!  :spin:
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Grzrd on November 21, 2015, 09:20:25 AM
Quote from: Anthony_JK on September 10, 2015, 06:53:12 PM
LADOTD just released (http://wwwsp.dotd.la.gov/Inside_LaDOTD/Divisions/Multimodal/Transportation_Plan/Pages/default.aspx) their proposed 2015 Statewide Transportation Plan Update this week ....
The full listing of megaprojects can be found here (http://wwwsp.dotd.la.gov/Inside_LaDOTD/Divisions/Multimodal/Transportation_Plan/2015_Statewide_Transportation_Plan/07_Megaprojects.pdf). (pdf file, use either Adobe or Foxit PDF Reader)

LaDOTD has issued a November 19 Announcement (http://wwwapps.dotd.la.gov/administration/announcements/Announcement.aspx?key=9195) that the Louisiana Transportation Policy Committee has unanimously voted to accept LaDOTD's Statewide Transportation Plan.  The announcement does not mention any changes to the proposed plan.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on December 15, 2015, 10:42:34 PM
DOTD has a proposal for four-laning (http://www.wwltv.com/story/news/local/northshore/2015/12/15/proposed-slidell-bridge-road-expansion-gets-mixed-reaction/77388658/) US 11 from Gause Blvd./US 190 to I-12, including the replacement of the bridge over the N-S Railroad. The proposal also has changes to several intersections, which doesn't please city leaders and some residents.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Darkchylde on December 15, 2015, 10:57:06 PM
The need for capacity is there, no question. It's going to suck when the bridge over the railroad goes, though. The thing's so old, it's got markings from the state's original numbering system - when the route was "State Route 2," way back before first US 90, and then later US 11 was routed on the road.

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D2fLsNpmJ54/SjBgd1yTalI/AAAAAAAAFgg/Xqi8EkppqOk/s640-Ic42/IMG_0174.JPG)

Quality's not the best, but you can see what I mean there.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Anthony_JK on December 29, 2015, 01:23:17 PM
More big news in Baton Rouge: LADOTD just released the Tier 1 Final EIS on the proposed Baton Rouge Loop tollway.


The links for all the FEIS documents can be found here (http://wwwsp.dotd.la.gov/Inside_LaDOTD/Divisions/Engineering/Environmental/Pages/default.aspx?RootFolder=%2FInside_LaDOTD%2FDivisions%2FEngineering%2FEnvironmental%2FDocuments%2FH%2E005201%20Baton%20Rouge%20Loop&FolderCTID=0x012000C055341479DCD84E95C80E77E7755A9A&View=%7B993143B3-FC7F-4567-86C2-C8EE52788C8D%7D).


The preferred alternative is a full loop around BTR consisting of three phases:


1) North Section: Starts at I-10 west of Lobdell; goes north to US 190/Airline Highway, then overlays/upgrades Airline Highway/US 190/US 61 (including a possible upgrade of the current "Old Mississippi River" Bridge or a new bridge span) to the Plank Road interchange with Airline Hwy.; then diverts NE'wrd along Plank Road for about 1/2 mile before breaking eastward on new terrain alignment just south of Central and north of I-12 and US 190 north of Denham Springs and Walker; before rejoining I-12 just east of Walker.


2) South Section: Starts at same terminus with I-10/North Section, procedes south across the Intercoastal Waterway, then SE to LA 1 near Addis to a new southern crossing of the Mississippi River just south of Addis; then generally along Gardere to connect with I-10 west of Gonzales.


3) East Section: Connects I-10 south of Gonzales with the eastern terminus of the North Section at I-12.


Obviously, this is only to establish the corridors that would be further analyzed in the Tier 2 EIS process, and there's no money as of yet for construction. Although, the North Section of the loop is scheduled as Priority B under LADOTD's recently ratified State Transportation Plan.


Here's a map showing the preferred alternative (in yellow) and other alternatives that were rejected (in red):


(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi68.tinypic.com%2F34pi5uw.jpg&hash=6795cd7ea7a8f16456e6957a2fd4519e23291b35)


This is totally independent of the study now ongoing regarding widening I-10 through Baton Rouge.


Personally, I'd prefer upgrading Airline Highway between LA 415 and I-12 with a connection to I-10 west of BTR (the current BUMP proposal) combined with a southern bypass of I-10; pushing into the future a widening of I-10, twinspanning the New Mississippi River bridge, and reworking the I-10/I-110 Split interchange to allow for at least three lanes of through traffic for I-10 in each direction. But, that's only me.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on December 29, 2015, 01:49:43 PM
Quote from: Anthony_JK on December 29, 2015, 01:23:17 PM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi68.tinypic.com%2F34pi5uw.jpg&hash=6795cd7ea7a8f16456e6957a2fd4519e23291b35)

Is there a larger version of this map available?

I happened to notice that DOTD is working on a potential interchange for I-12 at LA 16 (Pete's Highway) (http://peteshighway.com/) in Denham Springs. Is this interchange really necessary? I pass through that area frequently, and I don't see the need for it.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Anthony_JK on December 29, 2015, 04:43:00 PM
I grafted the image off the Tier 1 FEIS document; you might find a bigger image there.


The Pete's Highway interchange at I-12 was first advanced by the City of Denham Springs, so I figure they thought it was needed to add a second access route for that city to handle the explosive growth there.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on December 29, 2015, 05:33:26 PM
Quote from: Anthony_JK on December 29, 2015, 04:43:00 PM
The Pete's Highway interchange at I-12 was first advanced by the City of Denham Springs, so I figure they thought it was needed to add a second access route for that city to handle the explosive growth there.

Third (Juban Rd). Of course the city will advance it themselves since they directly benefit from it. If they feel that way they can pay for it themselves. Or improve Juban Rd. so that they can move more traffic around the city. (I don't know the details but I believe an effort to improve Juban Rd. is already in progress.)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on February 20, 2016, 11:13:34 PM
Two things:

Widening of La. 21/South Tyler Street (http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/02/widening_of_south_tyler_in_cov.html#incart_river_index) in Covington is slated to be finished in 2017.


Ramp meters (http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2016/02/pontchartrain_expressway_ramp.html) on the Pontchartrain Expressway in downtown New Orleans are slated to go into effect next month.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: The Ghostbuster on February 23, 2016, 04:59:10 PM
Back to the Baton Rouge Loop tollway, I know this is almost two months later, but I assumed the Loop Toll Road was dead.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on March 17, 2016, 11:27:44 PM
They're almost done with the reconstruction of the I-12/US 51 Bus/Railroad Avenue interchange and the Railroad Avenue/Club Deluxe Road intersection in Hammond. They're putting in three traffic circles at the former signalized intersections.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on March 18, 2016, 08:20:12 AM
Quote from: brownpelican on March 17, 2016, 11:27:44 PM
They're almost done with the reconstruction of the I-12/US 51 Bus/Railroad Avenue interchange and the Railroad Avenue/Club Deluxe Road intersection in Hammond. They're putting in three traffic circles at the former signalized intersections.

I sure hope that they are "almost" done. The work looks incomplete.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on April 26, 2016, 01:52:43 PM
According to Congressman Garret Graves (R-La., Baton Rouge), the capital city has the worst traffic in the country.

http://theadvocate.com/news/15594132-123/congressman-garrett-graves-calls-cats-a-disaster-talks-transportation-issues (http://theadvocate.com/news/15594132-123/congressman-garrett-graves-calls-cats-a-disaster-talks-transportation-issues)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: The Ghostbuster on April 26, 2016, 03:42:31 PM
I thought it was Los Angeles that had the country's worst traffic.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: pctech on May 18, 2016, 12:09:42 PM
Is Garret going to come up with a lot of $$$$$ for traffic issues here? I wouldn't hold my breath. :-D
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on June 11, 2016, 02:50:59 PM
Gov. Edwards jas created a task force (http://theadvocate.com/news/16068124-93/edwards-announces-task-force-to-come-up-with-transportation-solutions) to deal with the state's transportation backlog. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson is co-chair with Edwards naming the other one later. Recommendations are due by Jan. 1, 2017, which may become part of that year's legislative agenda.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on June 13, 2016, 08:45:47 AM
Work begins today to remove the toll structure (http://www.wwltv.com/traffic/traffic-changes-as-ccc-toll-booths-come-down/239363404) at the Crescent City Connection. Construction should be wrapped up by October, weather permitting.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Henry on June 13, 2016, 04:54:41 PM
Quote from: brownpelican on April 26, 2016, 01:52:43 PM
According to Congressman Garret Graves (R-La., Baton Rouge), the capital city has the worst traffic in the country.

http://theadvocate.com/news/15594132-123/congressman-garrett-graves-calls-cats-a-disaster-talks-transportation-issues (http://theadvocate.com/news/15594132-123/congressman-garrett-graves-calls-cats-a-disaster-talks-transportation-issues)
Sounds like complete, utter BS.

Quote from: The Ghostbuster on April 26, 2016, 03:42:31 PM
I thought it was Los Angeles that had the country's worst traffic.
Exactly.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on June 13, 2016, 05:20:11 PM
Quote from: Henry on June 13, 2016, 04:54:41 PM
Sounds like complete, utter BS.

Have you driven in it? I did just this morning.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: froggie on June 14, 2016, 08:42:53 AM
I have.  And I would not rank Baton Rouge as "the worst traffic in the country".  Not by a longshot.  That statement was very much a political point attempt by the Congressman.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on July 01, 2016, 09:37:01 AM
A TP columnist gives a good rant (http://www.nola.com/opinions/baton-rouge/index.ssf/2016/06/louisiana_roads_traffic_mess.html#incart_river_index) about Louisiana's interstate highways, which are some of the worst in the country, one group says.

But we all knew that, right?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on July 05, 2016, 08:04:34 PM
The state has received a $60 million FASTLANE grant (http://theadvocate.com/news/16315102-37/louisiana-to-receive-60-million-federal-grant-for-atchafalaya-basin-and-washington-street-exit-proje) from the feds to resurface and add a lane on I-10 between I-49 and the Atchafalaya Basin bridge. State money that would have gone toward this project will now go toward the relocation of the Washington Street exit on I-10 East.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on July 06, 2016, 10:46:54 PM
Crossed the Basin today. The state has replaced the perfectly-good Clearview signs at the feet of the bridge (https://www.google.com/maps/@30.3232435,-91.7922866,3a,37.5y,110.59h,84.89t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sV_r1DjeIt6LqOh-ULaHN9w!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!6m1!1e1) with FWHA equivalents. I'm very disappointed that Louisiana is actually listening to the feds and abandoning Clearview. (I do see evidence that they have finally learned some lessons about making good-looking signage, but too late.)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: codyg1985 on July 07, 2016, 07:22:22 AM
At least replace the signs after they wear out, not if they are brand new.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on July 20, 2016, 08:32:52 AM
Another toll raise (http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2016/07/causeway_tolls_may_rise_to_fun.html#incart_river_index) on the Causeway? It may be done to fund all the safety work they wanna do.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on August 11, 2016, 12:46:56 AM
The Causeway Commission voted Wednesday night  to increase the tolls (http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/08/causeway_commission_considers.html#incart_2box_nola_river_orleans_news), which will go toward safety improvements on the bridge, including higher railings and shoulder sections. Toll tags will increase to $3 and cash customers will see the rate go up to $5.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on September 14, 2016, 04:08:08 PM
Gov. Edwards announced a plan to widen Interstate 10 (http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ssf/2016/09/i-10_widening_planned_for_e_ba.html#incart_river_index) from Highland Road in Baton Rouge to Jefferson Highway (La. 73) in Ascension Parish. Work could begin in a year.

Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: wriddle082 on September 19, 2016, 12:21:57 AM
Been working in the Baton Rouge area the past few weeks, and unfortunately have had to commute in from Hammond or Covington due to pretty much no hotel vacancies anywhere in East Baton Rouge or Livingston Parishes.

A co-worker told me the other day that either the city of Walker or Denham Springs, or both, is/are considering suing the DOTD, claiming that the 6' tall barrier wall on I-12 created a dam during the recent floods that held the flood waters in their cities, not allowing them to naturally flow away, and thus aggravating the disaster in the cities.

Through my travels in the area, I've seen the flood waters have affected many areas.  From the north side of Baton Rouge in East Baton Rouge Parish, to pretty much most areas of Livingston Parish, as well as many areas of Ascension Parish, well south of I-12.  So not many areas were immune west of I-55, east/northeast of US 61, or south of the Livingston/St. Helena Parish line.

*BUT* yesterday afternoon I did notice that the barrier along I-12 didn't have drainage culverts next to it except at bridges, and the pavement appeared to be crowned at the barrier and sloping towards either outside shoulder.  So did DOTD design the recent I-12 widening projects with no drainage culvert underneath the barrier wall?

Also, I have to say, most of the inside lane of I-12 in Baton Rouge proper in both directions, which are concrete and may date back to the 80's, are in deplorable condition!  Lots of asphalt patches all over the place.  The middle and outside lanes (possibly original concrete) seem to be a little bit better, but not by much.  I'm wondering if they're planning on adding a fourth lane in each direction in this area, or at least asphalting over all of it, sometime in the near future?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on September 19, 2016, 01:22:34 AM
I would assume that the drainage system in Denham Springs was designed around bringing water to the Amite River. The area received an enormous amount of rain in a short time, and it all went into the Amite watershed.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on October 10, 2016, 05:51:53 PM
https://youtu.be/8i0qaekBs3Q

Has anyone else seen this? I thought it was cool.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on October 10, 2016, 09:55:14 PM
Watching the make signs is cool. Watching them make those hideous post-Clearview signs that are popping up everywhere is not.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on October 10, 2016, 10:06:55 PM
Quote from: jbnv on October 10, 2016, 09:55:14 PM
Watching the make signs is cool. Watching them make those hideous post-Clearview signs that are popping up everywhere is not.

Amen! Has anyone ever seen the DOTD...or any other highway department...do a partial replacement of an extruded sheet sign? It has been nothing but total sign replacents as far as I have seen.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on October 11, 2016, 09:41:53 PM
If all of the signs are made in the shop in Baton Rouge, why is there so much fluctuation among state-highway shields?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on October 11, 2016, 10:11:31 PM
Quote from: jbnv on October 11, 2016, 09:41:53 PM
If all of the signs are made in the shop in Baton Rouge, why is there so much fluctuation among state-highway shields?

As in why do some shields have peeling digits and some don't? Good question.

My question...is black sheeting really cheaper than green? It may be, but if they cut back the amount of black ordered...or change vendors?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Brian556 on October 14, 2016, 02:14:19 AM
Did you touch the sign to see if it is black film or screen print ink? In Texas, they screen print route marker signs without the number, and add in the number later with black film.

I personally dislike black film because it deteriorates and curls up way before the sheeting deteriorates
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on October 14, 2016, 11:45:35 AM
Looks like the blank is screen-printed and the number is film.

Whatever they use for the numbers, it doesn't work very well.

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3951/15558262608_bbfdea96b2.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/pGQar3)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on October 14, 2016, 04:04:11 PM
I checked my new addition to my collection awhile ago. It is screenprint with cut-film numbers applied. I have noticed lately that some bridge weight-posted signs have peeling numbers as well. I'll try to get pics soon.

Anyone know how the screenprinting technique works & what they use?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: formulanone on October 16, 2016, 10:51:29 AM
Quote from: jbnv on October 14, 2016, 11:45:35 AM
Looks like the blank is screen-printed and the number is film.

Whatever they use for the numbers, it doesn't work very well.

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3951/15558262608_bbfdea96b2.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/pGQar3)

Quote from: Brian556 on October 14, 2016, 02:14:19 AM
Did you touch the sign to see if it is black film or screen print ink? In Texas, they screen print route marker signs without the number, and add in the number later with black film.

I personally dislike black film because it deteriorates and curls up way before the sheeting deteriorates

Texas has this widespread problem of peeling text; I think going back to physically hand-painting the number would last a lot longer and be less resource-wasteful in the process.

Interestingly, I don't see as many peeling numbers on FM and RRs compared to SH, Loop, Spur, and US routes.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on October 16, 2016, 10:59:53 AM
Quote from: formulanone on October 16, 2016, 10:51:29 AM
Texas has this widespread problem of peeling text; I think going back to physically hand-painting the number would last a lot longer and be less resource-wasteful in the process.

With today's printing technology, hand-painting shouldn't be necessary.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: sparker on October 16, 2016, 06:59:20 PM
Quote from: jbnv on October 16, 2016, 10:59:53 AM
Quote from: formulanone on October 16, 2016, 10:51:29 AM
Texas has this widespread problem of peeling text; I think going back to physically hand-painting the number would last a lot longer and be less resource-wasteful in the process.

With today's printing technology, hand-painting shouldn't be necessary.
It seems the concept here is to stock blank signs at district/regional corporate yards, with stick-on film numbers applied as needed for signage replacement or addition.  Out here in CA Caltrans does this -- and by and large someone needs to teach the district employees how to assemble a sign with properly placed and kerned numbers.  I would guess that in LA, with its high humidity levels, the adhesive backing of stick-on numbering would give way much sooner than out this way.  Nevertheless, I don't think that in general highway departments would give up the flexibility afforded by the adhesive-number method -- including the ability to re-use the basic signs -- for more permanent number application such as printing or painting.


Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on October 16, 2016, 08:21:28 PM
Quote from: sparker on October 16, 2016, 06:59:20 PM
Quote from: jbnv on October 16, 2016, 10:59:53 AM
Quote from: formulanone on October 16, 2016, 10:51:29 AM
Texas has this widespread problem of peeling text; I think going back to physically hand-painting the number would last a lot longer and be less resource-wasteful in the process.

With today's printing technology, hand-painting shouldn't be necessary.
It seems the concept here is to stock blank signs at district/regional corporate yards, with stick-on film numbers applied as needed for signage replacement or addition.  Out here in CA Caltrans does this -- and by and large someone needs to teach the district employees how to assemble a sign with properly placed and kerned numbers.  I would guess that in LA, with its high humidity levels, the adhesive backing of stick-on numbering would give way much sooner than out this way.  Nevertheless, I don't think that in general highway departments would give up the flexibility afforded by the adhesive-number method -- including the ability to re-use the basic signs -- for more permanent number application such as printing or painting.

LADOTD has been making signs all these years & this is the first time I have seen peeling digits. I think it's the new materials they have been using lately.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on October 16, 2016, 10:37:09 PM
Quote from: sparker on October 16, 2016, 06:59:20 PM
Quote from: jbnv on October 16, 2016, 10:59:53 AM
Quote from: formulanone on October 16, 2016, 10:51:29 AM
Texas has this widespread problem of peeling text; I think going back to physically hand-painting the number would last a lot longer and be less resource-wasteful in the process.

With today's printing technology, hand-painting shouldn't be necessary.
It seems the concept here is to stock blank signs at district/regional corporate yards, with stick-on film numbers applied as needed for signage replacement or addition.  Out here in CA Caltrans does this -- and by and large someone needs to teach the district employees how to assemble a sign with properly placed and kerned numbers.  I would guess that in LA, with its high humidity levels, the adhesive backing of stick-on numbering would give way much sooner than out this way.  Nevertheless, I don't think that in general highway departments would give up the flexibility afforded by the adhesive-number method -- including the ability to re-use the basic signs -- for more permanent number application such as printing or painting.

Let's compare:

Consistency:
Sticking or hand-painting: Poor.
Printing: Great.

Cost:
Sticking or hand-painting: Low.
Printing: Perhaps substantial up-front to buy printing machines.* Materials for each sign should be low.

Convenience:
Sticking: Pick up a blank, pick up numbers, apply numbers to blank.
Hand-painting: Pick up a blank. Get the paint and the appropriate stencil. Paint the numbers. Don't touch the thing while it dries.
Printing: Tell a computer program the blank and the number. Feed blank into printer. Tell the program to go.

Looks like convenience is a wash. The consistency is a big sell, and perhaps the convenience, if the up-front cost doesn't scare away the buyer.

* There's an opportunity for printer makers to make printers specifically for printing route shields. Figure about 400 sites across the U.S. and Canada. With at least two machines on each site, that's a domestic market of 800 machines. Could such a machine be produced at a low-enough price point to make cost a non-factor for state, provincial and local DOTs?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: formulanone on October 17, 2016, 09:07:00 AM
Quote from: jbnv on October 16, 2016, 10:59:53 AM
With today's printing technology, hand-painting shouldn't be necessary.

With today's technology, crap production values aren't necessary, either.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: bassoon1986 on October 17, 2016, 11:37:21 AM
I am making a spreadsheet of all the Louisiana state highways and their distances to see how much I have traveled within the state. I'm using a combination of the state log posted on aaroads and the Wikipedia list because parts of that seem to be more updated as I compare highway mileage on Google maps.

Can any of the other Louisianians tell me anything about LA 182-2? It's on the Wikipedia page but with no descriptions. I know about 182-1, but I'm trying to figure out if 182-2 exists or if it is a proposed route.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Alex on October 17, 2016, 02:39:49 PM
Quote from: bassoon1986 on October 17, 2016, 11:37:21 AM
I am making a spreadsheet of all the Louisiana state highways and their distances to see how much I have traveled within the state. I'm using a combination of the state log posted on aaroads and the Wikipedia list because parts of that seem to be more updated as I compare highway mileage on Google maps.

I tried to get an updated log from LADOTD in 2007 to update the site then but was told no. Guess I found the right person back in 2003.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on October 17, 2016, 06:36:38 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on October 14, 2016, 04:04:11 PM
I checked my new addition to my collection awhile ago. It is screenprint with cut-film numbers applied. I have noticed lately that some bridge weight-posted signs have peeling numbers as well. I'll try to get pics soon.

Here are the bridge posting signs I was referring to that also had peeling digits.

(https://c6.staticflickr.com/9/8567/29762723613_c6bf45607e.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Mm2JP8)20161017_134636 (https://flic.kr/p/Mm2JP8) by Jess Kilgore (https://www.flickr.com/photos/130771900@N08/), on Flickr

(https://c6.staticflickr.com/6/5626/29762724653_790d71c80d.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Mm2K84)20161017_134759 (https://flic.kr/p/Mm2K84) by Jess Kilgore (https://www.flickr.com/photos/130771900@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on October 22, 2016, 01:46:56 AM
Quote from: jbnv on October 11, 2016, 09:41:53 PM
If all of the signs are made in the shop in Baton Rouge, why is there so much fluctuation among state-highway shields?

Each district decides on the appearance of its signs.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on October 22, 2016, 01:48:43 AM
Quote from: cjk374 on October 11, 2016, 10:11:31 PM
My question...is black sheeting really cheaper than green? It may be, but if they cut back the amount of black ordered...or change vendors?

Yes, black is cheaper than green.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on October 22, 2016, 06:42:48 PM
Quote from: brownpelican on October 22, 2016, 01:46:56 AM
Quote from: jbnv on October 11, 2016, 09:41:53 PM
If all of the signs are made in the shop in Baton Rouge, why is there so much fluctuation among state-highway shields?

Each district decides on the appearance of its signs.

Then people in certain districts need to be slapped. (Such as whoever in Baton Rouge decided to put a wide gap in between digits.)

Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on October 27, 2016, 04:46:38 PM
Texas goal posts have made their way to north Louisiana. Is this the first time ever or just my first time seeing it?

(https://c3.staticflickr.com/6/5488/30488290602_7e6ff39ca8.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Ns9sAN)20161027_143015 (https://flic.kr/p/Ns9sAN) by Jess Kilgore (https://www.flickr.com/photos/130771900@N08/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on October 28, 2016, 08:10:20 AM
Not the first altogether (example (https://www.google.com/maps/@30.4803224,-90.2440376,3a,75y,305.85h,89.06t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s7p3EBR_Hja2NWfl7Nzobbg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656)), but maybe the first in north Louisiana.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cenlaroads on November 03, 2016, 09:17:52 PM
Quote from: bassoon1986 on October 17, 2016, 11:37:21 AM
I am making a spreadsheet of all the Louisiana state highways and their distances to see how much I have traveled within the state. I'm using a combination of the state log posted on aaroads and the Wikipedia list because parts of that seem to be more updated as I compare highway mileage on Google maps.

Can any of the other Louisianians tell me anything about LA 182-2? It's on the Wikipedia page but with no descriptions. I know about 182-1, but I'm trying to figure out if 182-2 exists or if it is a proposed route.

I know from experience that the mileage for LA 15 is incorrect on the AARoads log, which says that the mileage is 264.56.  Wikipedia says 194.52, which is accurate from what I remember when I drove it and checked it on Google maps.  I have my own spreadsheet like the one you mention, but only with state routes I have clinched.  I usually just used the AARoads log mileage though, unless it was obviously incorrect.

I am not aware of any hyphenated routes for LA 182.  Where is LA 182-1?  If I discover 182-2 I will let you know.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on November 04, 2016, 12:00:46 AM
Maybe DOTD split LA 182 like they did LA 602 in Richland Parish?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Alex on November 04, 2016, 12:38:24 PM
Quote from: cenlaroads on November 03, 2016, 09:17:52 PM
Quote from: bassoon1986 on October 17, 2016, 11:37:21 AM
I am making a spreadsheet of all the Louisiana state highways and their distances to see how much I have traveled within the state. I'm using a combination of the state log posted on aaroads and the Wikipedia list because parts of that seem to be more updated as I compare highway mileage on Google maps.

Can any of the other Louisianians tell me anything about LA 182-2? It's on the Wikipedia page but with no descriptions. I know about 182-1, but I'm trying to figure out if 182-2 exists or if it is a proposed route.

I know from experience that the mileage for LA 15 is incorrect on the AARoads log, which says that the mileage is 264.56.  Wikipedia says 194.52, which is accurate from what I remember when I drove it and checked it on Google maps.  I have my own spreadsheet like the one you mention, but only with state routes I have clinched.  I usually just used the AARoads log mileage though, unless it was obviously incorrect.

I am not aware of any hyphenated routes for LA 182.  Where is LA 182-1?  If I discover 182-2 I will let you know.

FWIW, I typed up the Louisiana Route Log on the site back in 2003.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cenlaroads on November 04, 2016, 10:09:49 PM
Quote from: Alex on November 04, 2016, 12:38:24 PM
Quote from: cenlaroads on November 03, 2016, 09:17:52 PM
Quote from: bassoon1986 on October 17, 2016, 11:37:21 AM
I am making a spreadsheet of all the Louisiana state highways and their distances to see how much I have traveled within the state. I'm using a combination of the state log posted on aaroads and the Wikipedia list because parts of that seem to be more updated as I compare highway mileage on Google maps.

Can any of the other Louisianians tell me anything about LA 182-2? It's on the Wikipedia page but with no descriptions. I know about 182-1, but I'm trying to figure out if 182-2 exists or if it is a proposed route.

I know from experience that the mileage for LA 15 is incorrect on the AARoads log, which says that the mileage is 264.56.  Wikipedia says 194.52, which is accurate from what I remember when I drove it and checked it on Google maps.  I have my own spreadsheet like the one you mention, but only with state routes I have clinched.  I usually just used the AARoads log mileage though, unless it was obviously incorrect.

I am not aware of any hyphenated routes for LA 182.  Where is LA 182-1?  If I discover 182-2 I will let you know.

FWIW, I typed up the Louisiana Route Log on the site back in 2003.

Did you get the route info from Louisiana DOTD?  The 264.56 mile figure was probably just a mistake in their data.  There haven't been any route changes for LA 15 that would have shortened the route by that much.  I think that is the only error I have noticed.  Any other differences are probably the result of route changes.

By the way, I hope you didn't have to manually type in the mileage and endpoints for ~1200 routes.  Whether you did or not, thank you for making it.  Updated or not, it's a great resource.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Alex on November 04, 2016, 10:54:20 PM
Quote from: cenlaroads on November 04, 2016, 10:09:49 PM
Quote from: Alex on November 04, 2016, 12:38:24 PM
FWIW, I typed up the Louisiana Route Log on the site back in 2003.

Did you get the route info from Louisiana DOTD?  The 264.56 mile figure was probably just a mistake in their data.  There haven't been any route changes for LA 15 that would have shortened the route by that much.  I think that is the only error I have noticed.  Any other differences are probably the result of route changes.

Yes, the contact I emailed at LADOTD back then sent me a large excel spreadsheet with the information. I still may have it on disc around here somewhere.

Quote from: cenlaroads on November 04, 2016, 10:09:49 PM
By the way, I hope you didn't have to manually type in the mileage and endpoints for ~1200 routes.  Whether you did or not, thank you for making it.  Updated or not, it's a great resource.

That's exactly what I did. Was so long ago I cannot remember how long it took, but it wasn't fast. Glad you and others found it useful.

At that time there were still a good number of road websites out there. Adam F had Mississippi covered and there was an old school Alabama page online too. Florida had some coverage via Rob D and SPUI, so that left Louisiana with very little online. Figured with as often as I got there, and it having no route log, why not create one.

Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on November 11, 2016, 12:12:35 PM
DOTD has unveiled a proposal to construct an exit ramp to Terrace Avenue on I-110 South in downtown Baton Rouge.

http://wwwapps.dotd.la.gov/administration/public_info/projects/home.aspx?key=100 (http://wwwapps.dotd.la.gov/administration/public_info/projects/home.aspx?key=100)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on November 11, 2016, 02:28:35 PM
Quote from: brownpelican on November 11, 2016, 12:12:35 PM
DOTD has unveiled a proposal to construct an exit ramp to Terrace Avenue on I-110 South in downtown Baton Rouge.

http://wwwapps.dotd.la.gov/administration/public_info/projects/home.aspx?key=100 (http://wwwapps.dotd.la.gov/administration/public_info/projects/home.aspx?key=100)

Interesting. In addition to the benefits that they mention, having this new exit also makes it easier to condemn the Washington Street exit for the sake of widening I-10 eastbound in that area.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: apjung on December 28, 2016, 04:02:13 AM
Quote from: cjk374 on October 10, 2016, 10:06:55 PM
Quote from: jbnv on October 10, 2016, 09:55:14 PM
Watching the make signs is cool. Watching them make those hideous post-Clearview signs that are popping up everywhere is not.

Amen! Has anyone ever seen the DOTD...or any other highway department...do a partial replacement of an extruded sheet sign? It has been nothing but total sign replacents as far as I have seen.

Well, this sign usually get hit by overheight trucks and I've see the bottom section get knocked off and then replaced.
https://goo.gl/maps/Xx3P6odf5HP2
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on December 28, 2016, 04:11:56 PM
Quote from: apjung on December 28, 2016, 04:02:13 AM
Quote from: cjk374 on October 10, 2016, 10:06:55 PM
Quote from: jbnv on October 10, 2016, 09:55:14 PM
Watching the make signs is cool. Watching them make those hideous post-Clearview signs that are popping up everywhere is not.

Amen! Has anyone ever seen the DOTD...or any other highway department...do a partial replacement of an extruded sheet sign? It has been nothing but total sign replacents as far as I have seen.

Well, this sign usually get hit by overheight trucks and I've see the bottom section get knocked off and then replaced.
https://goo.gl/maps/Xx3P6odf5HP2

This looks like a prime example of poor sign placement. Why can't they raise them up where the bottom of the sign is even with the bottom of the bridge?

They may need to put up warning signs a mile or 2 back warning of low...sign clearance.   :pan:  :banghead:
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: apjung on January 09, 2017, 10:17:01 AM
Quote from: cjk374 on December 28, 2016, 04:11:56 PM
Quote from: apjung on December 28, 2016, 04:02:13 AM
Quote from: cjk374 on October 10, 2016, 10:06:55 PM
Quote from: jbnv on October 10, 2016, 09:55:14 PM
Watching the make signs is cool. Watching them make those hideous post-Clearview signs that are popping up everywhere is not.

Amen! Has anyone ever seen the DOTD...or any other highway department...do a partial replacement of an extruded sheet sign? It has been nothing but total sign replacents as far as I have seen.

Well, this sign usually get hit by overheight trucks and I've see the bottom section get knocked off and then replaced.
https://goo.gl/maps/Xx3P6odf5HP2

This looks like a prime example of poor sign placement. Why can't they raise them up where the bottom of the sign is even with the bottom of the bridge?

They may need to put up warning signs a mile or 2 back warning of low...sign clearance.   :pan:  :banghead:

I think the reason is that they don't want the Graffiti vandals tagging the back of the sign on the bridge.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on February 10, 2017, 11:00:21 PM
http://www.louisianabyways.com

I came across this website today while researching why they put a scenic by way sign here in my hometown.

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2584/32012220323_3b895971c4_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/QLNZPa)20170210_155845 (https://flic.kr/p/QLNZPa) by Jess Kilgore (https://www.flickr.com/photos/130771900@N08/), on Flickr

The site describing these byways is ok at best. On the US 80 site, the map points at Vicksburg saying that the Tallulah tourist info office is there.  :pan:  They also name the MS River bridge...next to Grant's Canal...as a thing to see, despite the fact that it has been closed to traffic for nearly 20 years now.

What do y'all think/say?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jasonh300 on February 11, 2017, 08:56:57 AM
Quote from: jbnv on October 14, 2016, 11:45:35 AM
Looks like the blank is screen-printed and the number is film.

Whatever they use for the numbers, it doesn't work very well.

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3951/15558262608_bbfdea96b2.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/pGQar3)

I know I'm a few months late to this discussion, but I used to own a sign company, and black (as well as white) vinyl is cheaper than colors.  Screen printing ink should cost about the same for black or any standard color, unless the old green signs were some odd specific color that had to be specially made or mixed.  But the green would have to be really expensive to make a big difference in cost, since the blanks appear to be screen printed in bulk, and it doesn't take a whole lot of ink to screen print a sign. 

There are bad runs of vinyl, where the adhesive doesn't stick well, or the vinyl shrinks more than normal and it comes loose around the edges.  The climate in Louisiana is especially hard on adhesive vinyl. 

I've seen a lot of Louisiana state shields with haphazardly applied numbers.  I assume that when the numbers start to peel, they just send someone out with some loose numbers to change them out.  They get on a ladder and just peel the old numbers off and smack the new ones back on there and you end up with a sign that looks like this.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FnL3VICs.png&hash=b8bbae07dd39c3a0f4d061a026291bbb530ac3e4)

I've been meaning to get some pictures of the badly numbered signs and put them all together in a photo gallery.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on February 11, 2017, 12:09:21 PM
I have yet to see a DOTD employee on a step ladder doing anything about peeling numbers.

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5626/29762724653_790d71c80d.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Mm2K84)20161017_134759 (https://flic.kr/p/Mm2K84) by Jess Kilgore (https://www.flickr.com/photos/130771900@N08/), on Flickr

Even these have suffered peeling. But they would be more likely to fix/change these in the field than state route shields.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on February 11, 2017, 12:44:14 PM
Quote from: jasonh300 on February 11, 2017, 08:56:57 AM
I've been meaning to get some pictures of the badly numbered signs and put them all together in a photo gallery.

There are plenty of examples out there. Especially in Baton Rouge and parts of metro New Orleans.

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8418/30035714921_45597e648e_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/ML9TBP)
Ugly LA 39/47 Route Signs (https://flic.kr/p/ML9TBP) by Jay Bienvenu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/bienvenunet/), on Flickr

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5828/29491308383_a866d020c4_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/LW3Ewc)
LA 50 Route Sign (https://flic.kr/p/LW3Ewc) by Jay Bienvenu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/bienvenunet/), on Flickr

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5815/29906948791_39e26cab0b_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/MyLVW8)
JCT LA 37-3034-64 (https://flic.kr/p/MyLVW8) by Jay Bienvenu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/bienvenunet/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: sparker on February 11, 2017, 03:25:27 PM
Quote from: jbnv on February 11, 2017, 12:44:14 PM
Quote from: jasonh300 on February 11, 2017, 08:56:57 AM
I've been meaning to get some pictures of the badly numbered signs and put them all together in a photo gallery.

There are plenty of examples out there. Especially in Baton Rouge and parts of metro New Orleans.

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8418/30035714921_45597e648e_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/ML9TBP)
Ugly LA 39/47 Route Signs (https://flic.kr/p/ML9TBP) by Jay Bienvenu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/bienvenunet/), on Flickr

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5828/29491308383_a866d020c4_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/LW3Ewc)
LA 50 Route Sign (https://flic.kr/p/LW3Ewc) by Jay Bienvenu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/bienvenunet/), on Flickr

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5815/29906948791_39e26cab0b_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/MyLVW8)
JCT LA 37-3034-64 (https://flic.kr/p/MyLVW8) by Jay Bienvenu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/bienvenunet/), on Flickr

This LADot district must be in a contest with Caltrans' District 4 (my home base) for the worst-fabbed state shields in existence!  So far, it's pretty close to dead even!
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on February 17, 2017, 12:55:11 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on October 11, 2016, 10:11:31 PM
Quote from: jbnv on October 11, 2016, 09:41:53 PM
If all of the signs are made in the shop in Baton Rouge, why is there so much fluctuation among state-highway shields?

As in why do some shields have peeling digits and some don't? Good question.

My question...is black sheeting really cheaper than green? It may be, but if they cut back the amount of black ordered...or change vendors?

As in that and as in why newer signs in the New Orleans area have white borders around the edge while signs going up in other districts do not.

https://www.google.com/maps/@29.9382585,-90.0502717,3a,37.5y,325.58h,78.07t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sVpUSlLmiHUeq0ExSW9cc4A!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

https://www.google.com/maps/@29.9379136,-90.0505779,3a,75y,84.83h,64.26t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sff1AS6jTJuJ502x5y3xgGA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on February 17, 2017, 03:15:03 PM
Observation: The two signs below are on the Westbank. All of the signs I posted just above are east of the river.

Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on February 17, 2017, 12:55:11 PM
As in that and as in why newer signs in the New Orleans area have white borders around the edge while signs going up in other districts do not.

https://www.google.com/maps/@29.9382585,-90.0502717,3a,37.5y,325.58h,78.07t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sVpUSlLmiHUeq0ExSW9cc4A!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

https://www.google.com/maps/@29.9379136,-90.0505779,3a,75y,84.83h,64.26t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sff1AS6jTJuJ502x5y3xgGA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jasonh300 on April 13, 2017, 10:04:49 PM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on February 17, 2017, 12:55:11 PM
As in that and as in why newer signs in the New Orleans area have white borders around the edge while signs going up in other districts do not.

https://www.google.com/maps/@29.9382585,-90.0502717,3a,37.5y,325.58h,78.07t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sVpUSlLmiHUeq0ExSW9cc4A!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

https://www.google.com/maps/@29.9379136,-90.0505779,3a,75y,84.83h,64.26t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sff1AS6jTJuJ502x5y3xgGA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

I'll have to pay closer attention to that.  The roundabout there is only a few years old, but I think the signs are newer.  I drive through there about once a week, and I recently noticed those signs as being a bit odd, but mostly because they're wider than they are tall, rather than square.  Now that I'm seeing the white borders, that also makes them look unusual.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on May 17, 2017, 10:12:19 AM
The last bit of widening for I-12 is about to begin.

http://wwwapps.dotd.la.gov/administration/announcements/Announcement.aspx?key=13744 (http://wwwapps.dotd.la.gov/administration/announcements/Announcement.aspx?key=13744)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on May 17, 2017, 10:14:51 AM
Quote from: jasonh300 on April 13, 2017, 10:04:49 PM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on February 17, 2017, 12:55:11 PM
As in that and as in why newer signs in the New Orleans area have white borders around the edge while signs going up in other districts do not.

https://www.google.com/maps/@29.9382585,-90.0502717,3a,37.5y,325.58h,78.07t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sVpUSlLmiHUeq0ExSW9cc4A!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

https://www.google.com/maps/@29.9379136,-90.0505779,3a,75y,84.83h,64.26t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sff1AS6jTJuJ502x5y3xgGA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

I'll have to pay closer attention to that.  The roundabout there is only a few years old, but I think the signs are newer.  I drive through there about once a week, and I recently noticed those signs as being a bit odd, but mostly because they're wider than they are tall, rather than square.  Now that I'm seeing the white borders, that also makes them look unusual.

I've seen the new borders on signs in Hammond and the Covington areas as well.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on May 17, 2017, 10:18:55 AM
Looks like there's a proposal to widen Collins Boulevard (US 190) in Covington. It's about time...the right of way is already available
http://wwwapps.dotd.la.gov/administration/public_info/projects/home.aspx?key=96 (http://wwwapps.dotd.la.gov/administration/public_info/projects/home.aspx?key=96)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Grzrd on May 17, 2017, 11:23:26 AM
Quote from: Dave H on March 29, 2017, 08:11:06 AM
Louisiana considering increasing gasoline tax.  While I am against increasing overall taxation, increasing the current 16 cents/gallon gas tax to something higher makes sense.  In fact, a graduated increase, say 5-10 cents a year over 2-4 years would work. 
http://www.thenewsstar.com/story/news/2017/03/27/la-residents-might-put-peddle-metal-gas-tax/99691082/
(above quote from I-69 in LA (and LA 3132/Shreveport Inner Loop Extension) (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=4510.msg2215064#msg2215064) thread)

This article (http://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/politics/legislature/article_a2b94c9e-39aa-11e7-adfa-cfcae5dfc150.htm) reports that, in a mild surprise, the proposed 17 cent gas tax hike cleared a House committee with bipartisan support. It has a long way to go, but appears to be gathering momentum:

Quote
Opening a late session controversy, a House panel Tuesday narrowly approved a bill that would raise Louisiana's gasoline tax by 17 cents per gallon, increasing state aid for roads and bridges by $510 million annually.
"It is time to act," Shawn Wilson, secretary for the state Department of Transportation and Development, told the Louisiana House Ways and Means Committee.
The committee approved the bill 9-7 after three hours of debate in a jammed committee room, with an unusual coalition of five Democrats and four Republicans teaming up to endorse the measure. The winning side included three GOP members from the always congested Baton Rouge area, a sign that geography can trump political party ....
It suddenly adds a high-profile topic to a session already engulfed in state financial problems and political bickering.
The session ends on June 8.
Supporters have to round up a two-thirds majority in the House — at least  70 votes — to send the issue to the state Senate, always a huge political challenge.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Anthony_JK on May 31, 2017, 06:03:27 AM
It looks now as if that momentum has been abruptly halted.


This story (http://www.theadvertiser.com/story/news/2017/05/30/last-gasp-gas-tax-hike/354828001/) from the Lafayette Advertiser says that the proposed 17-cent increase in the gas tax is essentially DOA due to rising opposition from the usual anti-tax conservatives, and will not make the 2/3rds majority needed for passage in the Louisiana House. And, an attempt at a reduced version of the gas tax increase won't go well, either.


Quote


Supporters of a gas tax hike (/story/news/2017/05/16/pedal­metal­panel­approves­gastax­hike/101741002/) are pitching an unleaded version that reduces the increase from 17 cents to 10 cents in a last­ditch, desperation effort to pass something in the House this week.


But even the latest version is a long shot to secure the two-­thirds approval needed for House Bill 632 by Rep. Steve Carter, R-­Baton Rouge.


And the anti­tax lobby Americans for Prosperity promised Tuesday it would coordinate an event in the district of every legislator who votes for the bill to call he or she out.


"Everything lawmakers have asked us to do we've accommodated, and it's still going to be an uphill battle to get a 'yes' vote," Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development Secretary Shawn Wilson said.


In fact, if Carter can't identify at least 75 yes votes he won't even bring it to the floor Wednesday for a vote. "They don't want members to bleed on a yes vote if it doesn't have a chance," Wilson said.


The existing state sales tax is 20 cents. It hasn't been raised since 1989.


In addition to reducing the increase from 17 cents to 10 cents, other adjustments include: removing language that would allow more increases tied to the Consumer Price Index; allowing 5 cents to roll off in 10 years; and tie its ultimate passage to constitutional amendments preventing the State Police from tapping the Transportation Trust Fund. At 10 cents the bill would generate $300 million annually rather than the $500 million 17 cents would provide.


"I think we can still have an impact but nowhere near what we could do with 17 cents," Wilson said. "I don't have confidence the 10 cents would maintain its value."


Half of the new tax would go toward funding mega projects. Among them: Interstate 49 in Acadiana; a southern bypass in Alexandria; a fourth Ouachita River bridge in Ouachita Parish; and building a new fourlane highway from I­20 to I­220 to connect both ends of I­49 in northwestern Louisiana.


Here's the breakdown of the rest of the money: $100 million for preservation; $10 million for routine highway maintenance; $20 million for local government assistance projects; and $20 million for multimodal projects.


Most acknowledge Louisiana's transportation infrastructure needs are great. The state earned a D+ grade in the American Society of Civil Engineers' Report Card.


But opponents said taxpayers are already overburdened and they don't trust the state to spend the money wisely.


"The Legislature already increased taxes last year more than any other state in the nation," said John Kay of Americans for Prosperity. "That combined with a jobs recession in Louisiana shows it's a bad time to raise taxes.


"We have laid down a marker on this tax and will hold any legislator accountable who votes for it." AFP paid the existing gas tax (a combined 38 cents in state and federal sales taxes) for 100 cars at Rende's convenience story on Airline Highway in Baton Rouge Tuesday as part of its campaign against the tax.


Wilson called the event "a stunt" on Twitter.


It is probably more likely if this tax fails that there will be little or no new construction or upgrades of Louisiana highways until the federal highway funding situation is resolved.


It's also more likely that a more conservative (read, right-wing) Louisiana Legislature will look at severe cuts in other areas, such as health care and education, as well as tolls and Public-Private Partnerships, to fund highway improvements. There is also talk of even more cutting of "operating costs" within LADOTD in order to free up money for highway projects.


Grover Norquist and his anti-government lobbyists win again.

Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on May 31, 2017, 01:38:38 PM
Johnboy and the Legislature should have considered that when they raised the sales tax to give benefits to their voting blocs. The public is pissed.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on June 15, 2017, 11:02:23 PM
Work has now started on the building of a new exit on I-20. It will be exit 83 at Tarbutton Rd. in Ruston.

A new Service Rd. extension has also started in Ruston. It is on the westbound side of I-20 and runs from the current-end of the existing road (North Service Rd. East) to the next overpass at Rough Edge Rd. There has been talk for almost 20 years about building a new exit for Rough Edge Rd. I believe it would be exit 89, and the talk was centered around making that exit serve as a way to get to the Ruston airport. If they did that, they would need a lot of trailblazer signs to guide people to the airport. Ruston's airport isn't served by any airline company...mostly just for business jets.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on June 30, 2017, 08:57:15 PM
Gov. Edwards used his line-item veto power to take out $77 million worth of projects from the $3.8 billion state construction budget passed during the special session earlier this month.

It involves 36 projects from around the state, including some road/highway projects.

http://www.wbrz.com/news/77-million-stripped-from-state-construction-budget (http://www.wbrz.com/news/77-million-stripped-from-state-construction-budget)


EDIT: The veto messages can be found here: http://legis.la.gov/archive/172ES/veto.htm (http://legis.la.gov/archive/172ES/veto.htm) See HB 2. Projects vetoed include:

Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on July 01, 2017, 06:54:37 PM
Quote from: brownpelican on June 30, 2017, 08:57:15 PM
Gov. Edwards used his line-item veto power to take out $77 million worth of projects from the $3.8 billion state construction budget passed during the special session earlier this month.

It involves 36 projects from around the state, including some road/highway projects.

http://www.wbrz.com/news/77-million-stripped-from-state-construction-budget (http://www.wbrz.com/news/77-million-stripped-from-state-construction-budget)


EDIT: The veto messages can be found here: http://legis.la.gov/archive/172ES/veto.htm (http://legis.la.gov/archive/172ES/veto.htm) See HB 2. Projects vetoed include:


  • $7,560,100 for LA 930 Reconstruction (Ascension).
  • $9,650,000 for LA 64 Capacity Improvements (LA 1019 to LA 16) Planning and Construction (Livingston Parish).
  • $433,400 for Wiles Road and Kountry Komer Road Reconstruction, Planning and Construction.(Caldwell).
  • $200,000 for Iberia Parish Highway 90 West Drainage Improvements (Iberia).
  • $1,990,000 for Airline Drive (US 61) at 17th Street Canal Drainage Crossing Railroad Bridge Replacement, Planning and Construction (Jefferson).
  • $495,000 for Roadway Reconstruction, Planning and Construction (Winn).
  • $110,000 for Anacoco Street Rehabilitation - Liles Road and East Road, Planning and Construction (Vemon).
  • $2,660,000 for Five Lane Road Extension from Highway 675 to Highway 3212, Planning and Construction (Iberia).
  • $245,000 for Rehabilitate LA Hwy 182 from US 90 to LA Hwy 89, Planning and Construction (Lafayette).
  • $2,240,000 for Three-Lane LA 182 in the City of Broussard, Planning and Construction ($750,000 Match) (Lafayette).
  • $1,000,000 for Verot School Road, Construction (Lafayette).
  • $1,200,000 for LA Highway 616 (Caldwell Road to LA Highway 143), Planning and Construction (Ouachita).


I had no idea that the governor had line-item veto. Very interesting.

It appears that, except for the projects involving US 61, US 90 & LA 182, he seems to have vetoed projects involving lesser LA highways.

I have seen LA 616. It is a busy street in West Monroe. What about the other roads vetoed? Are these major routes?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on July 01, 2017, 09:47:51 PM
Verot School Road is a state highway and already under construction for expansion. Broussard has grown tremendously in the last decade or so and I suspect the changes in and near it are needed.

Edwards is from rural Tangipahoa Parish. None of the items that he vetoed are for Tangipahoa. Edwards has already shown favoritism. I suspect these vetoes are punishment for certain representatives or senators voting against him or his friends.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on July 01, 2017, 11:10:13 PM
La. 64 (Magnolia Bridge Rd) in western Livingston Parish is a busy thoroughfare/shortcut as it connects the Watson-Denham Springs area to Greenwell Springs Road. Many from Amite/northern Livingston take La. 64 or La. 1019 as a shortcut to Greenwell Springs Road to Baton Rouge or to Baker/Zachary.

I'm pretty sure the projects in Iberia Parish are in and around New Iberia.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on July 02, 2017, 03:12:13 PM
Quote from: brownpelican on July 01, 2017, 11:10:13 PM
La. 64 (Magnolia Bridge Rd) in western Livingston Parish is a busy thoroughfare/shortcut as it connects the Watson-Denham Springs area to Greenwell Springs Road. Many from Amite/northern Livingston take La. 64 or La. 1019 as a shortcut to Greenwell Springs Road to Baton Rouge or to Baker/Zachary.

I'm familiar with this road as I have taken it a few times to get from Central through Denham Springs to Independence. I can't say for certain that it deserves more lanes but would not argue with those who say it does.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Great Lakes Roads on July 28, 2017, 11:42:55 PM
I-310 over the elevated section to I-10 will increase to 70 mph starting on August 1... formerly a 60 mph speed limit that was signed in 1999...

Article: http://www.heraldguide.com/details.php?id=18901

I approve this speed limit...  :clap: :clap: :clap:
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on August 14, 2017, 05:02:22 PM
DOTD has a design-build contract that will widen I-10 to six lanes from Highland Road near Baton Rouge to La. 73 in Ascension Parish. Work is to begin next year.

http://wwwapps.dotd.la.gov/administration/announcements/Announcement.aspx?key=14657 (http://wwwapps.dotd.la.gov/administration/announcements/Announcement.aspx?key=14657)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on August 14, 2017, 10:35:34 PM
Expect a redesign of the exits between College and Dalrymple in the near future.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Anthony_JK on August 15, 2017, 08:01:18 AM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on August 14, 2017, 10:35:34 PM
Expect a redesign of the exits between College and Dalrymple in the near future.

That portion is unrelated to the segment of I-10 being improved under this Design-Build contract. The latter is from the Highland Road/Perkins Road interchange south of BTR (where the existing 6-lane segment ends) to the LA 73 interchange near Gonzales.

The segment of I-10 within BTR from LA 415 through the I-12 Split is still being developed and reviewed under an Environmental Assessment; it will still be a while before that segment is finalized and funded. That will probably involve redesigns of the interchanges along that section (Washington/Louisa/Dalrymple; College Drive, and Acadian Thruway).

An associated project to construct a left exit to Terrace Avenue near the I-10/I-110 Split for southbound I-110 traffic to avoid crossing through eastbound I-10 traffic to get to the Washington Street exit for the Mid City neighborhood, is funded and waiting for final design to be competed prior to construction.

There's also the final resolution for what will become of the Baton Rouge Toll Loop Bypass; whether it will follow the routes approved in the Tier I EIS (Airline Highway to Plank Road, then new alignment north of Denham Springs/Walker for the North section; new bridge around Addis/Gardere for a connection between I-10 for the South section).

Some would prefer the BUMP solution, which would freewayize Airine Highway (US 61/190) for its full length through BTR; and a Westbank Corridor paralleling LA 1 to Donaldsonville which would use the existing Jimmie Davis Sunshine Bridge to access I-10 south of Gonzales.

IOWs, it's still very much up in the air regarding Baton Rouge.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Anthony_JK on August 15, 2017, 08:03:13 AM
Quote from: jbnv on July 01, 2017, 09:47:51 PM
Verot School Road is a state highway and already under construction for expansion. Broussard has grown tremendously in the last decade or so and I suspect the changes in and near it are needed.

Edwards is from rural Tangipahoa Parish. None of the items that he vetoed are for Tangipahoa. Edwards has already shown favoritism. I suspect these vetoes are punishment for certain representatives or senators voting against him or his friends.


JBE's not the first governor of LA to exploit the line-item veto for political purposes; and he won't be the last, either.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on August 17, 2017, 10:33:34 PM
http://wwwapps.dotd.la.gov/administration/announcements/Announcement.aspx?key=14698

These are the 5 top priority projects in the state? :hmmm:  :confused:
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: froggie on August 18, 2017, 07:21:50 AM
Bridge and pavement rehab/replacement can't be considered priority?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on August 22, 2017, 03:17:29 AM
Quote from: Anthony_JK on August 15, 2017, 08:01:18 AM

The segment of I-10 within BTR from LA 415 through the I-12 Split is still being developed and reviewed under an Environmental Assessment; it will still be a while before that segment is finalized and funded. That will probably involve redesigns of the interchanges along that section (Washington/Louisa/Dalrymple; College Drive, and Acadian Thruway.

This is the project that I was referring to. The alternates for those two exits in particular have been narrowed down and as of now  favor a braided design at  Dalrymple to work in conjunction with the changes at Terrace/Washington.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on September 15, 2017, 10:12:42 PM
DOTD announced low bids for 13 more projects across the state, most of which are on the Highway Priority Program.

http://wwwapps.dotd.la.gov/administration/announcements/Announcement.aspx?key=14925 (http://wwwapps.dotd.la.gov/administration/announcements/Announcement.aspx?key=14925)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on September 16, 2017, 01:34:13 PM
QuoteLA 73 (Government Street) "road diet"  in East Baton Rouge Parish: $11,724,721.80

$11 million to make Government Street smaller? This doesn't make any sense.

Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cenlaroads on September 17, 2017, 11:25:03 PM
Quote from: jbnv on September 16, 2017, 01:34:13 PM
QuoteLA 73 (Government Street) "road diet"  in East Baton Rouge Parish: $11,724,721.80

$11 million to make Government Street smaller? This doesn't make any sense.



Yes.  The plan is to reduce it from 4 lanes to 3 lanes, along with adding bicycle lanes.  There is more information about the project here:  http://wwwapps.dotd.la.gov/administration/public_info/projects/home.aspx?key=91 (http://wwwapps.dotd.la.gov/administration/public_info/projects/home.aspx?key=91)

I would rather they widen it to 5 lanes myself, but that would not be very feasible.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on September 18, 2017, 10:17:15 AM
Quote from: cenlaroads on September 17, 2017, 11:25:03 PM
Quote from: jbnv on September 16, 2017, 01:34:13 PM
QuoteLA 73 (Government Street) "road diet"  in East Baton Rouge Parish: $11,724,721.80
$11 million to make Government Street smaller? This doesn't make any sense.

Yes.  The plan is to reduce it from 4 lanes to 3 lanes, along with adding bicycle lanes.  There is more information about the project here:  http://wwwapps.dotd.la.gov/administration/public_info/projects/home.aspx?key=91 (http://wwwapps.dotd.la.gov/administration/public_info/projects/home.aspx?key=91)

I would rather they widen it to 5 lanes myself, but that would not be very feasible.

Ah, the plan also includes replacing the cluster-intersection at Government, Lobdell and Independence with a roundabout (which makes sense), and improving the Government/Jefferson intersection (which also makes sense). And, oh yeah, restriping the road.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jasonh300 on September 20, 2017, 10:53:37 AM
Quote from: jbnv on September 18, 2017, 10:17:15 AM
Quote from: cenlaroads on September 17, 2017, 11:25:03 PM
Quote from: jbnv on September 16, 2017, 01:34:13 PM
QuoteLA 73 (Government Street) "road diet"  in East Baton Rouge Parish: $11,724,721.80
$11 million to make Government Street smaller? This doesn't make any sense.

Yes.  The plan is to reduce it from 4 lanes to 3 lanes, along with adding bicycle lanes.  There is more information about the project here:  http://wwwapps.dotd.la.gov/administration/public_info/projects/home.aspx?key=91 (http://wwwapps.dotd.la.gov/administration/public_info/projects/home.aspx?key=91)

I would rather they widen it to 5 lanes myself, but that would not be very feasible.

Ah, the plan also includes replacing the cluster-intersection at Government, Lobdell and Independence with a roundabout (which makes sense), and improving the Government/Jefferson intersection (which also makes sense). And, oh yeah, restriping the road.

Seeing as the LADOTD has been circle-happy over the past few years, how are the new roundabouts that have been installed working out?  I know there are a number of them along the northshore and in Lafayette.  The one that I know of that was installed in New Orleans is a few years old now, and is on a very underutilized intersection, so I suppose it may just be for decoration (Mardi Gras Blvd and Franklin St/Nunez St under the CCC Bridge).  Every time I go through there and encounter another vehicle, it seems like they're unsure of what they're supposed to do, and I end up having to brake because the other vehicle is stopping where they don't need to stop.

Looks like they're going with another one up in Covington.  http://www.nola.com/northshore/index.ssf/2017/09/roundabout_near_downtown_covin.html
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on September 20, 2017, 11:02:46 AM
They're working out fairly well. They replaced the intersections at I-12 and US 51 BUS in Hammond with circles, and those intersections are flowing much more smoothly now. Looks like they're putting in circles at I-12 and LA 447 in Walker, which also badly needs improved flow. However, they botched one in Denham Springs on US 190 at Eden Church.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on September 21, 2017, 09:11:36 AM
St. Tammany Parish has a number of them as well...and they're working out pretty good as well.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on September 21, 2017, 09:13:39 AM
DOTD met with St. Tammany officials and citizens earlier this week to talk about the most needed projects (http://www.wwltv.com/news/local/northshore/state-outlines-list-of-most-needed-road-construction-needs-in-st-tammany-1/477131261) in the parish.

As of right now, here are the status of those projects:

* La. 21 widening in Covington - to be complete by the end of the month.
* US 11 road elevation in Slidell from Spartan Drive to Oak Harbor Bouldevard - complete by the end of the year
* US 190 Bogue Falaya River Bridge expansion - Phase 1 of 3 underway
* La. 434 widening - public meeting this month
* La. 41 Spur Pearl River bridge - to be let June 2019
* Phase 1 of I-12 widening from La. 21 to US 190 in Covington - to go to bid July 2019
* La. 3241(aka I-12 to Bush) - in wetlands mitigation now. Phase 1 (La. 36 to La. 435) to go to bid in 2022
* Sidewalk improvements on Gause Boulevard (Front to 14th streets) - go to bid July 2019
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on September 21, 2017, 09:28:44 AM
Speaking of US 190 in Covington, DOTD has slightly revised its plans (http://wwwapps.dotd.la.gov/administration/public_info/projects/docs_test/96/documents/US_190_FONSI_MAY017-Revised_5-30-17.pdf) on widening Collins Boulevard.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on September 21, 2017, 09:32:32 AM
Quote from: jasonh300 on September 20, 2017, 10:53:37 AM
Looks like they're going with another one up in Covington.  http://www.nola.com/northshore/index.ssf/2017/09/roundabout_near_downtown_covin.html

That's gonna be a BIG help with traffic when that's done.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on October 30, 2017, 09:50:38 AM
The Amite River bridge at French Settlement  is going to be replaced (http://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/communities/livingston_tangipahoa/article_827efbca-ba8f-11e7-8938-1b2b9dd64afb.html).
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jasonh300 on January 31, 2018, 02:23:20 PM
Roadwaywiz is live in New Orleans!

https://youtu.be/vxtUPgCWJMQ
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: DeaconG on January 31, 2018, 10:45:50 PM
Quote from: jasonh300 on January 31, 2018, 02:23:20 PM
Roadwaywiz is live in New Orleans!

https://youtu.be/vxtUPgCWJMQ

Wasn't he just in Ohio? He's gotta have a teleporter...
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on February 01, 2018, 08:49:47 PM
Quote from: jasonh300 on January 31, 2018, 02:23:20 PM
Roadwaywiz is live in New Orleans!

Looks like he's just driving around listening to the radio. Is that really interesting to people? I've been thinking about making videos during my commute, with commentary.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Hot Rod Hootenanny on February 01, 2018, 09:58:20 PM
Quote from: jasonh300 on January 31, 2018, 02:23:20 PM
Roadwaywiz is live in New Orleans!

https://youtu.be/vxtUPgCWJMQ
Looks like Baker, Louisiana to me.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jasonh300 on February 04, 2018, 02:24:08 PM
Quote from: DeaconG on January 31, 2018, 10:45:50 PM

Wasn't he just in Ohio? He's gotta have a teleporter...

Well, of course. When you start a dash cam channel on YouTube, Google issues you an experimental teleporter so you can go from place to place without wasting time on the road. They still haven’t given me mine (they still keep flagging my videos as “not advertiser friendly”, and I keep disputing it, and winning, but I digress), that’s the only possible way Roadwaywiz could get all of the video he has. 8000+ videos.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Hot Rod Hootenanny on February 05, 2018, 10:35:18 PM
Quote from: jasonh300 on February 04, 2018, 02:24:08 PM
Quote from: DeaconG on January 31, 2018, 10:45:50 PM

Wasn't he just in Ohio? He's gotta have a teleporter...

Well, of course. When you start a dash cam channel on YouTube, Google issues you an experimental teleporter so you can go from place to place without wasting time on the road. They still haven't given me mine (they still keep flagging my videos as "not advertiser friendly" , and I keep disputing it, and winning, but I digress), that's the only possible way Roadwaywiz could get all of the video he has. 8000+ videos.

...And he's letting me borrow his transporter this weekend so I can travel from Ohio to Louisiana. ;-)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: US71 on February 05, 2018, 11:13:20 PM
Quote from: Hot Rod Hootenanny on February 05, 2018, 10:35:18 PM
Quote from: jasonh300 on February 04, 2018, 02:24:08 PM
Quote from: DeaconG on January 31, 2018, 10:45:50 PM

Wasn't he just in Ohio? He's gotta have a teleporter...

Well, of course. When you start a dash cam channel on YouTube, Google issues you an experimental teleporter so you can go from place to place without wasting time on the road. They still haven't given me mine (they still keep flagging my videos as "not advertiser friendly" , and I keep disputing it, and winning, but I digress), that's the only possible way Roadwaywiz could get all of the video he has. 8000+ videos.

...And he's letting me borrow his transporter this weekend so I can travel from Ohio to Louisiana. ;-)

Always remember where you parked, it's going to come up a lot. ;)  :spin:
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: DeaconG on February 06, 2018, 11:44:01 AM
Quote from: US71 on February 05, 2018, 11:13:20 PM
Quote from: Hot Rod Hootenanny on February 05, 2018, 10:35:18 PM
Quote from: jasonh300 on February 04, 2018, 02:24:08 PM
Quote from: DeaconG on January 31, 2018, 10:45:50 PM

Wasn't he just in Ohio? He's gotta have a teleporter...

Well, of course. When you start a dash cam channel on YouTube, Google issues you an experimental teleporter so you can go from place to place without wasting time on the road. They still haven't given me mine (they still keep flagging my videos as "not advertiser friendly" , and I keep disputing it, and winning, but I digress), that's the only possible way Roadwaywiz could get all of the video he has. 8000+ videos.

...And he's letting me borrow his transporter this weekend so I can travel from Ohio to Louisiana. ;-)

Always remember where you parked, it's going to come up a lot. ;)  :spin:

Yes, because it's a real pain to tap your key fob to signal where your car is and you left it a thousand miles away.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jasonh300 on February 09, 2018, 08:31:59 PM
Quote from: Hot Rod Hootenanny on February 05, 2018, 10:35:18 PM
...And he's letting me borrow his transporter this weekend so I can travel from Ohio to Louisiana. ;-)

Well, don't go to Baker, Louisiana.  Not much to see there.  We're down to the last 4 days of Mardi Gras right now in New Orleans.  Too bad the weather is going to suck in every direction, or I'd be driving away right now.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jasonh300 on February 09, 2018, 08:34:31 PM
Quote from: jbnv on February 01, 2018, 08:49:47 PM
Looks like he's just driving around listening to the radio. Is that really interesting to people? I've been thinking about making videos during my commute, with commentary.

I tried that, but YouTube took it down because of all the cursing.  Have to do the commentary later in a voiceover when my blood pressure is lower.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on March 26, 2018, 05:56:01 PM
I've noticed this year, particularly in the New Orleans area, that there are at least 3 spots where overhead pantries and pull through signs have come down (or were never finished being installed) and been replaced with the GDOT style side post mounted guide sign. The difference however, is that the LaDOTD signage is scaled down significantly compared the original signage and is hard to read until you're up close. These have replaced pull throughs at the split from the 310 northbound to the I-10, and on the I-10 eastbound approaching Loyola Dr. There are some in each direction of the Twin Span as well where the trusses were never installed into the supports to complete the gantries. I recall seeing this in Baton Rouge as well, but I don't remember where?

(https://68.media.tumblr.com/772fb279dddd6358b20ec48a95bc1964/tumblr_p682h7PL5O1qhvr1so1_1280.jpg)



Anybody know what the deal is?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on March 26, 2018, 06:38:24 PM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on March 26, 2018, 05:56:01 PM
I've noticed this year, particularly in the New Orleans area, that there are at least 3 spots where overhead pantries and pull through signs have come down (or were never finished being installed) and been replaced with the GDOT style side post mounted guide sign. The difference however, is that the LaDOTD signage is scaled down significantly compared the original signage and is hard to read until you're up close. These have replaced pull throughs at the split from the 310 northbound to the I-10, and on the I-10 eastbound approaching Loyola Dr. There are some in each direction of the Twin Span as well where the trusses were never installed into the supports to complete the gantries. I recall seeing this in Baton Rouge as well, but I don't remember where.

Anybody know what the deal is?

Wild guess only...hurricane strength integrity?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on March 26, 2018, 09:32:06 PM
I-10 West just before the 110 split. The two signs for I-10 west to Lafayette and I-110 north are posted that way.

(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2854/34063137075_e1a2d9461b_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/TU3tUP)
I-10 Westbound approaching I-110 2 (https://flic.kr/p/TU3tUP) by Jay Bienvenu (https://www.flickr.com/photos/bienvenunet/), on Flickr

There's also one on I-10 eastbound near Iota, for the US 165 Kinder/Alexandria exit.

Looks to me like a cheap replacement job. The signs in this style are hideous--definite candidates for worst of signs.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Roadsguy on March 27, 2018, 08:29:55 AM
At least they're not Clearview anymore. :pan:
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: US71 on March 27, 2018, 09:18:16 AM
Quote from: Roadsguy on March 27, 2018, 08:29:55 AM
At least they're not Clearview anymore. :pan:
For now
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on March 27, 2018, 11:14:35 AM
The Clearview signs were much more beautiful. These are hideous.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on March 27, 2018, 11:48:58 PM
Quote from: Roadsguy on March 27, 2018, 08:29:55 AM
At least they're not Clearview anymore. :pan:

Ha. Some of them actually are.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on March 27, 2018, 11:51:09 PM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on March 26, 2018, 05:56:01 PM
I've noticed this year, particularly in the New Orleans area, that there are at least 3 spots where overhead pantries and pull through signs have come down (or were never finished being installed) and been replaced with the GDOT style side post mounted guide sign. The difference however, is that the LaDOTD signage is scaled down significantly compared the original signage and is hard to read until you're up close. These have replaced pull throughs at the split from the 310 northbound to the I-10, and on the I-10 eastbound approaching Loyola Dr. There are some in each direction of the Twin Span as well where the trusses were never installed into the supports to complete the gantries. I recall seeing this in Baton Rouge as well, but I don't remember where?

(https://68.media.tumblr.com/772fb279dddd6358b20ec48a95bc1964/tumblr_p682h7PL5O1qhvr1so1_1280.jpg)



Anybody know what the deal is?

There were overhead gantries eastbound at the hump.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on March 27, 2018, 11:53:46 PM
DOTD's looking for design/build proposals (http://wwwapps.dotd.la.gov/administration/announcements/Announcement.aspx?key=16398) for the new I-10/Loyola and I-20/I-220 interchanges.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Brian556 on March 28, 2018, 12:50:29 AM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on March 26, 2018, 05:56:01 PM
I've noticed this year, particularly in the New Orleans area, that there are at least 3 spots where overhead pantries and pull through signs have come down (or were never finished being installed) and been replaced with the GDOT style side post mounted guide sign. The difference however, is that the LaDOTD signage is scaled down significantly compared the original signage and is hard to read until you're up close. These have replaced pull throughs at the split from the 310 northbound to the I-10, and on the I-10 eastbound approaching Loyola Dr. There are some in each direction of the Twin Span as well where the trusses were never installed into the supports to complete the gantries. I recall seeing this in Baton Rouge as well, but I don't remember where?

(https://68.media.tumblr.com/772fb279dddd6358b20ec48a95bc1964/tumblr_p682h7PL5O1qhvr1so1_1280.jpg)



Anybody know what the deal is?

This might be due to hurricanes or dump truck beds tearing down the gantries.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on March 28, 2018, 04:22:59 PM
Quote from: Brian556 on March 28, 2018, 12:50:29 AM
This might be due to hurricanes or dump truck beds tearing down the gantries.

Maybe the Irish Bayou one(*), but definitely not the ones at I-110 in Baton Rouge.

* I just noticed that the Irish Bayou sign is in Clearview. All of  the other ones that I've seen (I-10 at I-110, I-10 at LA 49, I-10 at US 165) are in FHWA.

It's possible that DOTD is working on replacing the gantries for these signs but hasn't gotten to them yet. They're well into a major sign/gantry project at the I-12/55 cloverleaf in which all of the old trapezoidal gantries are being replaced. I'd be surprised if these signs are permanent installations--oh wait, this is Louisiana, no I'm not.  :pan:
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jasonh300 on April 16, 2018, 05:39:30 PM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on March 26, 2018, 05:56:01 PM
Anybody know what the deal is?

The signs on the Twin Spans were changed out prior to August of 2016 when this pic was taken.  Streetview shows the old gantry there in June of 2015, and the new sign in July of 2016.  Some time between June of 2011 and June of 2015, the mythical town of Lakeshore was added to the old gantry sign.

And this one is in Clearview.  Louisiana released a bunch of new signs right before the ban on Clearview.

(https://dl.dropbox.com/s/o4bcc4zpgd3nzix/twinspan.jpg?dl=0)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on April 19, 2018, 12:57:25 PM
Why the heck are they taking out gantries on the Twin Spans? They rebuilt the Twin Spans less than 10 years ago. I can't imagine they needed replacement that soon.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Bobby5280 on April 24, 2018, 11:36:39 PM
I was under the impression the previous overhead signs were damaged by storms and that these tiny, stupid looking signs are cheap, hopefully temporary replacements.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: sparker on April 24, 2018, 11:55:26 PM
Wow.....those signs are tiny!  I need to squint just sitting here at my desk; can't imagine someone trying to read the text at 70-75.  Now, I can understand the financial issues involved in reconstructing the gantries (likely toppled or bent during a severe storm), but these replacements just don't cut it for longer-term service.  And to attempt an inside-shoulder APL substitute  -- and a particularly poor one at that -- goes beyond the pale.  Even if LADOT has to emulate CA's insistence on 120" height for less wind resistance (and this would be a good place to revisit the slatted-surface concept), get those gantries back up as soon as possible!
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on April 25, 2018, 07:23:50 AM
DOTD has been shrinking signs for the last 5 years. Distance signs on 2-lane roads are in print so small they are hard to read at 55 mph.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: adventurernumber1 on April 25, 2018, 09:26:56 PM
I'm glad I'm not the only one who thought those signs were way too tiny!!  :wow:  :-o  :crazy:

I think a sign with a size like this (https://www.google.com/maps/@32.1786243,-81.2055161,3a,48.9y,217.84h,94.68t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sHtWctrufv8tmnLK_Mme06g!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) (regarding a sign on a one post on the side) is more along the lines of what they should have been looking for.  :-D


Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on April 25, 2018, 10:36:08 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on April 25, 2018, 07:23:50 AM
DOTD has been shrinking signs for the last 5 years. Distance signs on 2-lane roads are in print so small they are hard to read at 55 mph.

Someone should make a font for highway signs that is specifically designed to be legible at long distances and high speeds...  :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: rel4 on May 09, 2018, 10:59:29 PM
I noticed an overhead cantilever sign on I-10 EB at LA 49/Williams in Kenner has been taken down and replaced with a smaller sign on the pole. That cantilever sign appeared to be leaning prior to its removal. If I had to guess, all of the overhead signs that were taken down were due to structural issues that could not wait for a sign replacement project. The size of the replacement signs may have been based on the pole's load capacity, which does not appear to be sufficient for a interstate standard sign.

Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on March 26, 2018, 05:56:01 PM
I've noticed this year, particularly in the New Orleans area, that there are at least 3 spots where overhead pantries and pull through signs have come down (or were never finished being installed) and been replaced with the GDOT style side post mounted guide sign. The difference however, is that the LaDOTD signage is scaled down significantly compared the original signage and is hard to read until you're up close. These have replaced pull throughs at the split from the 310 northbound to the I-10, and on the I-10 eastbound approaching Loyola Dr. There are some in each direction of the Twin Span as well where the trusses were never installed into the supports to complete the gantries. I recall seeing this in Baton Rouge as well, but I don't remember where?

(https://68.media.tumblr.com/772fb279dddd6358b20ec48a95bc1964/tumblr_p682h7PL5O1qhvr1so1_1280.jpg)



Anybody know what the deal is?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on May 10, 2018, 11:56:53 AM
Quote from: rel4 on May 09, 2018, 10:59:29 PM
I noticed an overhead cantilever sign on I-10 EB at LA 49/Williams in Kenner has been taken down and replaced with a smaller sign on the pole. That cantilever sign appeared to be leaning prior to its removal. If I had to guess, all of the overhead signs that were taken down were due to structural issues that could not wait for a sign replacement project. The size of the replacement signs may have been based on the pole's load capacity, which does not appear to be sufficient for a interstate standard sign.

That would make sense. They could be operating on a queue of gantry replacement projects. They just finished replacing the gantries at I-12/I-55.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on June 15, 2018, 11:35:36 PM
Test pilings for the upcoming shoulder project (https://www.nola.com/northshore/index.ssf/2018/06/causeway_shoulder_project.html) on the Causeway Bridge will start in mid-July. Actual construction is to start in the fall.

Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on June 16, 2018, 03:36:57 PM
Found a nice video of the construction (https://youtu.be/CLmT41GZ40A) of the Atchafalaya Swamp Bridge by the then-Louisiana Department of Highways.

Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Revive 755 on June 16, 2018, 10:42:23 PM
Quote from: brownpelican on June 15, 2018, 11:35:36 PM
Test pilings for the upcoming shoulder project (https://www.nola.com/northshore/index.ssf/2018/06/causeway_shoulder_project.html) on the Causeway Bridge will start in mid-July. Actual construction is to start in the fall.

I take it Louisiana doesn't keep records of pile driving data from previous projects?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: froggie on June 17, 2018, 09:47:30 PM
They may.  But also consider it's been several decades since those existing pilings were made and the lake bottom may well have changed some.  Undercurrents certainly would have been affected by the pilings for the existing bridge.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on July 01, 2018, 02:49:18 PM
Quote from: rel4 on May 09, 2018, 10:59:29 PM
I noticed an overhead cantilever sign on I-10 EB at LA 49/Williams in Kenner has been taken down and replaced with a smaller sign on the pole. That cantilever sign appeared to be leaning prior to its removal. If I had to guess, all of the overhead signs that were taken down were due to structural issues that could not wait for a sign replacement project. The size of the replacement signs may have been based on the pole's load capacity, which does not appear to be sufficient for a interstate

Yeah, I noticed a few more have come down in the N.O. area. Saw them taking down one on the Carrollton overpass.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on July 01, 2018, 03:00:05 PM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on July 01, 2018, 02:49:18 PM
Quote from: rel4 on May 09, 2018, 10:59:29 PM
I noticed an overhead cantilever sign on I-10 EB at LA 49/Williams in Kenner has been taken down and replaced with a smaller sign on the pole. That cantilever sign appeared to be leaning prior to its removal. If I had to guess, all of the overhead signs that were taken down were due to structural issues that could not wait for a sign replacement project. The size of the replacement signs may have been based on the pole's load capacity, which does not appear to be sufficient for a interstate

Yeah, I noticed a few more have come down in the N.O. area. Saw them taking down one on the Carrollton overpass.

Add another missing on I-20 WB in Shreveport:  exit 18D Common St/ Louisiana Ave.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on July 08, 2018, 10:53:01 PM
DOTD has asked for proposal requests from contractor finalists for the I-10/Loyola Drive interchange in Kenner, one week after proposal requests for the I-20/I-220 revamp and new road to Barksdale AFB.

http://wwwapps.dotd.la.gov/administration/announcements/Announcement.aspx?key=17208 (http://wwwapps.dotd.la.gov/administration/announcements/Announcement.aspx?key=17208)

Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on July 08, 2018, 10:58:02 PM
Plus, bids were let June 27 for various projects around the state.

http://wwwapps.dotd.la.gov/administration/announcements/Announcement.aspx?key=17179 (http://wwwapps.dotd.la.gov/administration/announcements/Announcement.aspx?key=17179)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on July 09, 2018, 10:18:31 PM
Quote from: brownpelican on July 08, 2018, 10:53:01 PM
DOTD has asked for proposal requests from contractor finalists for the I-10/Loyola Drive interchange in Kenner, one week after proposal requests for the I-20/I-220 revamp and new road to Barksdale AFB.

http://wwwapps.dotd.la.gov/administration/announcements/Announcement.aspx?key=17208 (http://wwwapps.dotd.la.gov/administration/announcements/Announcement.aspx?key=17208)



This will include the states first DDI. I’m looking forward to seeing how this thing will look under the Jefferson Parish/Kenner style of signage, stripping, and signaling. That’s assuming that DOTD doesn’t completely ignore local aesthetics as they’ve been doing with their signal replacements in Orleans Parish. It’s just atrocious.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on August 03, 2018, 12:14:55 PM
I would love to be there at one of those meetings (DOTD press release).

QuoteBaton Rouge, La. - The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development will hold three public meetings to gather public input regarding the proposed improvements along I-10 from LA 415 in Port Allen to Essen Lane in Baton Rouge.

This proposed project will be partially funded with $360 million through Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle Bonds, also known as GARVEE Bonds, which was announced earlier this year as part of the State's Transportation Master Plan.

The meetings will be held in an open house format where attendees can ask questions and receive information regarding the widening of I-10. There will be a presentation at the start of the meeting and the same information will be provided in a taped presentation that will be shown continuously during the meeting. A continuous multi-media presentation will be shown at the meeting, as well as additional project information such as exhibits, alternative plans and an interactive exercise that will be available for the public to submit input regarding community connections and context sensitive solutions.

Representatives from DOTD and the project team will be available at the open house to answer questions and discuss issues related to the project.

The public meetings will be held at the following time and locations:

Tuesday, August 28, 2018
5:30 p.m. — 8 p.m.
McKinley Middle Magnet School
1550 Eddie Robinson Sr. Drive
Baton Rouge, LA 70802

Wednesday, August 29, 2018
5:30 p.m. — 8 p.m.
Addis Community Center
7520 Highway 1 South
Addis, LA 70710

Thursday, August 30, 2018
5:30 p.m. — 8 p.m.
Baton Rouge Marriott
5500 Hilton Ave.
Baton Rouge, LA 70808

Should you require special assistance due to a disability to participate in this public meeting, please contact Franklin Associates by mail at the address shown below, or by telephone at 225-389-6518, at least five working days prior to the meetings.

1-10 BR: Stage 1
2148 Government St.
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on August 03, 2018, 12:25:27 PM
July 11 announcement of statewide project bids.

QuoteBATON ROUGE — The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announced today that 22 projects around the state were let on July 11, 2018. Nineteen contractors presented bids totaling $59.4 million.

"As always, we at DOTD are doing our best with investing in our state's infrastructure,"  said DOTD Secretary Shawn D. Wilson, Ph.D. "We will continue using our current resources carefully in order to keep Louisiana's transportation system running."

The projects and their apparent low bids are as follows:

Bridge Replacement and Repair:

  • Replacement of bridges along LA 12 in Calcasieu Parish: $24,239,899.10
  • Replacement of Eaves Road and Jefferson Avenue bridges in Lincoln Parish: $597,246.55
  • Replacement of Mouton Road, West Division Street, and Powell Road bridges in Jefferson Davis Parish: $2,655,186.65
  • Overlay and repairs of Corney Lake Bridge along LA 9 in Claiborne Parish: $1,191,725.26
  • Interim repairs until permanent replacement of I-10 overpass along U.S. 90 in Calcasieu Parish: $1,975,162.60
  • Repairs of I-10 overpass along LA 27 in Calcasieu Parish: $1,292,938.99
  • Electrical and mechanical repairs to vertical lift bridges on LA 14, LA 336-1, and LA 344 in Iberia and St. Martin parishes: $393,920.00

Pavement/ Overlay:

  • Milling, patching, overlay, and drainage on LA 45 and LA 560-4 in Jefferson Parish: $1,271,777.00
  • Grading, patching, paving, and drainage on John Stine Road between Myrtle Springs and Foster in Calcasieu Parish: $4,750,568.97
  • Grading, patching, overlay, drainage, and traffic signalization on LA 1077 between LA 21 and U.S. 190 in St. Tammany Parish: $2,614,656.68
  • Grading, overlay, and paving Edwards Road between LA 3033 and Pine Ridge Road in Ouachita Parish: $595,749.50
  • Paving and patching LA 127 between LA 776 and 1.4 miles south of LA 460 in LaSalle Parish: $1,031,711.05
  • Grading, patching, overlay, widening, and drainage on LA 128 between Gilbert and Como in Franklin Parish: $2,184,870.05
  • Paving, patching, and overlay of LA 44 between LA 54 and St. James Parish line in St. John the Baptist Parish: $365,037.61
  • Patching, paving, overlay and drainage on LA 813-3 between U.S. 167 and Hodge in Jackson Parish: $376,628.75
  • Grading, paving, drainage, and temporary traffic signalization on Canal Boulevard between Robert E. Lee Boulevard and Amethyst Street in Orleans Parish: $4,520,571.30

Congestion Mitigation and Safety:

  • Installation of turn lanes on LA 3225 at LA 623 in Rapides Parish: $1,256,484.54
  • Installation of cable barriers along I-49 in Natchitoches Parish: $5,700,646.52
  • Restriping of Choctaw Road in Lafourche Parish: $103,279.80

Other:

  • Installation of sidewalks, handicapped curb ramps, lighting, and traffic signalization along Masonic Drive in Rapides Parish: $597,246.55
  • Abita Springs yard renovations in St. Tammany Parish: $868,191.89
  • Sidewalk installation in downtown Jean Lafitte in Jefferson Parish: $332,403.57
  • Construction projects are prioritized by road/bridge condition, urgency of improvements, type/volume of traffic, crash records, unforeseeable emergencies that caused damage, and several other factors.

For more information about these projects, please visit www.dotd.la.gov.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Hot Rod Hootenanny on August 04, 2018, 09:55:26 AM
I kept reading...
QuoteGrant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle Bonds, also known as GARVEE Bonds
...as Great Anticipation Revenue Vehicle Bonds.  :pan:  :-D
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on August 08, 2018, 10:30:57 PM
The state gets a $45 million grant (https://www.wwltv.com/article/news/local/plaquemines/45-million-grant-awarded-for-belle-chasse-bridge-and-tunnel-replacement/289-581822078) that will go toward the replacement of the Belle Chasse Bridge and Tunnel.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Anthony_JK on August 09, 2018, 12:19:55 AM
LADOTD just announced dates for public meetings on the proposed upgrade to the Loyola Avenue/I-10 interchange in New Orleans.


This is to add new direct connection ramps to the realigned access road to the soon to be constructed terminal at Louis Armstrong/New Orleans International Airport, and to improve capacity overall to Loyola Avenue.


All of the options would have direct connection flyovers from/to I-10 east to the new "Satchmo/NOLA" terminal that would use the Loyola ROW, and pass over the intersection of Loyola and Veterans Memorial Drive (the same concept used for the existing access road at Williams Boulevard).


The three options considered for the Loyola interchange are:


1) Partial cloverleaf, with SB Loyola to EB I-10 and NB Loyola/Terminal Access Rd to WB I-10 being the loop ramps


2) Upgrading the existing tight diamond interchange and adding a flyover from SB Loyola to EB I-10


3) Converting the existing Loyola interchange to a DDI (Diverging Diamond Interchange).


The project is being designed and built as a Design/Build project, and is fully funded off state funds and a GARVEE grant from the USDOT.


More info about the project, the meeting, and associated downloadable illustrations of the proposed designs can be found here:


http://wwwsp.dotd.la.gov/Inside_LaDOTD/Divisions/Engineering/Environmental/Pages/default.aspx?RootFolder=%2FInside_LaDOTD%2FDivisions%2FEngineering%2FEnvironmental%2FDocuments%2FH%2E011670%20%20I-10%20%40%20LOYOLA%20INTERCHANGE%20IMPROVEMENTS%2FPUBLIC%20MEETING%20MATERIALS&FolderCTID=0x012000C055341479DCD84E95C80E77E7755A9A&View={993143B3-FC7F-4567-86C2-C8EE52788C8D}

Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: froggie on August 09, 2018, 06:47:31 AM
It may not seem like much of a park, but I can see the Federal agencies pushing Alt I because of Section 104(f) impacts.  Or LaDOTD might be told to go back to the drawing board and come up with an alternative that doesn't impact the park at all.  But I think Alt I is more likely.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on August 10, 2018, 01:36:33 AM
The new terminal should be done by spring of next year. I doubt the new access road will be done in time.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on August 10, 2018, 02:42:08 PM
DOTD has put a basic concept of the I-10 widening project in Baton Rouge on its web site. Based on what I'm seeing, there would be NO work done to the main span of the Wilkinson Bridge. A lane would be added in each direction except on the UPSLOPE of the Wilkinson Bridge, where I-10 would actually lose a lane until it is joined by the on-ramp from La. 1.

I-10 would be four lanes in each direction from the 10-110 split to College, five lanes from College to the 10-12 split and three lanes elsewhere. DOTD also had a concept for combining the Dalrymple/Washington interchanges and a new design for College Drive.

Drawings can be seen here:
https://i10br.com/project-info/ (https://i10br.com/project-info/)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on August 15, 2018, 01:34:00 AM
Quote from: froggie on August 09, 2018, 06:47:31 AM
It may not seem like much of a park, but I can see the Federal agencies pushing Alt I because of Section 104(f) impacts.  Or LaDOTD might be told to go back to the drawing board and come up with an alternative that doesn't impact the park at all.  But I think Alt I is more likely.


Alternate I is preferred by mostly everyone at this point because it requires the least amount of ROW, even though alt L is cheaper. Most of the general concerns expressed by the the Susan Park community were in regard to the fire station relocation and permanent closures of 27th street sections. Very few, if any, people were concerned about the park itself. The second public meeting is tomorrow so I guess we'll see what happens tomorrow.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on August 15, 2018, 01:38:57 AM
Quote from: brownpelican on August 10, 2018, 01:36:33 AM
The new terminal should be done by spring of next year. I doubt the new access road will be done in time.

It won't, if you're referring to any portion north of Vets or connecting to
I-10.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jasonh300 on August 15, 2018, 04:08:57 PM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on August 15, 2018, 01:38:57 AM
Quote from: brownpelican on August 10, 2018, 01:36:33 AM
The new terminal should be done by spring of next year. I doubt the new access road will be done in time.

It won't, if you're referring to any portion north of Vets or connecting to
I-10.

They couldn't possibly have the foresight to furnish a road to get to the new terminal.  They'll have it open, and nobody will be there to board the planes, and they'll wonder why.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on August 16, 2018, 09:49:18 AM
Quote from: jasonh300 on August 15, 2018, 04:08:57 PM
They couldn't possibly have the foresight to furnish a road to get to the new terminal.  They'll have it open, and nobody will be there to board the planes, and they'll wonder why.

Let’s just say that the State completely dropped the ball when it came to their portion of this project and now DOTD is making life hell for everyone involved to cover their ineptitude.

I-10/Loyola/Vets is going to be a cluster**** for a few years. That’s all I got.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: bigdave on August 16, 2018, 03:17:59 PM
Quote from: brownpelican on June 15, 2018, 11:35:36 PM
Test pilings for the upcoming shoulder project (https://www.nola.com/northshore/index.ssf/2018/06/causeway_shoulder_project.html) on the Causeway Bridge will start in mid-July. Actual construction is to start in the fall.

Maybe I'm obtuse, but I'm not seeing how 6,048 feet of shoulder (in six sections) is going to make a great difference on a 23 mile long bridge.  :popcorn:
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on August 16, 2018, 07:21:03 PM
Quote from: UptownRoadGeek on August 16, 2018, 09:49:18 AM
Let's just say that the State completely dropped the ball making life hell for everyone to cover their ineptitude.

FIFY.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jasonh300 on August 21, 2018, 04:12:14 PM
Quote from: bigdave on August 16, 2018, 03:17:59 PM
Maybe I'm obtuse, but I'm not seeing how 6,048 feet of shoulder (in six sections) is going to make a great difference on a 23 mile long bridge.  :popcorn:

It's a place to stop.  Having broken down on the Causeway, right after passing the last crossover, I think this is a good idea.  You can only coast so far from 65 MPH.

Whatever happened to this project anyway?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: sparker on August 21, 2018, 08:23:37 PM
Quote from: jasonh300 on August 21, 2018, 04:12:14 PM
Quote from: bigdave on August 16, 2018, 03:17:59 PM
Maybe I'm obtuse, but I'm not seeing how 6,048 feet of shoulder (in six sections) is going to make a great difference on a 23 mile long bridge.  :popcorn:

It's a place to stop.  Having broken down on the Causeway, right after passing the last crossover, I think this is a good idea.  You can only coast so far from 65 MPH.

Whatever happened to this project anyway?

Completely concur regarding the need for these shoulders.  As one who broke down in traffic lanes on the old San Mateo bridge (1969, 4-lane section pre-widening), shoulder turnouts would be a greatly appreciated improvement. 
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on October 07, 2018, 06:06:07 PM
I have a question:  I just got home from Slidell. I noticed at a few locations (I-55 @ I-12, I-10 EB just south of the 10/12/59 JCT, plus a couple of other places) there are 3 permanent mounted signs on each side of the interstate....in order as you apprach them 1) left lane closed (symbol with orange background), 2) speed limit 45, and 3) lanes shift right (symbol with orange background). They were all turned away from the travel lanes, but you can look at the posts and see where you can turn them to face on-coming traffic.

What/when are they used for?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on October 08, 2018, 11:12:59 AM
I'm guessing that's for contraflow and the signs can be turned into view as needed. That's a lot of stuff out there that will get used maybe once or twice ever.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Hot Rod Hootenanny on October 08, 2018, 10:09:09 PM
Quote from: jbnv on October 08, 2018, 11:12:59 AM
I'm guessing that's for contraflow and the signs can be turned into view as needed. That's a lot of stuff out there that will get used maybe once or twice ever.

Contraflow for Ivan, Katrina, Rita, Gustov, Lee, and Issac. That was 6 storms in 8 years  (2004-2012), but none in the last 6 years.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: roadman65 on October 09, 2018, 10:54:49 AM
Quote from: Hot Rod Hootenanny on October 08, 2018, 10:09:09 PM
Quote from: jbnv on October 08, 2018, 11:12:59 AM
I'm guessing that's for contraflow and the signs can be turned into view as needed. That's a lot of stuff out there that will get used maybe once or twice ever.

Contraflow for Ivan, Katrina, Rita, Gustov, Lee, and Issac. That was 6 storms in 8 years  (2004-2012), but none in the last 6 years.
Now possibly Michael.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on October 09, 2018, 06:19:33 PM
Another question: what is all of the ROW clearing for on either side of I-12 at the St. Tammany/Tangipahoa line? It looks like possible new Service Roads but I can't tell.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: rlb2024 on October 11, 2018, 10:31:41 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on October 09, 2018, 06:19:33 PM
Another question: what is all of the ROW clearing for on either side of I-12 at the St. Tammany/Tangipahoa line? It looks like possible new Service Roads but I can't tell.
Looks like CLECO may be running new high-voltage transmission lines into the Madisonville area.  There's a new electrical distribution center along Highway 190 near the St. Tammany-Tangipahoa line, so I guess it's coming from there.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on November 08, 2018, 11:53:05 AM
State Sen. Norby Chabert comments on Louisiana's highway network:
https://twitter.com/NorbNolty/status/1060575113303785472
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on December 03, 2018, 10:08:56 PM
Here's a look at what projects DOTD let to bid last month:

BRIDGES

WORK ON EXISTING ROADS

MITIGATION AND SAFETY

OTHER

http://wwwapps.dotd.la.gov/administration/announcements/Announcement.aspx?key=18323 (http://wwwapps.dotd.la.gov/administration/announcements/Announcement.aspx?key=18323)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Anthony_JK on June 05, 2019, 10:00:37 AM

It's been a while since Louisiana projects made enough news to bump up this thread, but yesterday the Louisiana Legislature finally got off its collective keisters and at least put a nibble into the state's transportation infrastructure deficit.


The state House passed and sent to Governor John Bel Edwards for his signature House Bill 578, which calls for $690 million in state revenue to be dedicated to transportation projects spread throughout the state.


The original bill had only called for $190 million to fund the LA 415 Connector project, which would extend that particular highway south of its interchange with I-10 west of Port Allen across the Intercoastal Waterway to connect with LA 1 south of Port Allen near Addis; but it blew up into a statewide bill when a bigger source of revenue was found (settlement money from the Deepwater Horizion oil well spill lawsuit).


Other than the LA 415 Connector, other projects that got funded for southeast Louisiana are as follows:


*LA 3241, a new 4-lane arterial connector between I-10 and Bush in Washington Parish: $50 million.
*LA 1 in Lafourche Parish, raising the roadway to avoid flooding: $150 million.
*Purchasing 2 cranes for the Port of New Orleans: $20 million.
*Widening of Hooper Road between Sullivan and Greenwell Springs Road in greater Baton Rouge area: $15 million.


There were other projects that were funded, including portions of I-49 South near Lafayette ($150 million); the Shreveport I-49 Inner City Connector ($100 million); and $40 million for repairs to roads and bridges statewide.


Articles about this legislation can be found here:


Baton Rouge/Acadiana Advocate (https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/politics/legislature/article_a676deb4-86dd-11e9-a258-639a4780a738.html)


Lafayette Advertiser  (https://www.theadvertiser.com/story/news/2019/06/04/breaking-acadianas-49-project-set-150-m-infusion/1339912001/?utm_source=theadvertiser-Daily%20Briefing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=daily_briefing&utm_term=hero)

Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: brownpelican on June 26, 2019, 11:53:19 PM
Bush is actually in Saint Tammany Parish.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: kevinb1994 on June 27, 2019, 03:54:12 PM
Quote from: brownpelican on June 26, 2019, 11:53:19 PM
Bush is actually in Saint Tammany Parish.
Sounds presidential to me. ;)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on July 02, 2019, 09:46:15 AM
Quote from: Anthony_JK on June 05, 2019, 10:00:37 AM
*LA 3241, a new 4-lane arterial connector between I-10 and Bush in Washington Parish: $50 million.

Quote from: brownpelican on June 26, 2019, 11:53:19 PM
Bush is actually in Saint Tammany Parish.

And the connector will go only to I-12.  :)

Where does the number 3241 come from? This will connect to the existing four-lane highway from Bush to Bogalusa. The existing highway carries LA 41 for a short stretch before picking up LA 21. But both highways diverge from the corridor. It would make more sense to have the entire corridor under one number. But this is LaDOTD we're talking about...
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: longhorn on July 11, 2019, 10:20:30 AM
Quote from: brownpelican on June 16, 2018, 03:36:57 PM
Found a nice video of the construction (https://youtu.be/CLmT41GZ40A) of the Atchafalaya Swamp Bridge by the then-Louisiana Department of Highways.



Thank you for posting this. I remember as a kid when this was being built and having to detoured on 190 until completed. What are they building now in the median? There is some construction.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on July 11, 2019, 11:46:50 AM
Quote from: longhorn on July 11, 2019, 10:20:30 AM
What are they building now in the median? There is some construction.

There's 18 miles of median you're talking about... On the Lafayette side, they're adding a lane each way between Lafayette and the bridge.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: longhorn on July 15, 2019, 10:22:12 AM
Quote from: jbnv on July 11, 2019, 11:46:50 AM
Quote from: longhorn on July 11, 2019, 10:20:30 AM
What are they building now in the median? There is some construction.

There's 18 miles of median you're talking about... On the Lafayette side, they're adding a lane each way between Lafayette and the bridge.

No, a co worker just took a trip on I-10 and stated there is construction between the eastbound and westbound lanes of the bridge over the swamp section. Adding crossing bridges for accidents ?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on July 15, 2019, 10:39:53 AM
Quote from: longhorn on July 15, 2019, 10:22:12 AM
No, a co worker just took a trip on I-10 and stated there is construction between the eastbound and westbound lanes of the bridge over the swamp section. Adding crossing bridges for accidents ?

You mean adding more crossing bridges?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: longhorn on July 15, 2019, 02:32:57 PM
Quote from: jbnv on July 15, 2019, 10:39:53 AM
Quote from: longhorn on July 15, 2019, 10:22:12 AM
No, a co worker just took a trip on I-10 and stated there is construction between the eastbound and westbound lanes of the bridge over the swamp section. Adding crossing bridges for accidents ?

Yes, I am asking if that's what the construction is. He was sure he saw construction and piers being added between the lanes in certain areas. I can only guess thats the reason. I have Googled and found nothing what could be the construction.

You mean adding more crossing bridges?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cenlaroads on July 24, 2019, 06:51:14 PM
Quote from: longhorn on July 15, 2019, 02:32:57 PM
Quote from: jbnv on July 15, 2019, 10:39:53 AM
Quote from: longhorn on July 15, 2019, 10:22:12 AM
No, a co worker just took a trip on I-10 and stated there is construction between the eastbound and westbound lanes of the bridge over the swamp section. Adding crossing bridges for accidents ?

Yes, I am asking if that's what the construction is. He was sure he saw construction and piers being added between the lanes in certain areas. I can only guess thats the reason. I have Googled and found nothing what could be the construction.

You mean adding more crossing bridges?

I drove the bridge today and saw no signs of recent construction between the spans, except at the western terminii, where the widening project ends.  They have widened the first 100 yards or so of each span, presumably so that the extra lanes have more room to merge/expand.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on November 17, 2019, 02:01:44 AM
Four more years of John Bel Edwards-McKernan-Bart. Four more years of him cherry-picking what gets built or rebuilt and what doesn't.

My personal predictions:

* Kiss any hope of progress on I-49 South, especially the connector through Lafayette, goodbye for four more years. It's not going to pay for itself, just like the new bridge over the Mississippi in Baton Rouge and the new flyover ramp to MSY aren't going to pay for themselves. And with a strongly-conservative legislature opposing JBE's tax increases and more corporations leaving the state, nobody else will pay for them either.

* Watch how much progress happens on  widening/rebuilding I-12 between Baton Rouge and Hammond. Gotta make sure the guvnah can get home to Amite quickly.

* We will see some significant movement on the I-10 situation in Baton Rouge. No construction, but plenty of talk about it and probably some plans.

(In case you can't tell, I am not at all happy with tonight's outcome.)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Bobby5280 on November 17, 2019, 02:30:27 PM
In all fairness an all-GOP dominated state government doesn't necessarily lead to big progress on roads either. Here in Oklahoma it has been pretty piddly, just reactions to avert disaster. Last year they passed a modest 3¢ per gallon hike on gasoline taxes, the first fuel tax hike since 1993 and only passed that hike to fund teacher pay raises since Oklahoma teachers are among the absolute worst paid in the nation. It was only when teachers were leaving in droves they bothered to do anything at all -by misappropriating funding from another sorely neglected area (our roads).

So Oklahoma's roads are still running on 1993 levels of funding even though it's the year 2019. Let's not forget the federal government's declining role in highway funding. And the locals here still have the audacity to demand all the toll gates be taken down off the 600+ miles of turnpikes "since the roads are paid for". I can only laugh when I hear that BS. The idiots never bother to think about factors such as maintenance, safety improvements, improvements to comply with new regulations and expansion projects to cover increased traffic. Any highway is going to involve on-going expense. It's never "paid for."
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: bassoon1986 on November 19, 2019, 07:03:11 PM
I made an interesting state route clinch yesterday. LA 975 from Whiskey Bay to Krotz Springs in the Atchafalaya swamp. 17 miles of gravel! I still think it's crazy that a road can have a state highway shield on it and not be paved. And it's an exit from I-10.


iPhone
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: US71 on November 23, 2019, 08:19:12 PM
Quote from: bassoon1986 on November 19, 2019, 07:03:11 PM
I made an interesting state route clinch yesterday. LA 975 from Whiskey Bay to Krotz Springs in the Atchafalaya swamp. 17 miles of gravel! I still think it's crazy that a road can have a state highway shield on it and not be paved. And it's an exit from I-10.


Arkansas got rid of their last gravel highway last year...and it's washing away
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Brian556 on March 12, 2020, 05:19:49 PM
Very old LA 990 sign on OLD LA 1 in Addis LA:
https://www.google.com/maps/@30.3538284,-91.2652129,3a,15.1y,9.22h,86.82t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s6XYveCudSgP1i7_cY4SDOQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656 (https://www.google.com/maps/@30.3538284,-91.2652129,3a,15.1y,9.22h,86.82t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s6XYveCudSgP1i7_cY4SDOQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656)

Also very old Parish RD 15 sign farther north:
https://www.google.com/maps/@30.3632431,-91.2618481,3a,15y,214.57h,83.69t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sTDZi4zvAtT-J1zuL7IEXmQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656 (https://www.google.com/maps/@30.3632431,-91.2618481,3a,15y,214.57h,83.69t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sTDZi4zvAtT-J1zuL7IEXmQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on April 03, 2020, 12:08:20 AM
Quote from: bassoon1986 on November 19, 2019, 07:03:11 PM
I made an interesting state route clinch yesterday. LA 975 from Whiskey Bay to Krotz Springs in the Atchafalaya swamp. 17 miles of gravel! I still think it’s crazy that a road can have a state highway shield on it and not be paved. And it’s an exit from I-10.


iPhone

Allow me to introduce you to LA 3239. It is dirt & gravel on both ends of the road and paved in the middle.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/130771900@N08/31212412488/in/album-72157702029656785/

Good goin LaDOTD!
Title: Re: Louisiana introduces GeauxPass for statewide toll collection system!
Post by: bwana39 on May 21, 2020, 07:03:12 PM
Quote from: lamsalfl on June 12, 2009, 03:15:25 AM
How about more toll roads in LA? :)

I cannot see that happening. Louisiana is a POPULIST state. Suggesting any such thing would be political suicide for POLS.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Brian556 on May 22, 2020, 10:57:27 PM
When did LA start installing state-name interstate shields again?

https://www.google.com/maps/@31.3119626,-92.4467077,3a,44.8y,173.41h,87.3t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1syF1i9c3AleNruQtIKNYJxg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192 (https://www.google.com/maps/@31.3119626,-92.4467077,3a,44.8y,173.41h,87.3t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1syF1i9c3AleNruQtIKNYJxg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192)

https://www.google.com/maps/@31.3842383,-92.6672492,3a,24.3y,254.29h,91.16t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1su_OuMI0r4Cv7odK0DO2s9g!2e0!7i13312!8i6656 (https://www.google.com/maps/@31.3842383,-92.6672492,3a,24.3y,254.29h,91.16t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1su_OuMI0r4Cv7odK0DO2s9g!2e0!7i13312!8i6656)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on May 24, 2020, 11:03:01 AM
Quote from: Brian556 on May 22, 2020, 10:57:27 PM
When did LA start installing state-name interstate shields again?

https://www.google.com/maps/@31.3119626,-92.4467077,3a,44.8y,173.41h,87.3t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1syF1i9c3AleNruQtIKNYJxg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192 (https://www.google.com/maps/@31.3119626,-92.4467077,3a,44.8y,173.41h,87.3t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1syF1i9c3AleNruQtIKNYJxg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192)

https://www.google.com/maps/@31.3842383,-92.6672492,3a,24.3y,254.29h,91.16t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1su_OuMI0r4Cv7odK0DO2s9g!2e0!7i13312!8i6656 (https://www.google.com/maps/@31.3842383,-92.6672492,3a,24.3y,254.29h,91.16t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1su_OuMI0r4Cv7odK0DO2s9g!2e0!7i13312!8i6656)

About 5 years ago.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: DeaconG on July 08, 2020, 03:09:14 PM
Quote from: bwana39 on May 21, 2020, 07:03:12 PM
Quote from: lamsalfl on June 12, 2009, 03:15:25 AM
How about more toll roads in LA? :)

I cannot see that happening. Louisiana is a POPULIST state. Suggesting any such thing would be political suicide for POLS.

Oh, they'll get the Gateway to the Gulf extension finished with tolls. Outside of that-not happening until Hell drops to zero Kelvin. On their own heads so be it.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Brian556 on July 09, 2020, 09:48:10 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on May 24, 2020, 11:03:01 AM
Quote from: Brian556 on May 22, 2020, 10:57:27 PM
When did LA start installing state-name interstate shields again?

https://www.google.com/maps/@31.3119626,-92.4467077,3a,44.8y,173.41h,87.3t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1syF1i9c3AleNruQtIKNYJxg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192 (https://www.google.com/maps/@31.3119626,-92.4467077,3a,44.8y,173.41h,87.3t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1syF1i9c3AleNruQtIKNYJxg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192)

https://www.google.com/maps/@31.3842383,-92.6672492,3a,24.3y,254.29h,91.16t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1su_OuMI0r4Cv7odK0DO2s9g!2e0!7i13312!8i6656 (https://www.google.com/maps/@31.3842383,-92.6672492,3a,24.3y,254.29h,91.16t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1su_OuMI0r4Cv7odK0DO2s9g!2e0!7i13312!8i6656)

About 5 years ago.

Before this June, I hadn't been in Louisiana since 2015.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: bassoon1986 on July 09, 2020, 11:59:27 PM
Found this gem today in Baton Rouge. Swan Ave at Scenic Hwy (US 61/190)



(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200710/b908a0bfb4359612ff7f99e9a52112db.jpg)


iPhone
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Verlanka on July 10, 2020, 05:01:00 AM
I-I-110? A bit redundant if you ask me.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Hot Rod Hootenanny on July 10, 2020, 11:21:32 PM
Quote from: Verlanka on July 10, 2020, 05:01:00 AM
I-I-110? A bit redundant if you ask me.

Not the first time in that town:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/4591/24570246687_6f17d6e391_z.jpg)
(Essen Plaza, circa 2006)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: STLmapboy on July 11, 2020, 12:11:11 AM
Quote from: Hot Rod Hootenanny on July 10, 2020, 11:21:32 PM
Quote from: Verlanka on July 10, 2020, 05:01:00 AM
I-I-110? A bit redundant if you ask me.

Not the first time in that town:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/4591/24570246687_6f17d6e391_z.jpg)
(Essen Plaza, circa 2006)

That 10/Essen interchange has remained pretty consistent (save for a few mast-to-span traffic light upgrades), but the interstate shields on the overhead wires seem to come and go. In this 2011 GSV a WB 10 shield is missing entirely: https://www.google.com/maps/@30.406439,-91.1025215,3a,75y,16.8h,100.32t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s1kjzOQ-ArTbNbLGZOm1udA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Revive 755 on July 11, 2020, 12:21:31 PM
Looks like the latest iteration of the overhead signing has a 3di shield used for one of the overhead I-10 shields. (https://goo.gl/maps/6tJbMRkHvHEFPqF16)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: bwana39 on August 28, 2020, 06:02:46 PM
Quote from: Revive 755 on July 11, 2020, 12:21:31 PM
Looks like the latest iteration of the overhead signing has a 3di shield used for one of the overhead I-10 shields. (https://goo.gl/maps/6tJbMRkHvHEFPqF16)

No, it looks like 4 characters on a 2DI interstate sign....
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on August 29, 2020, 09:01:22 PM
Quote from: bwana39 on August 28, 2020, 06:02:46 PM
Quote from: Revive 755 on July 11, 2020, 12:21:31 PM
Looks like the latest iteration of the overhead signing has a 3di shield used for one of the overhead I-10 shields. (https://goo.gl/maps/6tJbMRkHvHEFPqF16)

No, it looks like 4 characters on a 2DI interstate sign....

How? All of them just have "10", and the middle sign is clearly a 3DI.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: bwana39 on August 29, 2020, 11:22:56 PM
Quote from: jbnv on August 29, 2020, 09:01:22 PM
Quote from: bwana39 on August 28, 2020, 06:02:46 PM
Quote from: Revive 755 on July 11, 2020, 12:21:31 PM
Looks like the latest iteration of the overhead signing has a 3di shield used for one of the overhead I-10 shields. (https://goo.gl/maps/6tJbMRkHvHEFPqF16)

No, it looks like 4 characters on a 2DI interstate sign....

How? All of them just have "10", and the middle sign is clearly a 3DI.

I agree the one on the pole (Swan Avenue) does look like  3DI Sign stock. The ones hanging look like 2DI sign stock. I also agree they are all aberrations.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: mcdonaat on July 17, 2021, 12:41:02 PM
Interestingly enough... US 51 BUS?

https://www.google.com/maps/@30.4776301,-90.4572204,3a,15y,196.02h,89.18t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s_fK2EZCjES2ThRggIsaDig!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: bassoon1986 on July 17, 2021, 09:58:02 PM
Quote from: mcdonaat on July 17, 2021, 12:41:02 PM
Interestingly enough... US 51 BUS?

https://www.google.com/maps/@30.4776301,-90.4572204,3a,15y,196.02h,89.18t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s_fK2EZCjES2ThRggIsaDig!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
Ew, Hammond, do better.


iPhone
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jbnv on July 17, 2021, 11:51:55 PM
Quote from: bassoon1986 on July 17, 2021, 09:58:02 PM
Quote from: mcdonaat on July 17, 2021, 12:41:02 PM
Interestingly enough... US 51 BUS?

https://www.google.com/maps/@30.4776301,-90.4572204,3a,15y,196.02h,89.18t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s_fK2EZCjES2ThRggIsaDig!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
Ew, Hammond, do better.

That's DOTD's fault, not Hammond's.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Anthony_JK on July 18, 2021, 12:59:02 AM
Quote from: bassoon1986 on July 09, 2020, 11:59:27 PM
Found this gem today in Baton Rouge. Swan Ave at Scenic Hwy (US 61/190)



(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200710/b908a0bfb4359612ff7f99e9a52112db.jpg)


iPhone

OUCH. LaDOTD needs to seriously redo their signage contracts.

Besides, that sign is kind of off. The Scenic Highway terminus of I-110 is nearly 1/2 mile to the north. Better access to I-110 is only one light away to the south, at Harding Boulevard, which also serves as the main access to Baton Rouge Regional Airport and the main gateway to Southern University's main campus. (Swan Avenue is kind of a back door entrance to SU.)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Anthony_JK on July 18, 2021, 01:04:59 AM
Quote from: DeaconG on July 08, 2020, 03:09:14 PM
Quote from: bwana39 on May 21, 2020, 07:03:12 PM
Quote from: lamsalfl on June 12, 2009, 03:15:25 AM
How about more toll roads in LA? :)

I cannot see that happening. Louisiana is a POPULIST state. Suggesting any such thing would be political suicide for POLS.

Oh, they'll get the Gateway to the Gulf extension finished with tolls. Outside of that-not happening until Hell drops to zero Kelvin. On their own heads so be it.

"Gateway to the Gulf"??? What is that....I-49 South??

Maybe the P3 contract for the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge in Lake Charles along with the dominant political settlement against public funding of expanding infrastructure will aid a push for more toll roads. More likely, it will be a slow road "pay as you go" approach using Fed funds and TIFIA loans to gradually build and upgrade.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: bwana39 on July 18, 2021, 10:45:44 PM
Quote from: Anthony_JK on July 18, 2021, 01:04:59 AM
Quote from: DeaconG on July 08, 2020, 03:09:14 PM
Quote from: bwana39 on May 21, 2020, 07:03:12 PM
Quote from: lamsalfl on June 12, 2009, 03:15:25 AM
How about more toll roads in LA? :)

I cannot see that happening. Louisiana is a POPULIST state. Suggesting any such thing would be political suicide for POLS.

Oh, they'll get the Gateway to the Gulf extension finished with tolls. Outside of that-not happening until Hell drops to zero Kelvin. On their own heads so be it.

"Gateway to the Gulf"??? What is that....I-49 South??

Maybe the P3 contract for the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge in Lake Charles along with the dominant political settlement against public funding of expanding infrastructure will aid a push for more toll roads. More likely, it will be a slow road "pay as you go" approach using Fed funds and TIFIA loans to gradually build and upgrade.

No, Gateway to the Gulf is a raised expressway reroute of LA-1 from Leeville to the point where it turns hard to the east toward Grand Isle.

As to the P3 proposal for I-10 over Lake Charles, there are lots of environmental concerns to be addressed ahead of any actual dirt, concrete, or, steel can even be seriously considered,
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Great Lakes Roads on June 08, 2022, 07:41:05 PM
https://wgno.com/news/louisiana/jefferson-parish/dotd-to-resume-tolling-on-la-1-with-new-cashless-system/

Cashless tolling to come on the LA-1 bridge.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: I-55 on July 28, 2022, 07:21:43 PM
New imagery this month of the new Barksdale Connector from the I-20/220 interchange (https://www.google.com/maps/@32.5384297,-93.6293325,3a,15y,166.3h,88.66t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1seu2h28TmhM2Sq63ETOpu4A!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3Deu2h28TmhM2Sq63ETOpu4A%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D165.27908%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1?authuser=1). Paved and signage is up. I don't know how far down it is completed and if it currently ties in anywhere.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Urban Prairie Schooner on July 28, 2022, 08:07:02 PM
Quote from: I-55 on July 28, 2022, 07:21:43 PM
New imagery this month of the new Barksdale Connector from the I-20/220 interchange (https://www.google.com/maps/@32.5384297,-93.6293325,3a,15y,166.3h,88.66t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1seu2h28TmhM2Sq63ETOpu4A!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3Deu2h28TmhM2Sq63ETOpu4A%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D165.27908%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1?authuser=1). Paved and signage is up. I don't know how far down it is completed and if it currently ties in anywhere.

LA 1267 appears to have been constructed to dead end just south of the railroad overpass. Presumably the DoD has to complete the remainder of the road into the base.  Has that construction started yet? I understand a contract was just awarded by Naval engineering.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: US71 on August 24, 2022, 10:36:20 PM
Quote from: Verlanka on July 10, 2020, 05:01:00 AM
I-I-110? A bit redundant if you ask me.

Not to mention repetitive ;) :p
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: bwana39 on August 25, 2022, 05:42:47 PM
https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/dotd-says-parts-of-i-10-will-close-to-1-lane-for-a-year/ar-AA114seC?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=U531&cvid=5a49a58ee85953ff94c5be7cedcee1e5
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on August 26, 2022, 05:59:25 AM
Quote from: bwana39 on August 25, 2022, 05:42:47 PM
https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/dotd-says-parts-of-i-10-will-close-to-1-lane-for-a-year/ar-AA114seC?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=U531&cvid=5a49a58ee85953ff94c5be7cedcee1e5

This is gonna get ugly!
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: bwana39 on September 27, 2022, 01:51:18 PM
https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=30996.msg2773613#msg2773613
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: MoiraPrime on November 05, 2022, 02:04:04 PM
Quote from: bwana39 on August 25, 2022, 05:42:47 PM
https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/dotd-says-parts-of-i-10-will-close-to-1-lane-for-a-year/ar-AA114seC?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=U531&cvid=5a49a58ee85953ff94c5be7cedcee1e5

Just one more lane guys and all their traffic woes will be solved!!! ONE MORE LANE.

Jeez Louisiana cities need to invest in more public spaces and more public transit. By centering the big population centers around cars, they're digging themselves into a huge hole.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Anthony_JK on November 06, 2022, 02:43:50 AM
Quote from: MoiraPrime on November 05, 2022, 02:04:04 PM
Quote from: bwana39 on August 25, 2022, 05:42:47 PM
https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/dotd-says-parts-of-i-10-will-close-to-1-lane-for-a-year/ar-AA114seC?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=U531&cvid=5a49a58ee85953ff94c5be7cedcee1e5

Just one more lane guys and all their traffic woes will be solved!!! ONE MORE LANE.

Jeez Louisiana cities need to invest in more public spaces and more public transit. By centering the big population centers around cars, they're digging themselves into a huge hole.

Except, Interstate 10 in BTR carries the bulk of through traffic through that area. They actually NEED one more lane, or two, or even a freeway grade bypass.

I'm all for balanced transportation and more bus/bike/walkable transit, but it's not a panacea for everything wrong with transportation.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Urban Prairie Schooner on November 15, 2022, 10:27:29 PM
Updated road turnback map of Ouachita Parish released 11/4/22: http://wwwsp.dotd.la.gov/Inside_LaDOTD/Divisions/Multimodal/Road_Transfer/District%2005/Ouachita_2022_RS.pdf

It appears that DOTD and the city of Monroe have reached an agreement to turn back various state roads to local control in the near future. This includes portions of US 165 Business, LA 15, LA 594, and LA 840-6 inside Monroe city limits.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cbalducc on November 18, 2022, 04:20:59 PM
I don't know if this link will open, but a bridge on Highway 90 east of New Orleans is closed and won't be replaced for several years.  Other bridges need replacing as well.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: bwana39 on November 18, 2022, 10:13:34 PM
Quote from: cbalducc on November 18, 2022, 04:20:59 PM
I don’t know if this link will open, but a bridge on Highway 90 east of New Orleans is closed and won’t be replaced for several years.  Other bridges need replacing as well.

https://www.nola.com/news/northshore/fewer-customers-longer-commutes----closure-of-u-s-90-bridge-affects-louisiana/article_4f21d6c6-079c-11ed-8936-234a2cd26345.html

http://wwwapps.dotd.la.gov/administration/announcements/announcement.aspx?key=30055

Except for the Rigolets Bridge all of the bridges between the Chef Menteur Bridge ( http://bridgehunter.com/la/orleans/chef-menteur/) and The East Pearl River Bridge (http://bridgehunter.com/la/st-tammany/625200060800001/) are 90 years old. Supposedly there are about 5 of them.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cjk374 on November 18, 2022, 11:37:30 PM
Quote from: Urban Prairie Schooner on November 15, 2022, 10:27:29 PM
Updated road turnback map of Ouachita Parish released 11/4/22: http://wwwsp.dotd.la.gov/Inside_LaDOTD/Divisions/Multimodal/Road_Transfer/District%2005/Ouachita_2022_RS.pdf

It appears that DOTD and the city of Monroe have reached an agreement to turn back various state roads to local control in the near future. This includes portions of US 165 Business, LA 15, LA 594, and LA 840-6 inside Monroe city limits.

They better not put a damn gap in LA 15 as far as signing, etc. is concerned. If Monroe is going to maintain all of that, those roads will suffer. This city is not flowing in money.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: bwana39 on November 24, 2022, 01:08:56 PM
Quote from: cjk374 on November 18, 2022, 11:37:30 PM
Quote from: Urban Prairie Schooner on November 15, 2022, 10:27:29 PM
Updated road turnback map of Ouachita Parish released 11/4/22: http://wwwsp.dotd.la.gov/Inside_LaDOTD/Divisions/Multimodal/Road_Transfer/District%2005/Ouachita_2022_RS.pdf

It appears that DOTD and the city of Monroe have reached an agreement to turn back various state roads to local control in the near future. This includes portions of US 165 Business, LA 15, LA 594, and LA 840-6 inside Monroe city limits.

They better not put a damn gap in LA 15 as far as signing, etc. is concerned. If Monroe is going to maintain all of that, those roads will suffer. This city is not flowing in money.

It is a tradeoff for making US-165 into freeway and to re-do I-20.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: roadman65 on January 04, 2023, 12:11:59 AM

https://www.theadvocate.com/acadiana/news/interstate-10-closed-at-i-49-after-18-wheeler-hits-bridge/article_20e89b52-8bac-11ed-8855-4fb242c050c8.html

I-10 EB at I-49 closed due to structural damage to the bridge carrying it over I-49.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Urban Prairie Schooner on January 26, 2023, 06:36:44 PM
Looks like some signage was removed from the EB Airline Hwy. exit ramp to Causeway Blvd., thus revealing this gem underneath:

https://goo.gl/maps/hNLHsGA6cDBoEuuX6
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: rlb2024 on January 27, 2023, 03:02:19 PM
Quote from: Urban Prairie Schooner on January 26, 2023, 06:36:44 PM
Looks like some signage was removed from the EB Airline Hwy. exit ramp to Causeway Blvd., thus revealing this gem underneath:

https://goo.gl/maps/hNLHsGA6cDBoEuuX6
That sign has been that way for years.  I used to commute that way for work pre-COVID.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: roadman65 on May 28, 2023, 03:57:34 PM
https://www.flickr.com/photos/54480415@N08/16710845420
This style of gantry is kind of neat looking. PennDOT also uses them.

Plus I have a photo of La's former green shields.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/54480415@N08/20414142229
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: rlb2024 on May 29, 2023, 10:11:29 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on May 28, 2023, 03:57:34 PM
https://www.flickr.com/photos/54480415@N08/16710845420
This style of gantry is kind of neat looking. PennDOT also uses them.

I think Louisiana is moving away from those gantries.  The new ones on the recently-widened sections of I-12 in the Covington/Mandeville area look more like what is used elsewhere in the country.  The latest GSV images are from December 2022, before the new signage was installed.  (There are errors in the new signage as well -- WB I-12 shows an "Exit Only" tab on a permanent sign for Exit 63B to Covington over a lane that does not have to exit.  It did during construction but not now since the widening is complete.  Hopefully that will be corrected.)
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: bassoon1986 on August 15, 2023, 05:05:51 PM
I was recently riding through Covington along I-12 and the widening is great. Obviously all of I-12 needs to be 3x3 but it's much of an improvement to have this busy city done before the rest of the I-12 corridor. I was also happy that the Tchefuncte River bridge was upgraded from 2 lanes to 4 lanes in both directions to accommodate the very close merge from Brewster Rd and to have 2 exit lanes for the upcoming US 190 interchange. Covington/Mandeville have surpassed Hammond in population I think and it was always noticeable getting clogged up on I-12 because of all the local traffic.


Does anyone know anything else about the Kansas Lane project in Monroe? The realignment to Garrett Rd east of the mall or the extension north of US 80?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: cenlaroads on August 16, 2023, 11:00:44 AM
Quote from: bassoon1986 on August 15, 2023, 05:05:51 PM
I was recently riding through Covington along I-12 and the widening is great. Obviously all of I-12 needs to be 3x3 but it's much of an improvement to have this busy city done before the rest of the I-12 corridor. I was also happy that the Tchefuncte River bridge was upgraded from 2 lanes to 4 lanes in both directions to accommodate the very close merge from Brewster Rd and to have 2 exit lanes for the upcoming US 190 interchange. Covington/Mandeville have surpassed Hammond in population I think and it was always noticeable getting clogged up on I-12 because of all the local traffic.


Does anyone know anything else about the Kansas Lane project in Monroe? The realignment to Garrett Rd east of the mall or the extension north of US 80?

It looks like the Kansas Lane - Garrett Rd. Connector is supposed to be let in May of 2024 (scroll down to Ouachita Parish):  http://wwwapps.dotd.la.gov/engineering/lettings/lets8230.aspx

We'll see if it actually happens on time.  There's also a project scheduled for the same day that would widen I-20 to 6 lanes from US 165 to Garrett Rd.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: rlb2024 on August 17, 2023, 06:24:54 PM
Quote from: bassoon1986 on August 15, 2023, 05:05:51 PM
I was recently riding through Covington along I-12 and the widening is great. Obviously all of I-12 needs to be 3x3 but it's much of an improvement to have this busy city done before the rest of the I-12 corridor. I was also happy that the Tchefuncte River bridge was upgraded from 2 lanes to 4 lanes in both directions to accommodate the very close merge from Brewster Rd and to have 2 exit lanes for the upcoming US 190 interchange. Covington/Mandeville have surpassed Hammond in population I think and it was always noticeable getting clogged up on I-12 because of all the local traffic.
Now if they'll just fix the signage -- Exit Only tabs over lanes that aren't exit only, etc.  Maybe they're putting that into the widening contract between LA 21 (Exit 59) and LA 1077 (Exit 57) that's just getting underway . . .
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: bwana39 on September 06, 2023, 02:30:07 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on January 04, 2023, 12:11:59 AM

https://www.theadvocate.com/acadiana/news/interstate-10-closed-at-i-49-after-18-wheeler-hits-bridge/article_20e89b52-8bac-11ed-8855-4fb242c050c8.html

I-10 EB at I-49 closed due to structural damage to the bridge carrying it over I-49.

They have a plan....

http://wwwapps.dotd.la.gov/administration/announcements/announcement.aspx?key=31836
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: roadwaywiz95 on November 01, 2023, 08:52:51 PM
Our next installment in the "Virtual Tour" series is scheduled to take place on Saturday (11/4) at 8 PM ET. Come join me and members of the AARoads community as we profile Interstate 10 across southern Louisiana and discuss the history and features of this highway all while enjoying a real-time video trip along the length of the interstate connecting the cities of Lafayette, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans with the rest of the central Gulf Coast.

This event will be hosted on location in the New Orleans metro area and the topic of the National Road Meet to be held there in February 2024 will certainly come up in conversation during the program. A link to the event location can be found below and we look forward to seeing you there!

Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jasonh300 on November 17, 2023, 08:41:16 AM
The Harvey Tunnel prepares for a 2-year shutdown for refurbishment.

https://www.wwltv.com/amp/article/news/local/harvey-tunnel-prepares-for-shutdown-construction-irritates-drivers/289-ae1e4712-7d2c-4858-96a3-bf0ec24c6fa0
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Bobby5280 on November 17, 2023, 01:56:53 PM
I'm kind of surprised they didn't simply close down the Harvey Tunnel once the Westbank Expressway bridges were built over the canal back in the 1980's.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: bwana39 on November 17, 2023, 02:17:52 PM
Quote from: Bobby5280 on November 17, 2023, 01:56:53 PM
I'm kind of surprised they didn't simply close down the Harvey Tunnel once the Westbank Expressway bridges were built over the canal back in the 1980's.

I had thought that was the plan. The tunnel has leaked pretty much since it was built.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jasonh300 on November 17, 2023, 02:45:47 PM
Quote from: bwana39 on November 17, 2023, 02:17:52 PM
I had thought that was the plan. The tunnel has leaked pretty much since it was built.

Are you confusing the Harvey Tunnel with the Belle Chasse Tunnel (the Belle Chasse Car Wash)?  I've been driving the Harvey Tunnel since 1988 and don't ever recall it leaking.  The Belle Chasse Tunnel sometimes has water pouring out though the crack around the lowest point.

I suppose they didn't eliminate the tunnels since the Expressway is a commercial corridor.  The industrial areas on each side of the canal are much more easily reached from the tunnel, and in recent years, a diversion of Destrehan Avenue on the west side of the tunnel allows for traffic to come out of the tunnel and turn left directly onto an extension of Destrehan. 
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: bwana39 on November 17, 2023, 05:20:56 PM
Quote from: jasonh300 on November 17, 2023, 02:45:47 PM
Quote from: bwana39 on November 17, 2023, 02:17:52 PM
I had thought that was the plan. The tunnel has leaked pretty much since it was built.

Are you confusing the Harvey Tunnel with the Belle Chasse Tunnel (the Belle Chasse Car Wash)?  I've been driving the Harvey Tunnel since 1988 and don't ever recall it leaking.  The Belle Chasse Tunnel sometimes has water pouring out though the crack around the lowest point.

I suppose they didn't eliminate the tunnels since the Expressway is a commercial corridor.  The industrial areas on each side of the canal are much more easily reached from the tunnel, and in recent years, a diversion of Destrehan Avenue on the west side of the tunnel allows for traffic to come out of the tunnel and turn left directly onto an extension of Destrehan.

You are probably right. I didn't know there were two tunnels down there.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jasonh300 on November 17, 2023, 05:28:28 PM
Quote from: bwana39 on November 17, 2023, 05:20:56 PM
Quote from: jasonh300 on November 17, 2023, 02:45:47 PM
Quote from: bwana39 on November 17, 2023, 02:17:52 PM
I had thought that was the plan. The tunnel has leaked pretty much since it was built.

Are you confusing the Harvey Tunnel with the Belle Chasse Tunnel (the Belle Chasse Car Wash)?  I've been driving the Harvey Tunnel since 1988 and don't ever recall it leaking.  The Belle Chasse Tunnel sometimes has water pouring out though the crack around the lowest point.

I suppose they didn't eliminate the tunnels since the Expressway is a commercial corridor.  The industrial areas on each side of the canal are much more easily reached from the tunnel, and in recent years, a diversion of Destrehan Avenue on the west side of the tunnel allows for traffic to come out of the tunnel and turn left directly onto an extension of Destrehan.

You are probably right. I didn't know there were two tunnels down there.

3 if you count the one in Houma, which is about an hour away.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: bwana39 on November 18, 2023, 02:42:03 PM
Quote from: jasonh300 on November 17, 2023, 05:28:28 PM
Quote from: bwana39 on November 17, 2023, 05:20:56 PM
Quote from: jasonh300 on November 17, 2023, 02:45:47 PM
Quote from: bwana39 on November 17, 2023, 02:17:52 PM
I had thought that was the plan. The tunnel has leaked pretty much since it was built.

Are you confusing the Harvey Tunnel with the Belle Chasse Tunnel (the Belle Chasse Car Wash)?  I've been driving the Harvey Tunnel since 1988 and don't ever recall it leaking.  The Belle Chasse Tunnel sometimes has water pouring out though the crack around the lowest point.

I suppose they didn't eliminate the tunnels since the Expressway is a commercial corridor.  The industrial areas on each side of the canal are much more easily reached from the tunnel, and in recent years, a diversion of Destrehan Avenue on the west side of the tunnel allows for traffic to come out of the tunnel and turn left directly onto an extension of Destrehan.

You are probably right. I didn't know there were two tunnels down there.

3 if you count the one in Houma, which is about an hour away.

I meant on the West bank. I was aware of the one in Houma.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: Bobby5280 on November 18, 2023, 06:55:42 PM
I remember the Belle Chasse tunnel well. Back in the early 1980's my dad scored us base housing on the Navy base on the South side of Belle Chasse. We drove through that tunnel often (usually when driving back home after a trip into the city).

It looks like they're building a new bridge over the canal that will carry both directions of traffic. That will solve the tunnel problem.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: froggie on November 19, 2023, 11:19:49 AM
Quote from: Bobby5280 on November 18, 2023, 06:55:42 PM
It looks like they're building a new bridge over the canal that will carry both directions of traffic. That will solve the tunnel problem.

It's also a higher-level bridge which will eliminate the need for a drawspan such as exists on the northbound side.  So it kinda kills two birds with one stone.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jasonh300 on November 23, 2023, 12:22:04 PM
The new high-rise Belle Chasse bridge will replace both the Belle Chasse Tunnel and the Perez Bridge.  The tunnel will be permanently closed in the next 60 days, and they'll be routing southbound traffic onto the left-side of the new bridge, as the bridge approach is going to cut off access to the tunnel. They plan to have the entire thing complete sometime in 2024. Then they'll remove the tunnel and the old bridge.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piZ3n3zjI7k
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: roadman65 on December 21, 2023, 06:42:52 PM
Quote from: jasonh300 on November 23, 2023, 12:22:04 PM
The new high-rise Belle Chasse bridge will replace both the Belle Chasse Tunnel and the Perez Bridge.  The tunnel will be permanently closed in the next 60 days, and they'll be routing southbound traffic onto the left-side of the new bridge, as the bridge approach is going to cut off access to the tunnel. They plan to have the entire thing complete sometime in 2024. Then they'll remove the tunnel and the old bridge.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piZ3n3zjI7k

I heard the tunnel closed yesterday. So that means the new bridge is opened as I write, or at least some of it then?
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jasonh300 on December 21, 2023, 11:35:25 PM
The tunnel is closed, and the new bridge is indeed partially open!

Belle Chasse Tunnel Permanent Closure - December 20, 2023
https://youtu.be/C1mAcYWMKa8
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: roadman65 on December 22, 2023, 05:31:22 PM
I'm glad I captured this as any previous drive through this is now historic.
https://youtu.be/I9rUtELH2AU?si=ODuNY5ALPe9rq1cz
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: jasonh300 on December 22, 2023, 08:29:22 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on December 22, 2023, 05:31:22 PM
I'm glad I captured this as any previous drive through this is now historic.

What year was that?  That's before there was even any thought of replacing it!
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: roadman65 on December 23, 2023, 12:18:05 PM
Quote from: jasonh300 on December 22, 2023, 08:29:22 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on December 22, 2023, 05:31:22 PM
I'm glad I captured this as any previous drive through this is now historic.

What year was that?  That's before there was even any thought of replacing it!
2010 I think.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: roadwaywiz95 on December 29, 2023, 07:46:52 AM
This weekend will feature a special "Meet Preview" *live* webinar that will profile the New Orleans, LA metro area in preparation for the road meet that will be held there in February. This presentation will be hosted by yours truly and will feature contributions from folks across the AARoads Forum spectrum.

This presentation will be broadcast *live* on the 'roadwaywiz' YouTube channel on New Years Eve, Sunday, 12/31 at 3 PM ET. Whether you're on the fence about attending the meet, or are already looking forward to it, we hope that this will give you folks a good idea of what to expect and what to look for during your visit. We may also have some time for a *live* Q&A session regarding the meet itself if there is demand for it.

Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: roadman65 on February 20, 2024, 12:20:16 AM
https://www.facebook.com/groups/96206174878/permalink/10162330233874879/
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: 74/171FAN on February 20, 2024, 06:52:09 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on February 20, 2024, 12:20:16 AM
https://www.facebook.com/groups/96206174878/permalink/10162330233874879/

Those that are not in the FreewayJim Facebook group are unable to access the link.
Title: Re: Louisiana
Post by: ccurley100 on February 28, 2024, 07:18:55 AM
I drove through the Harvey Tunnel eastbound a couple of weeks ago. It was closed heading west.