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Regional Boards => Mid-South => Topic started by: Anthony_JK on February 08, 2020, 10:41:19 AM

Title: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Anthony_JK on February 08, 2020, 10:41:19 AM
Since it has been quite a while since I've posted fresh news about this project, I decided that a new thread would be better than jumping the old one.


Last week LADOTD sent out a press release (https://http://wwwapps.dotd.la.gov/administration/announcements/Announcement.aspx?key=22141) stating that they were now ready to resume the Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS) process for the proposed I-49 Lafayette Connector project, which would create a freeway along the Evangeline Thruway/US 90/US 167 corridor from just south of Lafayette Regional Airport to the current southern terminus of I-49 at the I-10 interchange.


The CSS process had initially started back in August of 2015, but got delayed due to community opposition to the original design of the alternative that was approved in Feburary 2003 with a Record of Decision from FHWA and LaDOTD. A Corridor Refinement Process was initiated in August of 2016 to develop alternative design concepts, which got reduced down to two finalist concepts for the core section going through the heart of Lafayette: an continuously elevated freeway and a partially depressed freeway that would be either open in a trench or completely covered. Ultimately, in spite of some very strong support in the community for the partially depressed design approach, it was deemed to be too expensive, too destructive, and incompatible with the Purpose and Need for the project; the continuous elevated was retained as the main design feature.


Also during that time, it was decided that a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) would be appropriate due to the main changes in the design and the length of time since the 2003 ROD.


The two remaining Refinement Alternatives that were revealed in 2017 will be further studied and analyzed as part of the SEIS process, with a Draft SEIS document scheduled for release to the public roughly in the Winter of 2020, and a final SEIS/ROD issued in the spring of 2021. This will include the resolution of the CSS process towards a Master Plan for both the freeway ROW and the surrounding neighborhoods.


Both Refinement Alternatives would involve a continuously elevated freeway within the Evangeline Thruway corridor, with the exception of a central tangent section between Simcoe and Taft streets that would be offset one block to the west of the existing Thruway couplet. Both alternatives contain options for keeping the Thruway's existing one-way couplet or building an "urban boulevard" segment using the southbound Thruway roadway ROW augmented to the west (the existing northbound Thruway roadway would be converted back to a two-way local street). Both alternatives would also contain options for raising the height of the elevated viaduct section to a minimum of 30 feet rather than the originally proposed 22 feet of the 2003 ROD.


In addition, both Refinement Alternatives would have major changes in access with local streets from the original 2003 ROD Selected Alternative. The original interchange with E. University Avenue/Surrey Street would be moved to Pinhook Road a bit further north; the Kaliste Saloom Road interchange would be modified from a 3-level fully directional T to a 2-level "half-diverging diamond T" to eliminate height conflicts with LRA/LFT; the University/Surrey underpass would be depressed below ground level to reduce the height of the I-49 overpass to eliminate a potential conflict with the flight path of LFT Runway 11-9; and roundabouts were developed on the north segment to allow free flow access at the Donlon Avenue and Castille Avenue/Martin Luther King Drive intersections with the frontage roads/Evangeline Thruway local roadways.


The primary difference is that one alternative braids the south access ramps between the I-49 mainline and the Thruway with the south ramps to the Willow Street interchange; while the other alternative shifts the access ramp from southbound I-49 to the Thruway further south near Mudd Avenue.


Visuals for the two finalist Refinement Alternatives, as well as for the original 2003 ROD Selected Alternative, are available via the official Lafayette Connector website (https://www.lafayetteconnector.com).


Obviously, as more information is revealed and the process continues, this space will be updated.



Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Gordon on September 05, 2020, 12:32:45 PM
I see where going to have 2 workshops online September 9th and 17th. How did the soil testing come out  that they did in earlier of this year for contamination that might get in the ground water?
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Gordon on September 06, 2020, 05:06:20 PM
https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/opinion/letters/article_e01e76ec-db17-11ea-a4e5-6742be0577df.html I thought they getting over the backlash about this connector but this article seems still a fight to move forward, Dated AUG. 11th 2020.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: wdcrft63 on September 06, 2020, 06:24:41 PM
Quote from: Gordon on September 06, 2020, 05:06:20 PM
https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/opinion/letters/article_e01e76ec-db17-11ea-a4e5-6742be0577df.html I thought they getting over the backlash about this connector but this article seems still a fight to move forward, Dated AUG. 11th 2020.
I am not in a position to comment on this project way or another, but I can tell you from North Carolina experience that the Sierra Club does not give up as long as they can see another way to oppose a project.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Anthony_JK on September 07, 2020, 01:42:03 PM
Of course, Harold Schoeffler of the Sierra Club, one of the OG opponents of the Connector project from the very beginning.

The actual former Southern Pacific rail yard was abandoned well over 50 years ago, and the property is now mostly either abandoned or is industrial. The changes in the design of the project for this latest update eliminate the interchanges that would have spanned the former railyard property, decreasing the risk of contamination.

Bypasses are simply not financially nor physically feasible, since the costs would be prohibitive and would not relieve any bit of traffic from the Evangeline Thruway; and given the commitment to updates to US 90 and the completion of some portions of the upgrades, such as the Albertson's Parkway/St. Nazaire Road interchange, it is essentially a moot point anyway.

But, totally expected that all the old opponents would rise up with this latest iteration of the Connector. Hopefully, proponents are prepared for them.



UPDATE: Just posted a response letter to Mr. Schoeffler:


https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/opinion/letters/article_e01e76ec-db17-11ea-a4e5-6742be0577df.html?mode=comments&sr_source=lift_amplify





Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Anthony_JK on September 07, 2020, 01:44:27 PM
Quote from: Gordon on September 05, 2020, 12:32:45 PM
I see where going to have 2 workshops online September 9th and 17th. How did the soil testing come out  that they did in earlier of this year for contamination that might get in the ground water?

The workshops cover the CSS design of the structural features for the bridge and ramp structures. The study of soil testing and the potential of contamination is a separate issue that would be covered through the Supplemental EIS process.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Gordon on September 07, 2020, 05:05:52 PM
I think it in May this year they going to do soil core testing in the area along railroad. I haven't looked at the above grade part of the connector but if the part along the railroad was at ground level I can't see it would ever contaminate the Chicot Aquifer.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: The Ghostbuster on September 08, 2020, 06:00:38 PM
Is there a chance that the Lafayette Connector may be canceled, and Interstate 49 South to New Orleans might be abandoned? Not that I advocate them doing so in any way, shape, or form, but it always remains a possibility. I'm sure the Sierra Club guy would love that.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: RoadMaster09 on September 08, 2020, 06:30:22 PM
I'm looking at bypass options and the area southwest of Lafayette is still quite heavily developed. Still, it might be more feasible in the longer term although it would be more useful as an I-10 alternative than as I-49.

I came up with this idea that probably minimizes disruption the most while allowing for a full speed bypass. With this, I-49 would still end in Lafayette, but I-10 would take over the bypass and US 90 to New Orleans, while I-12 gets extended westward (and a few other numbering changes are made). For those who want a freeway route from New Iberia and east to north of Lafayette, they could take I-10 to I-12 and then I-12 to I-49. This preserves downtown Lafayette without a freeway and fixes up the numbering.

(https://i.ibb.co/fp0b9mJ/i10lafayette.jpg)
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: The Ghostbuster on September 08, 2020, 07:03:55 PM
Too fictional, RoadMaster09. Take it to Fictional Highways.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: BrandonC_TX on September 08, 2020, 07:46:58 PM
Whereas some other states are taking out urban freeways, Louisiana is one of the few states still willing to plow a freeway through the heart of a city.  LaDOTD even studied bypass alignments way back in 1993. (https://lafayetteconnector.com/download/lafayette-north-south-corridor-study-path-to-progress/)

As much as I-49 between Lafayette and New Orleans would present an alternative route to I-10, I don't think that the I-10 mainline should ever take that route.  It is much closer to the Gulf of Mexico and highly-susceptible to sea level rise being in the delta region.  Furthermore, planners need to assume that the Atchafalaya River will capture the Mississippi River someday, such that any plans for I-49 in this region (as well as any plans for rebuilding I-10) should also consider this.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Anthony_JK on September 09, 2020, 01:35:41 AM
Quote from: RoadMaster09 on September 08, 2020, 06:30:22 PM
I'm looking at bypass options and the area southwest of Lafayette is still quite heavily developed. Still, it might be more feasible in the longer term although it would be more useful as an I-10 alternative than as I-49.

I came up with this idea that probably minimizes disruption the most while allowing for a full speed bypass. With this, I-49 would still end in Lafayette, but I-10 would take over the bypass and US 90 to New Orleans, while I-12 gets extended westward (and a few other numbering changes are made). For those who want a freeway route from New Iberia and east to north of Lafayette, they could take I-10 to I-12 and then I-12 to I-49. This preserves downtown Lafayette without a freeway and fixes up the numbering.

(https://i.ibb.co/fp0b9mJ/i10lafayette.jpg)

Plenty of reasons why this would not work for a north-south bypass:

1) A west-to-south outer loop bypass of Lafayette is already under planning as the Lafayette Metro Expressway toll loop; it would encompass the same general corridor as your original proposal, except extended a bit further out to wrap around Maurice to the west and south, allowing for a direct connection with US 167 south to Abbeville; and a hook up with US 90/Future I-49 South near the current LA 88 Coteau Road interchange (and an extension to LA 182 and Acadiana Regional Airport).

2) The costs of the LRX loop, even with tolls implemented, would be prohibitive, running nearly $1.5 billion to $2 billion to complete the sections from I-10 to US 90. If you want to add a segment north of I-10 to connect with I-49 near Carencro in order to fully complete an I-49 extension, you'd have to add another $400 million. The Lafayette Connector, by contrast, would max out at around $750M to $1B. It's also compatible with already completed and planned upgrades on the segment of US 90/Evangeline Thruway, such as the Albertsons Parkway/St. Nazaire Road interchange that was completed recently; and the soon to be constructed Ambassador Caffery Parkway South interchange.

3) The LRX would serve it's own standalone utility of providing a direct bypass alternative for those wanting to avoid Lafayette, Baton Rouge, and the Atchafalaya Basin viaduct, and provide a new and improved hurricane evacuation route for Vermillion Parish/Abbeville that bypasses Lafayette. It would be less useful for north-south evacuation or serving existing traffic on US 90, which would continue to use the US 90/Evangeline Thruway through Lafayette as the most direct route to I-10/I-49 North.

4) The 1993 Lafayette North-South Corridor Study mentioned here analyzed bypass alternatives to the west and the east, and found them to be seriously lacking in both costs and impacts as compared to the Evangeline Thruway/US 90 corridor. Another standalone east bypass option, the Teche Ridge alignment, has been pushed by Connector opponents, but it has its own demerits and impacts, especially to sensitive environmental areas such as Cypress Swamp.

5) I wouldn't really mind the LRX incorporated into a reroute of I-10 along US 90, or a standalone designation of an eastern I-6 using the LRX and the rest of I-49 South from Broussard on southeastward. The Connector and the upgrade of US 90 north of there to I-10, though, needs to be built in order to handle the current traffic needs.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Anthony_JK on September 09, 2020, 01:40:20 AM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on September 08, 2020, 07:03:55 PM
Too fictional, RoadMaster09. Take it to Fictional Highways.

Not really, because there is an actual plan for an Lafayette outer loop, the Lafayette Metro Expressway, though it is currently in mothballs right now.

lrxpressway.com (Lafayette Metro eXpressway site) (http://www.lrxpressway.com/)

[Update: fixed the broken link to the LRX site]
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: The Ghostbuster on September 09, 2020, 04:30:25 PM
I wasn't aware of that (given I live in Wisconsin). I still doubt that such a route would ever be built, though.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: mgk920 on September 09, 2020, 04:52:17 PM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on September 09, 2020, 04:30:25 PM
I wasn't aware of that (given I live in Wisconsin). I still doubt that such a route would ever be built, though.

I-49 (southeast) is to Lafayette, LA what US 10 (east) is to Stevens Point, WI.  It will eventually have to be completed due to its utility for commerce (as well as its status as a major hurricane evacuation route).

Mike
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: bwana39 on September 11, 2020, 12:10:05 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on September 09, 2020, 04:52:17 PM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on September 09, 2020, 04:30:25 PM
I wasn't aware of that (given I live in Wisconsin). I still doubt that such a route would ever be built, though.

I-49 (southeast) is to Lafayette, LA what US 10 (east) is to Stevens Point, WI.  It will eventually have to be completed due to its utility for commerce (as well as its status as a major hurricane evacuation route).

Mike

I-49 from I-10 in Lafayette  to downtown New Orleans is like a path through the woods to grandma's house.  It is going to get built before anything else. Whether you think it is needed, whether you think it is economical, or even if you feel it is duplicative,  Louisiana wants it.

As to the duplication, that is the point. 
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: The Ghostbuster on September 11, 2020, 03:15:54 PM
Are there any construction dates on when more of US 90 will be upgraded to freeway standards, and thus bringing it closer to becoming Interstate 49 (excluding the segment in Lafayette)?
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Gordon on September 11, 2020, 09:02:47 PM
There is the Rail spur  removal Southeast of LA 85 in June 9th of 2021. I think they finally settled on that.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Plutonic Panda on February 02, 2021, 12:21:46 PM
Virtual exhibit now available:

https://storage.net-fs.com/hosting/6566581/4/index.htm
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Henry on February 04, 2021, 10:09:05 AM
Quote from: RoadMaster09 on September 08, 2020, 06:30:22 PM
I'm looking at bypass options and the area southwest of Lafayette is still quite heavily developed. Still, it might be more feasible in the longer term although it would be more useful as an I-10 alternative than as I-49.

I came up with this idea that probably minimizes disruption the most while allowing for a full speed bypass. With this, I-49 would still end in Lafayette, but I-10 would take over the bypass and US 90 to New Orleans, while I-12 gets extended westward (and a few other numbering changes are made). For those who want a freeway route from New Iberia and east to north of Lafayette, they could take I-10 to I-12 and then I-12 to I-49. This preserves downtown Lafayette without a freeway and fixes up the numbering.

(https://i.ibb.co/fp0b9mJ/i10lafayette.jpg)

I have a feeling I've seen this before:

http://www.ajfroggie.com/roads/fictional/louisiana/i010/i010.htm

In the New Orleans area, I-55 would be extended over "old" I-10 to end in the city, and the remainder to Baton Rouge would then be renumbered to an I-x55 (although an I-x12 could also be used).
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Anthony_JK on February 10, 2021, 01:09:37 PM
That is essentially what was the original proposal for the Lafayette Regional Expressway toll loop.


The current LRX proposal pushes the bypass a bit further out than that; generally paralleling LA 343 (Fieldspan Road) south to round out Maurice, then generally straight to the east to meet US 90/Future I-49 South at the current LA 88 (Coteau Road) interchange. There is also an extension from there eastward to LA 182 near Cade to connect with Acadiana Regional Airport.


The loop was moved further out due to public reaction and the idea of a more direct hurricane evacuation route for Maurice, Abbeville, and Vermilion Parish. The latest preferred alternative would meet US 167 at Maurice, where the latter transitions from N/S straight down to Abbeville to NE going towards Lafayette.


It still would be too far away to be a feasible alternative to the Lafayette Connector/US 90 upgrade.

Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Anthony_JK on February 10, 2021, 01:20:02 PM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on September 11, 2020, 03:15:54 PM
Are there any construction dates on when more of US 90 will be upgraded to freeway standards, and thus bringing it closer to becoming Interstate 49 (excluding the segment in Lafayette)?

It's coming along, but slow.

The next phase of the upgrade in lower Lafayette Parish is due to kick up soon, with the construction of the South Ambassador Caffrey Parkway interchange and extension of the one-way frontage road system over the BNSF/UP main rail line and LA 182 to meet up with the ACP interchange. This would extend the completed segment which includes the finished overpass at Albertson's Parkway/St. Nazaire Road and the improved mainline railroad overpass and frontage road connections with LA 182 east/LA 92.

Prelim engineering and environmental approval is still pending for the Verot School Road proposed interchange with US 90/I-49 South that would be just south of the limits of the Lafayette Connector project.

Other than that, and the proposed removal of the Jeanerette railroad grade crossing? Not much, and probably awaiting and hoping for more funding by both the state and feds.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Plutonic Panda on April 22, 2021, 01:17:52 PM
It looks like this project is getting a whopping 50 million to get started:

https://www.houmatoday.com/story/news/2021/04/20/stimulus-bill-includes-money-49-south-louisiana-but-nowhere-near-total-needed/7299098002/?fbclid=IwAR2je-IbdXsKKONV7llekm60cyXAT8clujF6_YqrQ21-x_H8kiRyEs-diSk
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Anthony_JK on April 22, 2021, 11:37:00 PM
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on April 22, 2021, 01:17:52 PM
It looks like this project is getting a whopping 50 million to get started:

https://www.houmatoday.com/story/news/2021/04/20/stimulus-bill-includes-money-49-south-louisiana-but-nowhere-near-total-needed/7299098002/?fbclid=IwAR2je-IbdXsKKONV7llekm60cyXAT8clujF6_YqrQ21-x_H8kiRyEs-diSk (https://www.houmatoday.com/story/news/2021/04/20/stimulus-bill-includes-money-49-south-louisiana-but-nowhere-near-total-needed/7299098002/?fbclid=IwAR2je-IbdXsKKONV7llekm60cyXAT8clujF6_YqrQ21-x_H8kiRyEs-diSk)

I'm guessing that that money, if approved, will be used to build the Ambassador Caffery Parkway South interchange and frontage road system, and complete the environmental and engineering studies for the remainder of the I-49 South project.

The Lafayette Connector is probably still a year away from getting decent funding, but let's see what Biden's infrastructure plan gives us.

Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Anthony_JK on April 28, 2021, 11:31:53 PM
An update, since it's been a while:

Stage 1 of the neighborhood workshops has now been completed as of last week, where community input on the latest features and proposed alternatives of the I-49 Lafayette Connector freeway has been received. It's been unusually quiet, with not much shouting from the usual opponents of the project, though it's still a bit early in the process.

The Connector website has now included in their webpage a FAQ section where they answer some questions about the current SEIS/CSS/Section 106 process and the pathway to a completed Supplemental ROD, including ROW acquisition, the  corresponding upgrade to the Evangeline Thruway segment paralleling the elevated central section (whether the current one-way street couplet remains or the "urban boulevard" concept centered on the southbound Thruway ROW is built), and the possibility of rehabilitating the old railroad yard property that will be remediated for hazardous waste removal before the project begins.

The alignment is essentially now set in stone as what was approved in 2003; but with some changes in design concept. The only remaining primary issue is whether the southbound entry ramp to access downtown Lafayette will be braided with the southbound entry ramp from Willow Street or whether it will be shifted further south to just south of Mudd Avenue to access Second Street. Secondary issues are the vertical clearance of the elevated viaduct section (now set at 22.5 feet, but some want it to be as high as 30 feet), and whether the cleanup of the former SP rail yard will be paid for fully by LADOTD or will it be stand alone prior to construction.

Timing is still set for a Draft SEIS to be published by this fall, with a Final SEIS/SROD signed by spring of 2022.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Anthony_JK on September 16, 2021, 01:46:45 AM

Bumping this thread for a major update, because it's been quite a while.


LADOTD and the team handling the I-49 Lafayette Connector project's Functional Corridor/CSS/Supplemental EIS studies are currently holding the second phase of workshops leading up to a series of public meetings to be held near October.


From what I've seen from the output, some decisions have been made and the proposed alignment is closer to being finalized.


They have decided to go with the "grand boulevard" approach for the segment of the Evangeline Thruway not under the I-49 freeway ROW. The boulevard will utilize the ROW of the southbound Thruway roadway as a 2x2 boulevard with all the Complete Streets goodies for walking and pedestrians; the existing northbound Thruway roadway will be converted to a two-way local street and transferred over to the City of Lafayette.


There are 2 options still on the table for handling cross street intersections with the Thruway: a signalized option where major intersections have signal lights; and a roundabout option where the major crossings are converted to roundabouts.


They have also decided to use the option where the access ramp to downtown from southbound I-49 is pushed further south to connect with Second Street, and with Simcoe Street severed and realigned to connect with the Second/Third one-way couplet that connects with downtown.


The project will also include funding for bicycle and pedestrian facilities throughout the corridor, as well as "gateway" features at the northern (Willow Street) and southern (Kaliste Saloom Road) interchange termini of the project.


Full details and an update can be found on this video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5yp-xfqygI) of the latest workshop held last week, from the I-49 Lafayette Connector YouTube page. Also, full info can be found at the Lafayette Connector website (http://www.lafayetteconnector.com (https://www.lafayetteconnector.com))



















Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Anthony_JK on September 16, 2021, 02:12:37 AM
Some screenshots I took of the latest tweaks to the proposed Connector alternatives:


1) The "Grand Boulevard" concept for the Evangeline Thruway, with roundabouts with major cross streets:


(https://redgarterclub.com/RGClubNetwork/buildi49lafayetteconnector/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/09/I49LafConnector-PreferedE2EAltCentralCoreRoundaboutOption.png)






2) The "Grand Boulevard" concept, but with signalized major cross street intersections:


(https://redgarterclub.com/RGClubNetwork/buildi49lafayetteconnector/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/09/I49LafConnector-PreferedE2EAltCentralCoreSignalizedOption.png)






3) Proposed downtown access ramp to Second St./Simcoe St./Evangeline Thruway, roundabout concept:


(https://redgarterclub.com/RGClubNetwork/buildi49lafayetteconnector/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/09/I49LafConnector-PreferedE2EAltCentralCoreRoundaboutOption2ndSimcoe.png)




4) Same as 3), but with signalized concept:


(https://redgarterclub.com/RGClubNetwork/buildi49lafayetteconnector/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/09/I49LafConnector-PreferedE2EAltCentralCoreSignalizedOption2ndStOffRamp.png)



5) Proposed concept for Pinhook Road interchange (with Displaced Left Turn):


(https://redgarterclub.com/RGClubNetwork/buildi49lafayetteconnector/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/09/I49LafConnector-PreferedE2EAltPinhookInterchange.png)


6) Full overview of Central Core view for the proposed Refined End-to-End Alternative (Signalized option shown):


(https://redgarterclub.com/RGClubNetwork/buildi49lafayetteconnector/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/09/I49LafConnector-PreferedE2EAlternative_20210908.png)






Once I get some time off, I will do a full update in order to refresh my old I-49 Lafayette Connector blog. Linkage when ready.


Notice that this is NOT the finalized version, that will be determined through the SEIS process with a Preferred Alternative, and then approved in the Final SEIS down the road.



Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Plutonic Panda on September 16, 2021, 08:42:52 AM
I thought this was supposed to be a freeway?
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: froggie on September 16, 2021, 08:54:13 AM
^ The Connector (orange red) is.  The Thruway (green) is not.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: bassoon1986 on September 16, 2021, 10:00:45 AM
On the picture number 3 with the zoomed in exit of Second St/Simcoe, it shows Mudd as US 90 Bus. Is that in part of these plans to change US 90 to a different alignment, or is that just a map mistake?


iPhone
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Anthony_JK on September 17, 2021, 11:25:31 PM
Yeah, that's a map error. Mudd Avenue is actually US 90 west of the Evangeline Thruway.

There is a US 90 Business, but it runs along University Avenue from Cameron Street (which transitions into Mudd Ave.) through the UL campus to Pinhook Road, concurrent with LA 182, then turns east on Pinhook to terminate at US 90 at the Evangeline Thruway. I'm seriously surprised, though, they didn't reroute it along the extension of University out to the intersection of University/Surrey/Thruway near the airport, to take advantage of the grade separated underpass of the UP/BNSF rail line.

Which brings us another error: If you look real close, "BNSF" is misspelled "BNFS". Seriously.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Anthony_JK on September 17, 2021, 11:29:45 PM
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on September 16, 2021, 08:42:52 AM
I thought this was supposed to be a freeway?

It's still planned to be a freeway. This profile simply left out the segment south of Pinhook to Kaliste Saloom Road to focus on the changes in the central core and the tweaks in the northern section from the rail spur crossing to I-10.

Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: jbnv on September 21, 2021, 09:31:54 AM
Doesn't look like there are any flyover ramps or bridges over the tracks, which is a big disappointment. Especially for Johnston Street. I've been hoping for something that would get rid of or mitigate the awkward connection to Louisiana Ave. and grade-separate its intersection with the tracks. In fact it looks like the new Thruway boulevard is basically the "exit" for Johnston/Louisiana.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Anthony_JK on September 21, 2021, 09:58:56 AM
Quote from: jbnv on September 21, 2021, 09:31:54 AM
Doesn't look like there are any flyover ramps or bridges over the tracks, which is a big disappointment. Especially for Johnston Street. I've been hoping for something that would get rid of or mitigate the awkward connection to Louisiana Ave. and grade-separate its intersection with the tracks. In fact it looks like the new Thruway boulevard is basically the "exit" for Johnston/Louisiana.

No way they can do an underpass or overpass due to the curve of Johnston Street and the fact of the area west of the railroad now being declared a Historical District.

Although, I have thought about writing to Stantec and the I-49 team about an idea of splitting the Johnston/Louisiana connection, realigning Johnston Street straighter to allow for an underpass of the railroad that would connect to the new Evangeline Thruway boulevard at approximately Seventh Street, and extending a local street at the ex-Johnston/Louisiana intersection with the Thruway so that it would cross the railroad at grade and terminate at Garfield Street just west of the existing Johnston-Garfield intersection.  It wouldn't be the most advantageous as far as traffic flow between Johnston and Louisiana Avenue, especially if the roundabout option was chosen; but it would provide for another grade separation for both vehicles and pedestrians/bicyclists.

Of course, the originally approved alignment for the Connector included direct interchanges with grade separations at Johnston and the Second/Third couplet, with a braided ramp segment between the two interchanges. That was rejected due to strong community opposition to the required fill section which would sever Sixth Street, and the strong desire to beautify and improve the Evangeline Thruway corridor as a "Complete Streets" corridor for peds and bike geeks.  The continuously elevated and "floating" viaduct combined with using the Thruway for accessing downtown and UL was considered more community friendly.

Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: jbnv on September 21, 2021, 04:34:15 PM
Quote from: Anthony_JK on September 21, 2021, 09:58:56 AM
I have thought about writing to Stantec and the I-49 team about an idea of splitting the Johnston/Louisiana connection, realigning Johnston Street straighter to allow for an underpass of the railroad that would connect to the new Evangeline Thruway boulevard at approximately Seventh Street, and extending a local street at the ex-Johnston/Louisiana intersection with the Thruway so that it would cross the railroad at grade and terminate at Garfield Street just west of the existing Johnston-Garfield intersection. 

That's basically what I meant by "get rid of or mitigate the awkward connection to Louisiana Ave." And to be fair, we'd have to see how much traffic relies on that junction to get from/to downtown to/from the Northside. (I-10 has those "to Johnston St." signs and I've used Louisiana Ave. to do just that.)

Quote from: Anthony_JK on September 21, 2021, 09:58:56 AM
Of course, the originally approved alignment for the Connector included direct interchanges with grade separations at Johnston and the Second/Third couplet, with a braided ramp segment between the two interchanges. That was rejected due to strong community opposition to the required fill section which would sever Sixth Street, and the strong desire to beautify and improve the Evangeline Thruway corridor as a "Complete Streets" corridor for peds and bike geeks.  The continuously elevated and "floating" viaduct combined with using the Thruway for accessing downtown and UL was considered more community friendly.

Consider this: Break the Johnston/Louisiana connection, connect Louisiana to Garfield St. at Gordon St., terminate Johnston at Garfield, and extend Seventh, Eighth, Tenth and Eleventh Sts. across the tracks to Garfield. That would throw a very big bone to the residents of neighborhoods on both sides of the tracks, the urbanists, and pests like Harold Schoeffler. Of course, the people who use that junction regularly would object, so it would come down to who is louder. But the long-term changes in traffic patterns might make it worth it. Such an analysis is beyond my skill level.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Anthony_JK on September 21, 2021, 11:03:25 PM
Seventh Street would be incorporated into my alternative Johnston Street underpass proposal. Extending Eighth Street would be overkill.

A Louisiana Avenue extension (perhaps, as Ninth Street, which is what was originally there before they extended Louisiana Avenue to the Thruway?) connecting across the rail tracks to Garfield Street is very much viable.

Interestingly enough, the Evangeline Thruway Redevelopment Team, which is mostly New Urbanists wanting to reconnect the neighborhoods and integrate them within the Connector project, actually has proposed having more connections between the two neighborhoods (Freetown-Port Rico and McComb-Veazey) that are currently separated by the Thruway and would be overpassed by the proposed viaduct. They were actually severed for a long while due to the old Southern Pacific rail yard, which is also the source of concern of contamination of the Chicot Aquifer, which provides Lafayette it's water supply. The rail yard was long since abandoned in the 1950's (replaced with the current distribution yard operated by BNSF near the North Ambassador Caffery Parkway overpass), but it still had faced remediation due to the concerns of contamination. The ETRT did suggest that extensions of Eleventh, Twelfth, and possibly Thirteenth Streets from the Thruway east across the BNSF/UP mainline to Garfield Street could be done once the old railyard site was cleaned up to facilitate reconnecting the communities. Such development would be beyond the scope of building the Connector freeway, but it's something LCG and the city of Lafayette really could consider, especially if FHWA/LADOTD gets generous and helps pay for a full cleanup of the railyard site.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: jbnv on September 22, 2021, 10:44:15 AM
Quote from: Anthony_JK on September 21, 2021, 11:03:25 PM
Interestingly enough, the Evangeline Thruway Redevelopment Team, which is mostly New Urbanists wanting to reconnect the neighborhoods and integrate them within the Connector project, actually has proposed having more connections between the two neighborhoods (Freetown-Port Rico and McComb-Veazey) that are currently separated by the Thruway and would be overpassed by the proposed viaduct.

So basically I'm proposing what they have already proposed, but taking them a step further by severing the Johnston/Louisiana connection.

Quote from: Anthony_JK on September 21, 2021, 11:03:25 PM
Such development would be beyond the scope of building the Connector freeway, but it's something LCG and the city of Lafayette really could consider, especially if FHWA/LADOTD gets generous and helps pay for a full cleanup of the railyard site.

If they get the railyard cleaned up they could do this before work on the Connector begins. And doing this would show the residents of the area, not to mention the entire city, that LCG cares about northside and ethnic neighborhoods just as much as they care about the Southside and the "white" parts of the city.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: bwana39 on September 22, 2021, 11:28:30 AM
Quote from: jbnv on September 22, 2021, 10:44:15 AM
Quote from: Anthony_JK on September 21, 2021, 11:03:25 PM
Interestingly enough, the Evangeline Thruway Redevelopment Team, which is mostly New Urbanists wanting to reconnect the neighborhoods and integrate them within the Connector project, actually has proposed having more connections between the two neighborhoods (Freetown-Port Rico and McComb-Veazey) that are currently separated by the Thruway and would be overpassed by the proposed viaduct.


I think the irony here is REMOVING the elevated freeways is the urbanists goals in both Dallas and Houston.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Anthony_JK on September 22, 2021, 12:25:18 PM
Quote from: bwana39 on September 22, 2021, 11:28:30 AM
Quote from: jbnv on September 22, 2021, 10:44:15 AM
Quote from: Anthony_JK on September 21, 2021, 11:03:25 PM
Interestingly enough, the Evangeline Thruway Redevelopment Team, which is mostly New Urbanists wanting to reconnect the neighborhoods and integrate them within the Connector project, actually has proposed having more connections between the two neighborhoods (Freetown-Port Rico and McComb-Veazey) that are currently separated by the Thruway and would be overpassed by the proposed viaduct.


I think the irony here is REMOVING the elevated freeways is the urbanists goals in both Dallas and Houston.

It should be noted that the ETRT, operating through its Evangeline Corridor Initiative, while being open enough to work with the proposed elevated alternative, did actually originally push for a "partially depressed" alternative that would have buried the Connector freeway 12' below ground level, capped it with an embankment, and allowed main cross streets to pass over the mainline. It was reviewed by the Connector design team (Stantec/FHWA/LaDOTD) and made it as far as Level II analysis, but was ultimately rejected due to prohibitive costs and the steep gradients that would have been required to pull the cross streets back down to ground level for crossing the railroad line. Also, it would have required an extensive overpass of Johnston Street over the railroad, penetrating deep into the Freetown-Port Rico Historical District....which would have rendered it DOA.

I'm sure there is some resentment and opposition to the freeway from some of the New Urbanists involved with the ETRT, but thus far they have been silent.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: jbnv on September 22, 2021, 01:13:44 PM
Quote from: Anthony_JK on September 22, 2021, 12:25:18 PM
I'm sure there is some resentment and opposition to the freeway from some of the New Urbanists involved with the ETRT, but thus far they have been silent.

The smart ones know that they have no chance of getting the freeway cancelled outright. Not with major hurricanes passing on both sides of Lafayette in the span of about a year. Not without a large number of Lafayette residents having grown up with this thing being talked about but never done. Not when they can focus on working around the freeway on solutions that benefit everyone but especially downtown and the nearby neighborhoods.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Anthony_JK on November 07, 2021, 04:34:18 AM
New update on the progress of the Connector:

A new series of neighborhood meetings and an Open House Meeting was held last week in which viewers were officially introduced to the two finalist End-to-End alternatives that will be analyzed in detail for the upcoming Supplemental EIS.

The 2 alternatives are basically variants of the concept I posted earlier: a fully elevated mainline freeway generally using the Evangeline Thruway corridor save for a section from Simcoe Street to Fourteenth/Taft Streets where the Thruway is converted into an "urban boulevard" using the existing southbound ROW (the northbound Thruway roadway will be transferred to the City of Lafayette and converted to a two-way discontinuous local street).

The difference between the two is that one would use signalized intersections for the grand boulevard with major cross streets; while the other would use roundabouts, including a "superroundabout" at the intersection of the Thruway boulevard with Johnston Street/Louisiana Avenue.

The workshops also presented an updated timeline for completion of all the studies and analyses of the proposed Connector freeway; a Draft SEIS is now scheduled to be completed and sent to the public by March of next year; with a Public Hearing in July 2022, and a Final SEIS/Supplemental ROD issued by March of 2023. The CSS design portion of the process is now completed; the focus now is on detailed environmental, noise, and ROW impact analysis leading to the selection of a Preferred Alternative that will be even further detailed for the DSEIS.

Also, a Joint Use Development Plan and a Section 106 Mitigation Plan/Memorandum of Agreement will have to be drafted and finalized along with the FSEIS/SROD for all the corridor enhancements and to mitigate any indirect impacts to the Sterling Grove and Freetown-Port Rico historical districts that would be flanked by the corridor.

I got some screenshots of the full E2E alternatives; I will post them here soon as I can.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Plutonic Panda on November 07, 2021, 09:11:52 AM
So then the I-49 connector is dead?
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: bwana39 on November 07, 2021, 08:28:06 PM
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on November 07, 2021, 09:11:52 AM
So then the I-49 connector is dead?

No,

They are running part of the freeway on a slightly different routing and making the bypassed portion of the Thruway into a boulevard.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Anthony_JK on November 07, 2021, 08:51:58 PM
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on November 07, 2021, 09:11:52 AM
So then the I-49 connector is dead?

Not even close.

In fact, the routing is the same that I pictured earlier up the thread.

The only remaining decision is whether to implement roundabouts or signalized intersections on the boulevard segment of the Thruway. The freeway section simply deviates to the west of the Thruway at that point, using the Thruway ROW for the remainder of the project.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Plutonic Panda on November 07, 2021, 09:54:05 PM
I just realized this is the second time I've asked this here and I've been confused both times looking at the plans. Sorry about that.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: jbnv on November 08, 2021, 09:58:31 AM
Now that Congress has passed the infrastructure bill, this would be a good time for the Legislature to earmark $1 billion or so of that for completing I-49. Let's see who steps up.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Henry on November 08, 2021, 10:05:19 AM
If the Lafayette Connector and Shreveport ICC can be done within the same timeframe, good for them.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: jbnv on November 09, 2021, 01:23:02 PM
Quote from: Henry on November 08, 2021, 10:05:19 AM
If the Lafayette Connector and Shreveport ICC can be done within the same timeframe, good for them.

$6 billion should be enough to finish I-49 South, Shreveport ICC, a new bridge at Calcasieu River and fixing the I-10 bottleneck in Baton Rouge. If the Legislature gets its act together, dedicates the funds and declares that These Things Will Get Done, then it can get leverage to persuade voters for additional taxes to fix other infrastructure issues. They should be able to get Edwards's signature on a package so that Edwards can retire from public service with his legacy in tact.

My fear is that they won't get together and these projects will drag out and cost more than we're getting. Too bad we aren't electing a governor until 2023, because this would be a *great* thing to have on the table in an election year. At best it's an opportunity for an ambitious legislator to get his name in the public eye so he can be the viable candidate not named Jeff Landry in 2023. If I were a state Senator or Representative from north/central Louisiana I'd get things in writing before south Louisiana locks up all of the funds.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Anthony_JK on November 14, 2021, 04:47:07 AM
Here's how I would place the priorities for LA "megaprojects" in the wake of the infrastructure bill passing:

1) I-49 South

     1a) Lafayette Connector + US 90 upgrade south to LA 88
     1b) Complete elevated Westbank Expressway to US 90 (temporary I-910 placeholder until rest of I-49 South is complete)
     1c) Complete Ricohoc/Wax Lake Outlet to Berwick/Morgan City segment through Patterson/Bayou Vista/Berwick
     Complete environmental review/design for remaining Raceland-WBExpy segment


2) I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge/Widen I-10 through Lake Charles

3) I-10 widening through Baton Rouge

4) I-49 Shreveport ICC

5) LA 1 "Gateway to the Gulf" tollway from US 90/Future I-49 South to Port Fourchon/Grand Isle 

6) South Mississippi River bridge for potential Baton Rouge south "bypass"

7) Shreveport "Port to I-49 connector"/future I-69 segment


The first priority gets you a completed I-49 South all the way from Raceland to Lafayette and fully completes the Westbank Expressway.

Second gets you a completed and widened I-10 from the Texas state line to US 165.

Third resolves as much as possible the I-10 bottleneck, though I still think other measures, like the toll loop and a freeway bypass to the south, will still be needed.

Fourth completes I-49 through Shreveport.

Fifth adds a real hurricane evacuation route (remember Hurricane Ida devastated that area).

Sixth...see point to Second. (Though, I want a full freeway, not the arterial presently proposed.)






Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: bwana39 on November 14, 2021, 08:12:40 AM
Quote from: Anthony_JK on November 14, 2021, 04:47:07 AM
Here's how I would place the priorities for LA "megaprojects" in the wake of the infrastructure bill passing:

1) I-49 South

     1a) Lafayette Connector + US 90 upgrade south to LA 88
     1b) Complete elevated Westbank Expressway to US 90 (temporary I-910 placeholder until rest of I-49 South is complete)
     1c) Complete Ricohoc/Wax Lake Outlet to Berwick/Morgan City segment through Patterson/Bayou Vista/Berwick
     Complete environmental review/design for remaining Raceland-WBExpy segment


2) I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge/Widen I-10 through Lake Charles

3) I-10 widening through Baton Rouge

4) I-49 Shreveport ICC

5) LA 1 "Gateway to the Gulf" tollway from US 90/Future I-49 South to Port Fourchon/Grand Isle 

6) South Mississippi River bridge for potential Baton Rouge south "bypass"

7) Shreveport "Port to I-49 connector"/future I-69 segment


The first priority gets you a completed I-49 South all the way from Raceland to Lafayette and fully completes the Westbank Expressway.

Second gets you a completed and widened I-10 from the Texas state line to US 165.

Third resolves as much as possible the I-10 bottleneck, though I still think other measures, like the toll loop and a freeway bypass to the south, will still be needed.

Fourth completes I-49 through Shreveport.

Fifth adds a real hurricane evacuation route (remember Hurricane Ida devastated that area).

Sixth...see point to Second. (Though, I want a full freeway, not the arterial presently proposed.)

I don't really disagree with you . It is the classic north LA is a part of Texas mentality, but it is still not that far off.

In a nutshell, there is not enough money for the needs. Little to none of this is wants.  The Baton Rouge south loop needs to at least buy ROW for an eventual freeway. What people outside of Louisiana need to see is that Baton Rouge through the past couple of decades has gone from about third in population to solidly the largest city in Louisiana.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: jbnv on November 14, 2021, 06:27:19 PM
Quote from: bwana39 on November 14, 2021, 08:12:40 AM
I don't really disagree with you . It is the classic north LA is a part of Texas mentality, but it is still not that far off.

In a nutshell, there is not enough money for the needs. Little to none of this is wants.  The Baton Rouge south loop needs to at least buy ROW for an eventual freeway. What people outside of Louisiana need to see is that Baton Rouge through the past couple of decades has gone from about third in population to solidly the largest city in Louisiana.

I take issue with characterizing this as a "north LA is a part of Texas mentality." The majority of people in Louisiana live along the I-10/12/US 90 corridor. I-10/12 is a transcontinental route handling both a lot of local traffic and a lot of traffic that came from and/or is going somewhere else.  The corridor is still recovering from multiple hurricanes; we need to have these improvements not just for future evacuations but in a real sense for economic development.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: bwana39 on November 14, 2021, 08:42:20 PM
Quote from: jbnv on November 14, 2021, 06:27:19 PM
Quote from: bwana39 on November 14, 2021, 08:12:40 AM
I don't really disagree with you . It is the classic north LA is a part of Texas mentality, but it is still not that far off.

In a nutshell, there is not enough money for the needs. Little to none of this is wants.  The Baton Rouge south loop needs to at least buy ROW for an eventual freeway. What people outside of Louisiana need to see is that Baton Rouge through the past couple of decades has gone from about third in population to solidly the largest city in Louisiana.

I take issue with characterizing this as a "north LA is a part of Texas mentality." The majority of people in Louisiana live along the I-10/12/US 90 corridor. I-10/12 is a transcontinental route handling both a lot of local traffic and a lot of traffic that came from and/or is going somewhere else.  The corridor is still recovering from multiple hurricanes; we need to have these improvements not just for future evacuations but in a real sense for economic development.

Economic development?  The I-10 and even the US-90 corridor are where most of the commerce in Louisiana are. The cities in North Louisiana  are as poor or poorer than the rural agricultural parishes.

I agree with the priorities you listed. I said so. That said, you certainly seem to dismiss any needs in northern LA where the household incomes are over 10% lower than along the I-10 corridor.  It may not be north Louisiana is a part of Texas, but at the same time, you also seem to miss that the third, seventh, and 9th largest cities in LA are along I-20. (admittedly all of the rest of the top 9 are along I-10). Admittedly 3/4 of the Louisiana population is SOUTH of the 31st parallel. (Over half in the parishes that are least partially east of the Mississippi)
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: jbnv on November 14, 2021, 09:00:26 PM
Quote from: bwana39 on November 14, 2021, 08:42:20 PM
Admittedly 3/4 of the Louisiana population is SOUTH of the 31st parallel.

On this we agree.

Quote from: bwana39 on November 14, 2021, 08:12:40 AM
That said, you certainly seem to dismiss any needs in northern LA where the household incomes are over 10% lower than along the I-10 corridor.  It may not be north Louisiana is a part of Texas, but at the same time, you also seem to miss that the third, seventh, and 9th largest cities in LA are along I-20.

I didn't decree that a significant majority of the state's population live along 10/12/90. I also have no ability to turn $6 billion into the $15 billion needed to fix everything. Louisiana is one of the poorest states in the country with one of the worst climates for starting/building businesses. I'd love to be able to snap my fingers and fix that, because that would benefit everyone both south and north, but alas I can't.

The matter of north versus south would be largely irrelevant if Louisiana develops a plan for using the $6 billion as a catalyst for getting work started on the big projects. If the state can show that I-49 South, I-10 etc. *can* get done, the voters will be more likely to support the taxes needed to fund everything. My fear is that Legislature will just treat the $6 billion like a cake and slice it up and pass it around. Then we'll still have the same needs *and* no big pile of money to fuel momentum on work.

The economic fact is that not everybody can get what they want. That's not a "north Louisiana might as well be in Texas" mentality. Framing this situation as that does nothing to get anything done.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Plutonic Panda on November 15, 2021, 04:53:26 AM
Consider north Louisiana as Texas or not there are people that live there as well and justified projects to meet demand exists. Whether or not the majority of people living in south Louisiana is a fact doesn't justify neglecting cities like Shreveport.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: jbnv on November 15, 2021, 09:05:59 AM
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on November 15, 2021, 04:53:26 AM
Consider north Louisiana as Texas or not there are people that live there as well and justified projects to meet demand exists. Whether or not the majority of people living in south Louisiana is a fact doesn't justify neglecting cities like Shreveport.

Okay. Show us your plan for dividing the $6 billion among $15 billion worth of work, and we'll assess how equitable it is to north Louisiana.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Plutonic Panda on November 15, 2021, 11:47:52 AM
Quote from: jbnv on November 15, 2021, 09:05:59 AM
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on November 15, 2021, 04:53:26 AM
Consider north Louisiana as Texas or not there are people that live there as well and justified projects to meet demand exists. Whether or not the majority of people living in south Louisiana is a fact doesn't justify neglecting cities like Shreveport.

Okay. Show us your plan for dividing the $6 billion among $15 billion worth of work, and we'll assess how equitable it is to north Louisiana.
Pay me the money that planners get for doing that and I will. Once again, there is no excuse to neglect the northern half of the state.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: jbnv on November 15, 2021, 08:59:49 PM
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on November 15, 2021, 11:47:52 AM
Quote from: jbnv on November 15, 2021, 09:05:59 AM
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on November 15, 2021, 04:53:26 AM
Consider north Louisiana as Texas or not there are people that live there as well and justified projects to meet demand exists. Whether or not the majority of people living in south Louisiana is a fact doesn't justify neglecting cities like Shreveport.

Okay. Show us your plan for dividing the $6 billion among $15 billion worth of work, and we'll assess how equitable it is to north Louisiana.
Pay me the money that planners get for doing that and I will. Once again, there is no excuse to neglect the northern half of the state.

Anthony_JK gave us a priority list and I'm pretty sure he's not getting paid to do this work. Sorry, but I'm not interested in excuses that don't reflect the reality in Louisiana. Especially from someone who apparently doesn't live here.

Quote from: Anthony_JK on November 14, 2021, 04:47:07 AM
Here's how I would place the priorities for LA "megaprojects" in the wake of the infrastructure bill passing:

1) I-49 South

     1a) Lafayette Connector + US 90 upgrade south to LA 88
     1b) Complete elevated Westbank Expressway to US 90 (temporary I-910 placeholder until rest of I-49 South is complete)
     1c) Complete Ricohoc/Wax Lake Outlet to Berwick/Morgan City segment through Patterson/Bayou Vista/Berwick
     Complete environmental review/design for remaining Raceland-WBExpy segment

2) I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge/Widen I-10 through Lake Charles

3) I-10 widening through Baton Rouge

4) I-49 Shreveport ICC

5) LA 1 "Gateway to the Gulf" tollway from US 90/Future I-49 South to Port Fourchon/Grand Isle 

6) South Mississippi River bridge for potential Baton Rouge south "bypass"

7) Shreveport "Port to I-49 connector"/future I-69 segment

The first priority gets you a completed I-49 South all the way from Raceland to Lafayette and fully completes the Westbank Expressway.

Second gets you a completed and widened I-10 from the Texas state line to US 165.

Third resolves as much as possible the I-10 bottleneck, though I still think other measures, like the toll loop and a freeway bypass to the south, will still be needed.

Fourth completes I-49 through Shreveport.

Fifth adds a real hurricane evacuation route (remember Hurricane Ida devastated that area).

Sixth...see point to Second. (Though, I want a full freeway, not the arterial presently proposed.)
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Plutonic Panda on November 15, 2021, 09:27:21 PM
I really couldn't give two fucks about what you're interested in. Shreveport deserves a nice slice of the pie. That's my opinion. Don't like it tough. Shame on the government if they share your mentality as well. I'm done with this conversation.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: jbnv on November 16, 2021, 09:39:21 AM
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on November 15, 2021, 09:27:21 PM
I really couldn't give two fucks about what you're interested in. Shreveport deserves a nice slice of the pie. That's my opinion. Don't like it tough. Shame on the government if they share your mentality as well. I'm done with this conversation.

Good, you're not adding anything useful to it anyway. If you reconsider I'd appreciate an explanation of how "nice" a slice Shreveport deserves and how that deservance compares with the projects that won't get funded if Shreveport gets its way.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Anthony_JK on November 16, 2021, 09:42:54 AM
Personally, if it was up to me, the infrastructure bill would have enough revenue so that everyone's needs, North LA and South LA, would get adequately fulfilled. Problem is, it doesn't work that way.

I have no problem whatsoever with Shreveport getting a decent share of the funding. They deserve at least the ICC and the Port Connector, and four-laning the Jimmie Davis Bridge would also serve a basic need.

THE most basic need in Louisiana, however, is completing I-49 South between Lafayette and NOLA, along with fixing the bottleneck on I-10 in Baton Rouge. That's not slagging on North Louisiana; that's basic fact. US 90 serves four major ports, is the principal hurricane evacuation route for South Louisiana south of BTR, and is already nearly half the way complete in being upgraded to an Interstate-grade freeway.

Not saying that NWLA should get nothing at all, but the focus should be on the greatest needs. Squeakiest wheel gets the grease, you know.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: jbnv on November 16, 2021, 09:49:58 AM
Quote from: Anthony_JK on November 16, 2021, 09:42:54 AM
Not saying that NWLA should get nothing at all, but the focus should be on the greatest needs. Squeakiest wheel gets the grease, you know.

Not only that, but we should use what we have to build momentum so we can get what else we need. If the state demonstrates that it is using the infrastructure funds to get the big things done, then it can win credibility with both the taxpayers of the state and with Washington to ask for the money for the smaller things.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Plutonic Panda on November 16, 2021, 11:48:17 AM
Quote from: Anthony_JK on November 16, 2021, 09:42:54 AM
I have no problem whatsoever with Shreveport getting a decent share of the funding. They deserve at least the ICC and the Port Connector, and four-laning the Jimmie Davis Bridge would also serve a basic need.

Not saying that NWLA should get nothing at all, but the focus should be on the greatest needs. Squeakiest wheel gets the grease, you know.
Agreed. The ICC is what comes to mind at the very least.
Title: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: bassoon1986 on November 17, 2021, 12:03:39 PM
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on November 16, 2021, 11:48:17 AM
Quote from: Anthony_JK on November 16, 2021, 09:42:54 AM
I have no problem whatsoever with Shreveport getting a decent share of the funding. They deserve at least the ICC and the Port Connector, and four-laning the Jimmie Davis Bridge would also serve a basic need.

Not saying that NWLA should get nothing at all, but the focus should be on the greatest needs. Squeakiest wheel gets the grease, you know.
Agreed. The ICC is what comes to mind at the very least.
Yes, so that I-49 will be completely done in north LA. A complete interstate from I-10 to I-30.


iPhone
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Hot Rod Hootenanny on November 18, 2021, 10:51:46 PM
Speaking of what Louisiana should spend their infrastructure money on...
https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/politics/article_01ef0bc2-4702-11ec-aa1d-177c60ac30e6.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebookbatonrouge&utm_campaign=snd&fbclid=IwAR0XlLu5TJ_ixZeYOQmDktG9dSZ50qVMgSRsH_qtkXFd5BMT0I_6mASjHTA
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Plutonic Panda on November 18, 2021, 11:48:15 PM
I really hope they do not remove I 10 in New Orleans it needs to be expanded and rebuilt
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: jbnv on November 19, 2021, 08:45:47 AM
Quote from: Hot Rod Hootenanny on November 18, 2021, 10:51:46 PM
Speaking of what Louisiana should spend their infrastructure money on...
https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/politics/article_01ef0bc2-4702-11ec-aa1d-177c60ac30e6.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebookbatonrouge&utm_campaign=snd&fbclid=IwAR0XlLu5TJ_ixZeYOQmDktG9dSZ50qVMgSRsH_qtkXFd5BMT0I_6mASjHTA

TL;DR: Louisiana lagging way behind most other states in highway quality. And the solution is... spend more money on it.  :rolleyes:
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: bwana39 on November 20, 2021, 01:16:05 PM
Quote from: Hot Rod Hootenanny on November 18, 2021, 10:51:46 PM
Speaking of what Louisiana should spend their infrastructure money on...
https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/politics/article_01ef0bc2-4702-11ec-aa1d-177c60ac30e6.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebookbatonrouge&utm_campaign=snd&fbclid=IwAR0XlLu5TJ_ixZeYOQmDktG9dSZ50qVMgSRsH_qtkXFd5BMT0I_6mASjHTA

That makes for a good discussion. What was the logic that had them build the Audubon Bridge?   It is the LEAST used highway bridge on the lower Mississippi and traffic levels are not increasing significantly either.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: jbnv on November 20, 2021, 06:28:31 PM
Quote from: bwana39 on November 20, 2021, 01:16:05 PM
Quote from: Hot Rod Hootenanny on November 18, 2021, 10:51:46 PM
Speaking of what Louisiana should spend their infrastructure money on...
https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/politics/article_01ef0bc2-4702-11ec-aa1d-177c60ac30e6.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebookbatonrouge&utm_campaign=snd&fbclid=IwAR0XlLu5TJ_ixZeYOQmDktG9dSZ50qVMgSRsH_qtkXFd5BMT0I_6mASjHTA

What was the logic that had them build the Audubon Bridge?   It is the LEAST used highway bridge on the lower Mississippi and traffic levels are not increasing significantly either.

It replaced a ferry crossing. That's pretty much all I've found through an admittedly cursory search.

Wikipedia has no further info about the justification, but it does offer this information about criticism of the bridge:

QuoteIt was estimated to carry 4,000 vehicles per day, but it actually averaged 2,887 vehicles per day, in its first year of operation (albeit still significantly more than the 720 vehicles per day that the old ferry used to transport). It is projected to increase traffic to 9,600 vehicles per day by 2026.

During the site selection process, the St. Francisville mayor discouraged putting the bridge near the old ferry landing, because it would affect the views of two historic homes and two cemeteries. The site that was ultimately chosen downriver, however, was also criticized for being south of Entergy's River Bend Nuclear Generating Station, meaning that if the St. Francisville area had to be evacuated due to issues at the nuclear power plant, the bridge would be useless as an evacuation route, despite the exceptional amount of tax dollars spent on it. There are even claims that the southerly location of the bridge has actually discouraged much of the expected increase in commerce between residents of New Roads and St. Francisville, because the much larger city of Zachary is not much further from the site of the bridge and offers many more retail options.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: kernals12 on November 22, 2021, 07:04:47 PM
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on November 18, 2021, 11:48:15 PM
I really hope they do not remove I 10 in New Orleans it needs to be expanded and rebuilt

I find it hard to believe that, Post-Katrina, any road in New Orleans needs to be expanded.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: bwana39 on November 23, 2021, 12:18:00 AM
Quote from: kernals12 on November 22, 2021, 07:04:47 PM
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on November 18, 2021, 11:48:15 PM
I really hope they do not remove I 10 in New Orleans it needs to be expanded and rebuilt

I find it hard to believe that, Post-Katrina, any road in New Orleans needs to be expanded.

New Orleans Population is back to 3/4 of its pre-Katrina levels and the complete metro area is at or near the 2005 levels.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Anthony_JK on January 06, 2022, 01:57:23 PM
I'm thinking that the original justification for adding the JJ Audubon Bridge to the TIMED project list was two-fold: as an accompaniment to the 4-laning of US 61 from Baton Rouge north to the Mississippi state line, and to replace the St. Francisville ferry. There may have also been a thought of adding an additional relief route using LA 10 and LA 1 to Alexandria as a means of relieving the current preferred route of I-10/LA 415/US 190/I-49 (or even US 190/US 71). In addition, during the 1990's there was a proposal called the Zachary Taylor Parkway, which would have 4-laned LA 10 from St. Francisville east through Clinton, Greensburg, and Fluker to I-55; maybe they though about extending it in the future west along LA 10 and LA 1 through New Roads, Simmesport, and Marksville all the way to Alexandria.

A lot of us still believe that the money spent on that project would have been better spent on upgrading US 90 as part of I-49 South...but, it is what it is. (Until it isn't.)
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Plutonic Panda on January 06, 2022, 02:07:14 PM
Quote from: kernals12 on November 22, 2021, 07:04:47 PM
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on November 18, 2021, 11:48:15 PM
I really hope they do not remove I 10 in New Orleans it needs to be expanded and rebuilt

I find it hard to believe that, Post-Katrina, any road in New Orleans needs to be expanded.
Have you not been on this road lately. It experiences back ups. Not sure how regular they are but every time I've been on it traffic is moving slowly.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: kernals12 on February 03, 2022, 11:57:24 AM
Governor's Budget has $100 million earmarked for the Lafayette Connector https://gov.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/3542
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Anthony_JK on February 03, 2022, 01:02:28 PM
Quote from: kernals12 on February 03, 2022, 11:57:24 AM
Governor's Budget has $100 million earmarked for the Lafayette Connector https://gov.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/3542

I'm guessing that most of that will go for constructing the I-49 South interchange with South Ambassador Caffery Parkway, completing the environmental studies for the remaining incomplete segments of the whole of I-49 South, and completing the design work and starting ROW acquisition and buyout of properties within the Lafayette Connector ROW.

The Supplemental EIS won't be finalized with a ROD until Spring of next year, so there is still time to gather up funds for actual construction.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Anthony_JK on February 24, 2022, 08:30:38 AM

With enough time on my hands, I decided to update my I-49 Connector blog with a major update bumping it to the present.


It includes illustrations of the new Refinement Alternative and subalternative concepts for the proposed "grand boulevard" along the Evangeline Thruway.


I-49 Connector Update (February 2022) -- I-49 Lafayette Connector Support Blog (https://redgarterclub.com/RGClubNetwork/buildi49lafayetteconnector/2022/02/23/brand-new-connector-update-february-2022-finalist-seis-alternatives-revealed-css-process-concludes-timeline-for-draft-final-seis-documents-set/)


The new schedule is to have a Preferred Alternative selected by April; with a Draft Supplemental EIS published in July; a Public Hearing on the SEIS in August, and a final Supplemental Record of Decision on a finalized Selected Supplemental Alternative done by March of next year.



Also, feel free to check out LADOTD's cool Virtual Reality website of the Connector (have to get through about a minute of a bad welcome speech before getting to the good stuff, but it's worth it).


I-49 Lafayette Connector Virtual Reality Site (https://aecomvr.com/I49/)



Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: kernals12 on February 24, 2022, 10:02:38 AM
Quote from: Anthony_JK on February 24, 2022, 08:30:38 AM

With enough time on my hands, I decided to update my I-49 Connector blog with a major update bumping it to the present.


It includes illustrations of the new Refinement Alternative and subalternative concepts for the proposed "grand boulevard" along the Evangeline Thruway.


I-49 Connector Update (February 2022) -- I-49 Lafayette Connector Support Blog (https://redgarterclub.com/RGClubNetwork/buildi49lafayetteconnector/2022/02/23/brand-new-connector-update-february-2022-finalist-seis-alternatives-revealed-css-process-concludes-timeline-for-draft-final-seis-documents-set/)


The new schedule is to have a Preferred Alternative selected by April; with a Draft Supplemental EIS published in July; a Public Hearing on the SEIS in August, and a final Supplemental Record of Decision on a finalized Selected Supplemental Alternative done by March of next year.



Also, feel free to check out LADOTD's cool Virtual Reality website of the Connector (have to get through about a minute of a bad welcome speech before getting to the good stuff, but it's worth it).


I-49 Lafayette Connector Virtual Reality Site (https://aecomvr.com/I49/)

Do they have the funding though?
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: bwana39 on February 25, 2022, 09:08:56 PM
Quote from: kernals12 on February 24, 2022, 10:02:38 AM
Quote from: Anthony_JK on February 24, 2022, 08:30:38 AM

With enough time on my hands, I decided to update my I-49 Connector blog with a major update bumping it to the present.


It includes illustrations of the new Refinement Alternative and subalternative concepts for the proposed "grand boulevard" along the Evangeline Thruway.


I-49 Connector Update (February 2022) -- I-49 Lafayette Connector Support Blog (https://redgarterclub.com/RGClubNetwork/buildi49lafayetteconnector/2022/02/23/brand-new-connector-update-february-2022-finalist-seis-alternatives-revealed-css-process-concludes-timeline-for-draft-final-seis-documents-set/)


The new schedule is to have a Preferred Alternative selected by April; with a Draft Supplemental EIS published in July; a Public Hearing on the SEIS in August, and a final Supplemental Record of Decision on a finalized Selected Supplemental Alternative done by March of next year.



Also, feel free to check out LADOTD's cool Virtual Reality website of the Connector (have to get through about a minute of a bad welcome speech before getting to the good stuff, but it's worth it).


I-49 Lafayette Connector Virtual Reality Site (https://aecomvr.com/I49/)

Do they have the funding though?

This project is as funded as anything in Louisiana that isn't already having dirt moved or better. The potential I-49 to New Orleans is one of the projects LADOTD has on task and is progressing with. Thinking is that as soon as they have something that LADOTD and the community can agree on, they will get to work. It appears with some outliers that this is a consensus done deal.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Anthony_JK on February 25, 2022, 09:45:50 PM
As of right now, there's no funding for construction yet, but I'm thinking that considering the importance of the Connector to complete I-49 South to NOLA, and the fact that I-49 South is right now the #1 priority next on the block for construction, funding it will be not a hard sell. Only roadblock that would block it would be if the Sierra Club and some of the New Urbanist "no freeways in inner cities" wacks step in with a successful lawsuit after the SEIS/ROD is approved, but even that is looking more and more iffy as this project does have more support now than ever.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Anthony_JK on April 18, 2022, 07:37:48 PM
Well, well, well.

The New Urbanist wing of the New York Times suddenly discovers the I-49 Lafayette Connector project, and fires off an article with the usual anti-freeway bromides, and the additional "FREEWAYS CAUSE RACISM!!!!" claptrap (Caution: article is paywalled):

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/15/us/mccomb-lafayette-louisiana-highway.html?mc_cid=02bfe3bbc5&mc_eid=471c3ba336 (https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/15/us/mccomb-lafayette-louisiana-highway.html?mc_cid=02bfe3bbc5&mc_eid=471c3ba336)


Strangely enough, the article quotes from residents of the McComb-Veazey neighborhood adjacent to the project, which would not be impacted directly from the ROW of the Connector project, and could actually benefit from the redevelopment of the proposed conversion of the Evangeline Thruway into an urban "grand boulevard".


We'll see if this activates the national New Urbanists to action.


Meanwhile, the Louisiana Legislature started the process of funding the Connector project with their annual spending and construction appropriation bills (HR 1 for spending, HR 2 for construction). An initial $100 million is earmarked for the Lafayette Connector project in HR 2; along with $100M for the I-10 Calcasieu River bridge replacement.


Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Bobby5280 on April 18, 2022, 10:25:17 PM
Funny thing: the notion the New York Times has noticed this project and written negative things about could actually inspire the politically conservative Louisiana state government to increase their support of the connector project out of spite.
:-D
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: jbnv on April 19, 2022, 09:24:22 AM
Quote from: Anthony_JK on April 18, 2022, 07:37:48 PM
(Caution: article is paywalled):

Not a problem for me; I don't need to read it.

Quote from: Bobby5280 on April 18, 2022, 10:25:17 PM
Funny thing: the notion the New York Times has noticed this project and written negative things about could actually inspire the politically conservative Louisiana state government to increase their support of the connector project out of spite.
:-D

Like I've said before, we have statewide elections coming up next year, and there's an incentive for politicians to rally around these projects. Particularly Jeff Landry, the current AG, former congressman and all-but-declared candidate for governor in 2023. Landry is from Iberia Parish and represented much of the I-49 South corridor as a Congressman. I expect him to promote I-49 and the I-10 projects to shore up his support in Lafayette, Lake Charles and Baton Rouge. Meanwhile, if the Democrats want any chance of keeping the seat in their hands, they'll have to figure out how to navigate I-49 without throwing the predominately-Black McComb-Veazey neighborhood under the bus.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: kernals12 on April 19, 2022, 09:37:43 AM
The Times obviously went desperately searching for opponents to a project that polls show consistent support for.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Anthony_JK on April 19, 2022, 12:17:24 PM
I have now been able to access and read the article, and it's not as biased as I thought. It does quote a few opponents, but also gives supporters at least some space to counter.

The few comments to the article, OTOH, are dominated by the usual array of Connector opponents, all of whom are now focusing on an alternative consisting of a bypass (either the old Teche Ridge east bypass proposal or the Lafayette Regional eXpressway toll loop) combined with an at-grade conversion of the Evangeline Thruway utilizing the "grand boulevard" concept. (This is similar to the "grand boulevard" proposed by the "Loop It" folks in Shreveport along with the I-220/LA 3132 rerouting to replace the Shreveport ICC.)

All of the comments roll upon the usual canard of "Elevated freeways are RACIST and destroy Black neighborhoods!!!"; ignoring the fact that the Connector would bypass McComb-Veazey to the west along the former railroad yard property; there would be little to NO displacements of businesses in that neighborhood, and that those alternatives are either prohibitively more expensive (the LRX would carry a tag of $3B for construction, and Teche Ridge would carry closer to $800M and carry a fraction of the traffic that uses the US 90/Evangeline Thruway corridor, and would still not make the Thruway any safer for residents) or have their own negative impacts (Teche Ridge would have to traverse Cypress Swamp east of Lafayette).

It's too bad that the Times closed down comments, because I would have gladly countered these fools.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Anthony_JK on June 15, 2022, 12:54:50 PM
A recent article in the Acadiana Advocate on the possible beginning of construction of converting a section of US 90 in Broussard to a six-lane freeway with one way access roads, along with construction of the Ambassador Caffery Parkway South interchange with US 90:


https://www.theadvocate.com/acadiana/news/business/article_334b3084-ac32-11ec-a512-43bbeed19a0d.html


This new extension would include the following:


- Widening the US 90 mainlanes from 4 to 6 lanes (3 in either direction) from the LA 182/BNSF Railway bridge to Ambassador Caffery
- Constructing an overpass/interchange at Ambassador Caffery South to replace the current signalized intersection
- Constructing and extending the current one-way frontage road system over the BNSF railroad /LA 182 (via completion of the overpasses) and extending them through Ambassador Caffery South


A contract could be signed by September, with a target of 2025 for completion.


There was also a brief update on the I-49 Lafayette Connector process; LADOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson said that they had secured enough funding from various sources that they could begin construction as soon as the design and environmental processes were completed; with a targeted goal of completing the Supplemental EIS for the project by "next summer".


Quote
The I-49 [C]onnector, the 5.5-mile extension of I-49 that stretches from its terminus at Interstate 10 to Lafayette Regional Airport, remains a futuristic project, with environmental impact study expected to be completed by next summer but possibly earlier, Wilson said.[/font]
[/size]The governor's office is allocating $50 million from COVID-19 relief, $75 million from the American Rescue Plan Act along with an additional $100 million for a total of $225 million for the first round of funding for the project that could end up costing $1.5 billion due to recent inflation, Wilson said.[/font]
[/size]Another $28 million, he noted, could come from the state's new vehicle sales tax. That could fund "the big section in the middle,"  which could be $400-$600 million alone, he said.[/font]



That "big section in the middle" includes the proposed Grand Boulevard segment of the Evangeline Thruway as well as the actual Connector freeway.


[Note: Slight edit of the quote from the article to cap the "C" in "Connector". So sue me.]



Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: kernals12 on June 29, 2022, 07:09:54 PM
Construction set to start in 2023! (https://www.theadvocate.com/acadiana/news/business/article_902eebfc-f7bd-11ec-a417-ef0ebee7d951.html)

I hope this project will show that elevated highways that run through cities don't have to barriers between communities or sources of blight.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: roadman65 on June 29, 2022, 07:28:37 PM
Quote from: kernals12 on June 29, 2022, 07:09:54 PM
Construction set to start in 2023! (https://www.theadvocate.com/acadiana/news/business/article_902eebfc-f7bd-11ec-a417-ef0ebee7d951.html)

I hope this project will show that elevated highways that run through cities don't have to barriers between communities or sources of blight.

You have to pay to see this story.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Plutonic Panda on June 29, 2022, 07:39:02 PM
^^^ no you won't

QuoteThe elevated stretch of Interstate 49 along the edge of downtown Lafayette will be built "in most of your lifetimes"  thanks to $200 million in one-time funding approved by the state legislature, one Lafayette lawmaker said.

Senate President Page Cortez, speaking during this morning's legislative session recap put on by One Acadiana, said the money could keep the project moving and include funding to improve the bridge over the Vermilion River. The project will be kicked off in the spring of 2023, he said.

The one-time money was part of an effort legislators made to improving infrastructure in south Louisiana, with $300 million earmarked for a new Mississippi River bridge and $200 million for the new I-10 bridge in Lake Charles.

The session was historic, State Rep. Stuart Bishop, R-Lafayette, since Orleans and Jefferson parishes traditionally have gotten a majority of funding for infrastructure.

"Orleans and Jefferson parishes have run capital outlay for decades,"  Bishop said. "I mean decade after decade. And guess what? Acadiana is now in charge of leadership. With the help of a lot of people, we brought home more money to Acadiana than has been brought home in decades."

Work should begin by the end of the year the $138.6 million project to convert the intersection of U.S. 90 and Ambassador Caffery Parkway into an interstate-style exit, including expanding U.S. 90 from that intersection to the Albertson Parkway exit. That project could be complete by 2025.

The I-49 connector will stretch 5.5 miles from the Interstate 10 interchange to the Lafayette Regional Airport. Latest renderings show the elevated portion will be built along the railroad track adjacent to downtown and include a grand boulevard design below.

The project needs to be complete all the way to the I-310 bridge in St. Charles Parish to relieve pressure off I-10, said Sen. Bret Allain, R- Franklin. Once completed, I-49 would provide a shorter route for travelers going from New Orleans to Houston and bring more population to the areas along the highway.

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"It's a huge economic development tool,"  Allain said. "It really needs to be done."

Lawmakers also noted the small wins in the area of tax collection after the constitutional amendment to centralize sales tax collection in the state was turned down by voters. Two bills made it to the governor's desk: SB 95, which aims to reduce the burden on businesses operating in multiple parishes by creating a multi-parish audit program for local sales tax, and SB 235, which allows local collectors to opt into collecting through the Remote Sellers Commission, which now collects sales tax from online retailers via a streamlined process.

Louisiana is one of three states that does not have a centralized sales tax collection process for businesses. Voters in Lafayette and St. Landry parishes supported the measure when it was on ballot, but the measure failed mostly due to opposition from sheriff's offices statewide and from officials in Orleans Parish.

The main opposition, State Rep. Gerald "Beau"  Beallieu said, was from the tax collecting bodies who make money off their services.

"Those rates throughout the state vary, and some of them – I'm going to call them profit centers – are money grabs by those collectors,"  he said. "If you look throughout the state at some of the rates they're charging, it's insane compared to what we see compared to some of our local collectors. It's a fund they don't want to let go of easily."

State Sen. Jeremy Stine, R-Lake Charles and part of the Stine Lumber Co. family, noted how the company has 11 locations in Louisiana and one in Natchez, Mississippi. The company files only one return in Mississippi, which has a centralized collection system.

"As much as it pains me to say this, it's far easier for us to do business in Mississippi than it is in Louisiana when it comes to sales tax,"  Stine said. "We run trucks all around the region in Mississippi, and we pay to one place, and that's in Jackson, Mississippi. "We've got two ladies in our office in Sulphur that's all they do all day long – remit taxes to different taxing authorities. It is burdensome."
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Anthony_JK on June 29, 2022, 09:48:39 PM
Ummm....not so fast.

They haven't even finished the preliminary design and the Supplemental EIS, which the Draft copy of such was scheduled to be released next month. That seems to have been delayed, since I've seen no updates from the Lafayette Connector website since last November. They are still a ways to go before shovels start digging.

They are scheduled to break ground later this summer for the Ambassador Caffery South interchange with US 90, which will also include extending the one-way access/frontage road system -- that they built for the Albertson Parkway/St. Nazaire Road interchange -- over LA 182 and the BNSF Railway line to extend to AbCPS.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: The Ghostbuster on July 01, 2022, 01:41:51 PM
I expect it will be an adventure to complete Interstate 49 along US 90 and US 167 through the city of Lafayette. And yes, a paywall did show up, although it took a while and gave me enough time to read the whole story.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Bobby5280 on July 01, 2022, 02:23:54 PM
Heck, the I-49 project there has already been an adventure and construction hasn't even started on the "good part" of it yet!
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Anthony_JK on July 02, 2022, 12:07:03 AM
If they can get past the inevitable lawsuit from the Sierra Club and the usual opponents, it actually shouldn't be so much of an adventure. The only actual real argument they can make against the Connector is it passing through the old Southern Pacific railyard property, which was considered a hazardous waste site, but was mostly cleaned up during the 2000's. The fear was and is that pilings dug for the elevated structure might penetrate into the Chicot Aquifer, which supplies Lafayette's drinking water. There are standard protocols for preventing that, and an environmental assessment has been done for the site to determine if there is any remaining threat of contamination and what could be done to mitigate it.

The alternatives to building the Connector freeway won't fly, either. Some have proposed simply building the "grand boulevard" along the Evangeline Thruway without the Connector freeway, as if a four-lane boulevard filled to the gills with walkways, bike lanes, and businesses filled with signalized crossings can handle 140K of traffic per day.

And the bypass alternatives are stupid as well: the Lafayette Regional eXpressway (LRX) tollway that has been proposed is so far out of the way (almost bordering the western and southern extremities of Lafayette Parish) and prohibitively expensive (potential cost of nearly $2 BILLION to $2.5 BILLION, compared to $1B for the Connector; and the old Teche Ridge bypass proposal going through St. Martin Parish near St. Martinville and Breaux Bridge has its own issues of having to traverse Cypress Swamp, as well as not attracting any degree of traffic away from the Evangeline Thruway/US 90 corridor. Plus, the commitment to upgrading US 90 south of Lafayette makes Teche Ridge a moot point anyway.

The initial commitment of funding this year might be the kick that finally pops the cork in building the Connector freeway through Lafayette.

Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Bobby5280 on July 02, 2022, 09:57:12 AM
Hopefully that funding commitment will give the project a lot more positive momentum. The upgrade projects farther South on US-90 would also appear to build momentum to make I-49 a thru freeway rather than something with Breezewood-style gaps.

I wish more was getting done with I-49 over in the New Orleans area. The existing portion of the Westbank Expressway was built nearly 40 years ago. Nothing has been done with it since the mid 1980's. The portion of US-90 in Westwego has been sitting there, freeway ready, since the 1970's.

For all the difficulties with I-49 that have been going in the Lafayette area it seems like the Louisiana government could have been tackling other I-49 projects in the meantime. Completing the Westbank Expressway would have been easy. Avondale doesn't look like it would be difficult; it looks like there is sufficient ROW available. The upgrade through Boutte to reach I-310 could be a bit more tricky. There is a lot of development right up on existing US-90 on either side of the I-310 intersection. The same goes for US-90 in Paradis; it's a tight squeeze there. Not as many properties would have to be taken in Des Allemands.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Anthony_JK on July 02, 2022, 09:49:09 PM
From what I am seeing, the main focus right now for LADOTD regarding I-49 South is to get funding commitments for the Lafayette Connector section, slowly upgrade the segment just south of there to LA 88 (which includes the Ambassador Caffery Parkway South interchange that is about to be constructed), finish off the segment in Iberia Parish (including removing that blasted at-grade rail spur crossing near Jeanerette near the sugar cane processing plant), and finish the environmental and line-and-grade studies for the segments from Ricohoc/Wax Lake through Patterson/Bayou Vista to Berwick. That would essentially complete I-49 South from I-10 in Lafayette all the way to the LA 1/LA 308/Bayou Lafourche bridge. The segment through Patterson and Bayou Vista will be the biggest PITA because the ROW of US 90 narrows to a pinch point at the US 90/Cotton Road intersection in Patterson between the meandering of the Atchafalaya River and the BNSF/UP rail line through there; and they may have to do a bit more of an elevated section there to avoid dividing the town.

As for Raceland to the Westbank Expressway....from Raceland to Des Allemands through the Barataria Basin should be a piece of cake; but once you get into Des Allemands the trouble starts. The original idea was to bypass Des Allemands to the south and run I-49 in the wetlands and lowland areas just south of US 90 as a fully elevated viaduct; but due to prohibitive costs, the new idea is simply to overlay US 90 using an improved existing Bayou Des Allemands bridge, then do a brief bypass of East Des Allemands, and then cannibalize existing US 90 to near Paradis, then go off on a south bypass to connect with the existing I-310/US 90 interchange near Boutte. The plan is to now extend I-310/LA 3137 south of the existing terminus to a temporary connection with I-49, and then FOR NOW run I-49 along I-310 to end at I-10 at the I-310 interchange west of NOLA International Airport. The segment from Boutte east to the Westbank Expressway ending in downtown NOLA at the Ponchatrain Expressway/Claiborne Avenue interchange near the Ceasars Superdome, including the full completion of the latter, would probably be put off until the end.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Plutonic Panda on July 03, 2022, 04:55:13 AM
^^^^ just out of curiosity since you seem to be on top of Louisiana happenings this project seems to be getting to being more of a focus for LDOT. I'm assuming this will be either done or in full swing by 2030s finishing up not too long after.

When do you think we'll start hearing more serious talks about I-10 new New Orleans? Because I know LDOT had a lot on their plate but that will be a big one coming up. I'm sure in this decade they'll want to focus on I-49 corridor projects along with rural I-10 segments. Not sure if the Shreveport I-49 connector will be a focus this decade or not. But I'd imagine pretty soon they'll need to start spending more time looking at the I-10 segment in New Orleans that's lot of urbanist want torn down.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: kernals12 on July 03, 2022, 10:42:04 AM
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on July 03, 2022, 04:55:13 AM
^^^^ just out of curiosity since you seem to be on top of Louisiana happenings this project seems to be getting to being more of a focus for LDOT. I'm assuming this will be either done or in full swing by 2030s finishing up not too long after.

When do you think we'll start hearing more serious talks about I-10 new New Orleans? Because I know LDOT had a lot on their plate but that will be a big one coming up. I'm sure in this decade they'll want to focus on I-49 corridor projects along with rural I-10 segments. Not sure if the Shreveport I-49 connector will be a focus this decade or not. But I'd imagine pretty soon they'll need to start spending more time looking at the I-10 segment in New Orleans that's lot of urbanist want torn down.

A lot of urbanists wanted I-345 in Dallas torn down. Then TxDOT came along and showed how doing so would cause a traffic nightmare downtown and offered to instead rebuild it in a way that's less visually intrusive and now that movement has died down. If LaDOT can show that removing I-10 in New Orleans would cause horrible traffic tie-ups, then they could also kill off any dreams of tearing it down.

Perhaps the Lafayette Connector will show how an elevated highway doesn't need to be ugly.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Anthony_JK on July 03, 2022, 01:01:26 PM
The last time they attempted to push the removal of the Claiborne Elevated segment of I-10, it got shot down due to strong opposition from nearly every politician, as well as even from many residents of Treme itself, who feared that the teardown would be a precursor to "urban removal"/gentrification of the neighborhood.  But I'm sure the New Urbanist activists are more than ready to try their luck again with another attempt. Though, considering the political makeup of the Louisiana State Legislature, I don't think a teardown will have any broad support outside of local New Urbanist interests.

The Lafayette Connector project is one of the few examples where they have attempted to incorporate CSS and even some New Urbanist principles within construction of an elevated freeway through the central portion of a city. If it does work, it could be a pretty good counter to the notion that elevated freeways are innately destructive....though, you will always have the detractors.

Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Bobby5280 on July 03, 2022, 01:18:29 PM
Removing I-10 on the edge of Downtown New Orleans would be an especially stupid idea. The intersection with I-10, Claiborne Ave (US-90) and the Ponchatrain Expressway (Bus US-90) is a pretty major intersection. The Superdome is right there and the Smoothie King arena is next door. A hell of a lot of traffic moves in and out of the downtown area and the French Quarter. Reducing I-10 to one or two at-grade boulevards with a shit-ton of traffic signals would plunge the downtown area into pure hell for motorists. Traffic is already bad enough as it is. No freeway would make it much worse. Let's also not forget the North Claiborne Ave portion of I-10, the one most likely to be torn down by New Urbanists, runs through a not so safe area of town. How many people want to be stuck waiting at traffic signals there?

Also, New Orleans doesn't exactly have the greatest mass transit system serving that region. There is a limited street car line serving only a small portion of the city. And there is city buses. How many people truthfully enjoy commuting by using the bus?
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: bwana39 on July 03, 2022, 08:40:44 PM
Removing the Claiborne elevated freeway section of I-10 is less than desirable. That said, through freeway access would still be there. That proposal would only have the eastern segment removed. The Pontchartrain Expressway would remain.

The through I-10 traffic already travels via I-610 (or I-12) This all said, the traffic volumes pretty much demand the Claiborne part remain open.

I will add one thing that most of us already realize: The result of freeway removal is almost never reunification of a divided community. It is either gentrification, redevelopment, or new development. None of these three benefit the "affected" communities.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: kernals12 on July 03, 2022, 08:55:51 PM
Quote from: bwana39 on July 03, 2022, 08:40:44 PM
Removing the Claiborne elevated freeway section of I-10 is less than desirable. That said, through freeway access would still be there. That proposal would only have the eastern segment removed. The Pontchartrain Expressway would remain.

The through I-10 traffic already travels via I-610 (or I-12) This all said, the traffic volumes pretty much demand the Claiborne part remain open.

I will add one thing that most of us already realize: The result of freeway removal is almost never reunification of a divided community. It is either gentrification, redevelopment, or new development. None of these three benefit the "affected" communities.


Or it just makes no real difference at all. Rochester hasn't exactly been a hot spot since they filled in the inner loop.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Plutonic Panda on July 03, 2022, 09:06:25 PM
Quote from: kernals12 on July 03, 2022, 08:55:51 PM
Quote from: bwana39 on July 03, 2022, 08:40:44 PM
Removing the Claiborne elevated freeway section of I-10 is less than desirable. That said, through freeway access would still be there. That proposal would only have the eastern segment removed. The Pontchartrain Expressway would remain.

The through I-10 traffic already travels via I-610 (or I-12) This all said, the traffic volumes pretty much demand the Claiborne part remain open.

I will add one thing that most of us already realize: The result of freeway removal is almost never reunification of a divided community. It is either gentrification, redevelopment, or new development. None of these three benefit the "affected" communities.


Or it just makes no real difference at all. Rochester hasn't exactly been a hot spot since they filled in the inner loop.
It's going to be interesting to see what happens in Syracuse.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: kernals12 on July 03, 2022, 09:43:55 PM
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on July 03, 2022, 09:06:25 PM
Quote from: kernals12 on July 03, 2022, 08:55:51 PM
Quote from: bwana39 on July 03, 2022, 08:40:44 PM
Removing the Claiborne elevated freeway section of I-10 is less than desirable. That said, through freeway access would still be there. That proposal would only have the eastern segment removed. The Pontchartrain Expressway would remain.

The through I-10 traffic already travels via I-610 (or I-12) This all said, the traffic volumes pretty much demand the Claiborne part remain open.

I will add one thing that most of us already realize: The result of freeway removal is almost never reunification of a divided community. It is either gentrification, redevelopment, or new development. None of these three benefit the "affected" communities.


Or it just makes no real difference at all. Rochester hasn't exactly been a hot spot since they filled in the inner loop.
It's going to be interesting to see what happens in Syracuse.
The only thing that can revitalize upstate New York is global warming.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: vdeane on July 03, 2022, 10:10:25 PM
Downtown Rochester actually has been redeveloping a fair bit.  Where the Inner Loop was, it's not even possible to tell there was ever a freeway there anymore.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Rothman on July 03, 2022, 10:21:29 PM
Quote from: vdeane on July 03, 2022, 10:10:25 PM
Downtown Rochester actually has been redeveloping a fair bit.  Where the Inner Loop was, it's not even possible to tell there was ever a freeway there anymore.
I was about to say, the insanity of the real estate market certainly made Rochester a hot spot for anyone actually paying attention rather than relying upon past reputation.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Rothman on July 03, 2022, 10:24:43 PM
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on July 03, 2022, 09:06:25 PM
Quote from: kernals12 on July 03, 2022, 08:55:51 PM
Quote from: bwana39 on July 03, 2022, 08:40:44 PM
Removing the Claiborne elevated freeway section of I-10 is less than desirable. That said, through freeway access would still be there. That proposal would only have the eastern segment removed. The Pontchartrain Expressway would remain.

The through I-10 traffic already travels via I-610 (or I-12) This all said, the traffic volumes pretty much demand the Claiborne part remain open.

I will add one thing that most of us already realize: The result of freeway removal is almost never reunification of a divided community. It is either gentrification, redevelopment, or new development. None of these three benefit the "affected" communities.


Or it just makes no real difference at all. Rochester hasn't exactly been a hot spot since they filled in the inner loop.
It's going to be interesting to see what happens in Syracuse.
Not really.  The project really isn't opening that much land.  Although there has been here-and-there residential development, it's hard to see where any significant development could happen.  There will be a few new places, but it won't be a total transformation of the community.

Still, I'm optimistic given other good signs that the city is slowly redeveloping.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Anthony_JK on July 07, 2022, 09:35:15 PM
Quote from: bwana39 on July 03, 2022, 08:40:44 PM
Removing the Claiborne elevated freeway section of I-10 is less than desirable. That said, through freeway access would still be there. That proposal would only have the eastern segment removed. The Pontchartrain Expressway would remain.

The through I-10 traffic already travels via I-610 (or I-12) This all said, the traffic volumes pretty much demand the Claiborne part remain open.

I will add one thing that most of us already realize: The result of freeway removal is almost never reunification of a divided community. It is either gentrification, redevelopment, or new development. None of these three benefit the "affected" communities.

While it is true that most traffic going through NOLA will use the I-610 "bypass" to avoid the Claiborne Elevated section, there is plenty of traffic from both the Westbank Expressway and from points north and east that utilize that freeway for accessing the French Quarter, the CBD, the Superdome/Smoothie Center complex, and other venues in downtown. I can't see, even if it was feasible to substitute a localized system of surface roads, that anything removing that segment of I-10 will fly, especially not with the state Legislature or suburban NOLA voters who use that facility.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: The Ghostbuster on July 07, 2022, 09:51:31 PM
Was it wrong to hack down all the trees along Claibourne Avenue to build the elevated Interstate 10 viaduct? Absolutely! Should Interstate 10 be torn down and rerouted onto 610? I would say no. Unfortunately, there probably wasn't enough space to build the freeway as a depressed roadway (and it would have flooded during Hurricane Katrina in 2005). I only wish there had been enough space to add emergency shoulders on both sides of the six-lane roadway.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: bwana39 on July 08, 2022, 07:57:47 AM
Quote from: The Ghostbuster on July 07, 2022, 09:51:31 PM
Was it wrong to hack down all the trees along Claibourne Avenue to build the elevated Interstate 10 viaduct? Absolutely! Should Interstate 10 be torn down and rerouted onto 610? I would say no. Unfortunately, there probably wasn't enough space to build the freeway as a depressed roadway (and it would have flooded during Hurricane Katrina in 2005). I only wish there had been enough space to add emergency shoulders on both sides of the six-lane roadway.

Just like in many other places. A 2x2 with shoulders makes a very uncomfortable restriped 3x3 with none.  Not sure this is what happened here, but effectively, that is what you have.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: bwana39 on July 09, 2022, 07:07:04 PM
Quote from: kernals12 on June 29, 2022, 07:09:54 PM
Construction set to start in 2023! (https://www.theadvocate.com/acadiana/news/business/article_902eebfc-f7bd-11ec-a417-ef0ebee7d951.html)

I hope this project will show that elevated highways that run through cities don't have to barriers between communities or sources of blight.

One of the things the media seems to represent is that the places the roads went through were not already plagued with poverty and substandard housing before they came through. While it may not have had the intended outcome, planners often chose to route freeways through substandard blighted areas in the first place. The HOPE was to nudge the impoverished to take small steps toward betterment. That is not what happens in reality, but who knew 60+ years ago.

My grandmother lived in a "vibrant community" 50 years ago. The freeway came nowhere close. There were neighborhood groceries (bodegas) within comfortable walking distance either way.  By the time they left in 1982,the bodegas were both closed. There were supermarkets within a couple of miles, but clearly outside the ability of a 70-year-old to walk back and forth with perishables.  The vibrant communities were despoiled by actors such as Safeway, Kroger, and the Simon Group. Supermarkets, chain stores, and shopping malls did VIBRANT NEIGHBORHOODS in.  Today, the squalor in her neighborhood is just as bad as the  neighborhoods supposedly spoiled by the freeways. It wasn't the freeway dividing communities that accelerated their downward spiral, it was the fact that the communities were stripped of goods and services that were accessible. In the words of Michael MacDonald and Kenny Loggins, they are tryin' to hard  recreate what has yet to be created.. .

On Facebook, there are lots of the "we didn't know we were poor" looks back at our lives as kids and young adults. I see my childhood as idyllic. We had no hot water the first two years we lived in my childhood home (age 3 -5). We didn't have a phone (landline /party line) until after I started to school. My (country) grandparents (and several of my peers grandparents) had an outhouse. We had a single window ac unit and a 24" B&W tv. We got a color one when I was a senior in High School. My grandparents had no ac and also had an old B&W set. We got 3, 6, and 12. Sometimes we got a rimshot from Tyler or ElDorado (ar)

Just like my grandparents (city) neighborhood, it is not what the freeway took away, but what failed to flourish later on. Lower income neighborhoods either get worse or they gentrify. Some stabilize, but not most. Generally except for the most toney areas, once the tide shifts away from homeowners to renters, the decline will continue unabated. The shift is for two reasons. The market price in these neighborhoods is already failing to appreciate in value leading to attractive pricing. Landlords are always looking for bargains.  The second is landlords choosing to forgo maintenance to either forgo rent increases or because the (impoverished) market will not support increased rental rates.

A lot of things cause poverty. Highways are a part. Not where the highways are, but the fact that the highways enable the better positioned people to become commuters. The less well off economically are stuck . The neighborhood continues to worsen and.....

Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: bwana39 on July 09, 2022, 07:26:18 PM
There is some new TIMED funding  for this project SB277 was passed as ACT 505 of 2022. The I-10 bridges in Baton Rouge and Lake Charles and finishing I-49 to New Orleans. http://www.legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?s=22RS&b=SB277&sbi=y

An op-ed on it : https://darik.news/louisiana/jim-beam-column-finally-a-bridge-solution-american-press/578760.html


Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Bobby5280 on July 09, 2022, 11:13:37 PM
Quote from: bwana39One of the things we seem to take for granted is that the places the roads went through were not already plagued with poverty and substandard housing Before they came through. While it may not have had the intended outcome, planners often chose to route freeways through substandard blighted areas in the first place. The HOPE was to nudge the impoverished to take small steps toward betterment. That is not what happens in reality, but who knew 60+ years ago.

Freeways are at best a scapegoat for the blight and poverty that affects some neighborhoods. I can point to many locations where Interstates pass by or even through high income neighborhoods.

Bad neighborhoods and the cycles of poverty, crime and blight that affect them exist out of largely by way of policy. Zoning policies concentrate people of different income classes in separate neighborhoods. Businesses prefer to build in nicer locations. Schools in the higher income neighborhoods are better. Those schools get far better funding due to the superior property tax bases and those schools attract the best teachers. The highest income neighborhoods hoard most of the best opportunities. The middle income areas get modest amounts of investment. The poor areas only seem to get disinvestment.

When someone is born in a neighborhood that has been bad for generations that person has all kinds of strikes against him. Chances are he'll be raised in a broken home, attend crappy schools, have all sorts of terrible role models and have no hope for the future. In that environment it is very easy for someone to adopt the attitude: you're on your own.

There are ways to break this cycle. But I don't think the American people want that. They like having their own enclaves with similar types of people and won't put up with any mixing. Even the most progressive types of people are prone to the NIMBY syndrome. Hence the reason why many gentrified areas in big cities reek of hypocrisy.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Alps on July 11, 2022, 06:52:12 PM
back on topic please, this is not a political forum
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: rte66man on August 02, 2022, 02:40:13 PM
https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/us-department-transportation-announces-866-million-loan-louisiana-state-bond

Quote
U.S. Department of Transportation Announces up to $86.6 million Loan to the Louisiana State Bond Commission for infrastructure projects in the State

Monday, August 1, 2022

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Transportation today announced that its Build America Bureau has provided a low-interest loan for $86.6 million to the Louisiana State Bond Commission for the benefit of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LADOTD) to fund the I-49 S. Ambassador Caffery/US 90 Interchange near Broussard in Lafayette Parish. The Bureau helps communities across the country reduce the costs of infrastructure projects by providing Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act loans, known as TIFIA loans, and other types of financing.

This is the last project of four from a transportation project financing package approved by the Bureau in August 2021 and funded through a British Petroleum Deepwater Horizon settlement. The project, approximately 2.4 miles in length, includes new two-lane frontage roads and construction of interchanges at US 90 and Ambassador Caffery Blvd. and US 90 and Albertson Parkway.

"This interchange project will enhance safety, improve evacuations during life-threatening weather events, and is part of an overall improvement plan that supports job creation for the region,"  said Deputy Transportation Secretary Polly Trottenberg.

The Louisiana leaders developed a package of projects that the Bureau was able to review and approve as a bundle, speeding up the process for each individual loan,"  said Executive Director Morteza Farajian. "Three of the four projects qualified for reduced interest rates, half the treasury rate, through our Rural Projects Initiative."  

The Bureau was established as a "one-stop-shop"  during the Obama Administration to help states and other project sponsors carry out infrastructure projects. The Bureau offers low-interest, long-term credit programs, technical assistance, and best practices in project planning, financing, delivery, and operation. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, signed by President Biden in November 2021, expands project eligibility for the Bureau's TIFIA credit program and extends maturity of the loans, giving borrowers additional flexibility.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has closed $38.4 billion in TIFIA financings, supporting more than $132 billion in infrastructure investment across the country.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Anthony_JK on August 22, 2022, 07:40:16 PM
LADOTD announced today that construction of the Ambassador Caffery Parkway South interchange with US 90 is starting.

This includes extending one-way access roads over the LA 182/BNSF Railway crossing to south of Ambassador Caffery, and adjusting the south entry/exits to the Albertson Parkway/St. Nazaire Road interchange.

http://wwwapps.dotd.la.gov/administration/announcements/Announcement.aspx?key=30799
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Anthony_JK on September 17, 2022, 01:35:28 AM
A very interesting development in the Lafayette Connector project.

LADOTD's Consultant Contracts page -- where they list potential bid letting for contracts for construction and design -- now includes a potential future contract which is tentatively scheduled for the first quarter of 2023 for "US 167 Interchange with Willow Street". That would be the Willow Street interchange that is the northern portion of the Lafayette Connector project.

It is included twice: first for design and construction with a Notice of Intent scheduled to be issued in the 1Q of 2023 (January through March); and again in a separate potential contract for "Owner Verification Services" scheduled for the 2Q (April through June) of next year.

That's quite interesting timing, considering that LADOTD hasn't yet even released the Draft Supplemental EIS for the Connector project yet; it was supposed to be finalized and released to the public in July, with the Draft SEIS Public Hearing already being held in August. Nothing on the official Connector website (https://www.lafayetteconnector.com) as of yet on when the Draft SEIS will be released and available for the public, either.

For the record the entire list of future projected advertisements for letting can be found here (scroll down a bit for the Willow Street listings):

http://wwwsp.dotd.la.gov/Inside_LaDOTD/Divisions/Engineering/CCS/Pages/Projected_Ads.aspx


Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Anthony_JK on November 14, 2022, 08:58:57 PM
Today, groundbreaking took place for the start of construction of the Ambassador Caffery Parkway South interchange with US 90 that is a continuation of the US 90 to I-49 South upgrade in lower Lafayette Parish. Governor John Bel Edwards and many state and local officials were there for the ceremony.


That particular project would extend the upgrade of US 90 to 6-lane Interstate freeway standards to just south of Ambassador Caffery Parkway, extend 2-lane one-way frontage/access roads over the BNSF/UP railroad mainline and LA 182 to connect with ACPS, modify ramp connections between the mainlanes and the frontage roads, and construct a mainline overpass of US 90/Future I-49 over the ACPS, with a connection to Zoosiana (the former Zoo of Acadiana). There have been some talks of a proposed extension of ACPS to LA 182, but it's very preliminary as of now.


This article in the Lafayette Daily Advertiser (behind a paywall) contains quotes from local officials on the project's impacts and the possible future funding for other parts of the I-49 South upgrade, including the segment through Lafayette proper.


https://www.theadvertiser.com/story/news/2022/11/14/key-part-of-136m-i-49-project-in-lafayette-starts/69647232007/



Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Bobby5280 on November 14, 2022, 10:30:51 PM
Is there an overall strategy for how they're going to chip away at all the at-grade intersections and driveways connecting to US-90 South of Lafayette Regional Airport?

I suppose the priority is to convert the busiest intersections controlled by traffic signals first and then spread out from there. Ambassador Caffery Pkwy and US-90 is a busy intersection. Converting that to a freeway exit and extending new frontage roads over the BNSF/UP rail line will result in a 2 mile long section of 6-lane freeway.

When this project is completed I wonder if they'll shift focus to the half dozen or so traffic signals on US-90 farther South before it turns into a freeway at Captain Cade Road.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Anthony_JK on November 15, 2022, 10:40:17 PM
I'm guessing that the strategy is to move with the money flow....as the funds permit, they will convert more of US 90 to Interstate status.

The southern limits of the Lafayette Connector project are just to the north of Verot School Road, and an interchange/frontage road upgrade at Verot School Rd. is in the design stage, waiting for funding and construction. There are also plans to expand and extend the frontage roads to be continuous one-way from Verot School to the existing and now completed Albertson's Parkway/St. Nazaire Road interchange, and perhaps build overpasses and interchanges at Southpark Road (LA 89) and Iola Road/Morgan Avenue in Broussard.

The segment of US 90 south of Ambassador Caffery is also scheduled for an upgrade, with an overpass/frontage road setup extended to Young Street (LA 92-1 West) and Petroleum Parkway (LA 92-1 East); and frontage roads would extend from there to where the existing frontage roads end at Captain Cade Road.

With a bit more money flowing in, the process should be speeding up a bit.


The current temporary setup for the non-freeway sections of US 90 was modified to the current RCUTs + signalized J-turns about 5 years ago; that will obviously disappear with the freeway + frontage road upgrade.

Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Anthony_JK on December 15, 2022, 10:03:05 PM
Today, LADOTD put out the official notice for the first segment of the I-49 Lafayette Connector to be built: the segment from just north of the Evangeline Thruway couplet crossing of the Louisiana & Delta RR Breaux Bridge spur to the I-10 interchange.

This would include the interchange at Willow Street; the dogbone roundabout connection between Martin Luther King Drive, Castille Avenue, and the two-way frontage road system flanking the Thruway between Willow and I-10, and a temporary connection to the current one-way Evangeline Thruway couplet near the railroad spur crossing.

The contract would ultimately become a Design-Build contract to begin ROW acquisition, design, and construction no later than November 2023.

Here is a snippet from the Notice of Intent document (http://wwwsp.dotd.la.gov/Inside_LaDOTD/Divisions/Engineering/CCS/Miscellaneous%20CCS%20Only/Future%20I-49%20US%20167%20Interchange%20at%20Willow%20Street%20DB%20Project%20Notice%20of%20Intent%20(12-13-22).pdf) (PDF)



Quote

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LA DOTD) is announcing its intent to enter
into a Design-Build (DB) contract with a Design-Builder possessing both professional engineering design
capability and qualified construction contracting capability for the (Future I-49) US 167 Interchange @
Willow Street Project (the "Project" ) in Lafayette Parish, Louisiana.

The major elements of the Project as currently proposed may include the following:
 A new interchange on US 167 at Willow Street;
 Multilane mainline roadway on US 167 (Future I-49);
 Frontage roads;
 New and modified local roadways;
 Right-of-way appraisal and acquisition services;
 Utility coordination;
 Maintenance of traffic in a congested urban environment; and
 Close coordination with key stakeholders.

The anticipated contract execution date for this Project is no later than November 2023. The Project's
conceptual cost is within the range of $250 million to $300 million; however, this cost may be adjusted as
additional detailed project cost information becomes available.

And here's a screenshot of the limits of this project:

(https://redgarterclub.com/RGClubNetwork/buildi49lafayetteconnector/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/LADOTD-I49LafCon_InterimUpgrade_WillowInterchangeSchematic.png)
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Anthony_JK on March 01, 2023, 07:26:26 PM
Well, we found out today why this project has been dormant this past year.

An opponent of the Connector project, Ann Burruss, recently filed a civil rights complaint to the Federal Highway Administration challenging the alignment of the project through the center of Lafayette, and in response, the FHWA has launched their own civil rights investigation to analyze whether or not the project disproportionally impacts Black neighborhoods within Lafayette to the extent of warranting mitigation, if not complete cancelation.

The FHWA is not bound to completely cancel the project; it could simply order more mitigation to ease the impact of the project; however, I'm figuring that that will not ease the concerns of folk like Ms. Burruss, who want the Connector cancelled and an alternative (such as the Teche Ridge bypass east of Lafayette or the Lafayette Regional Expressway toll loop) alignment imposed.

LADOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson has defended LADOTD's process throughout, saying that any notion of the alignment process being racist and discriminatory is "disingenuous" and "a complete snub" to the process.

It's more likely that this will probably result in tweaks to the project to help mitigate some of the impacts, rather than full cancellation. However, this shows that opposition to the project is still pretty strong, albeit not so deep.

Article in the Lafayette Current:

https://thecurrentla.com/2023/how-a-civil-rights-investigation-could-alter-the-i-49-connector (https://thecurrentla.com/2023/how-a-civil-rights-investigation-could-alter-the-i-49-connector)




[Note: edited to correct Ann Burruss' last name]
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Anthony_JK on March 01, 2023, 07:47:35 PM
Personal comment on the above:

This is nothing more than another Hail Mary attempt by the same opponents of the Connector project to appeal to the usual New Urbanist claptrap about "racist freeways". And, upon any sensible evaluation, this doesn't make any sense.

No neighborhood is divided by the Connector project. There is a brief eight block area between the UP rail spur and the Second/Third Street couplet where the elevated mainline does use the center median of the Evangeline Thruway couplet which separates the Sterling Grove and Ballard Subdivision/Laplace neighborhoods, but that section is elevated with complete and full access underneath, and the northbound Thruway is even shifted AWAY from Sterling Grove to mitigate the impact. The center section (Second/Third to Taft) avoids the Thruway altogether by traversing the grounds of the old Southern Pacific railyard while the existing Thruway is converted to a "grand boulevard"; but there is no further division between the Freetown-Port Rico neighborhood west of the project alignment and the McComb-Veazey neighborhood east of it. In fact, the mitigation of the former railyard site would allow for further strengthening the connections between the two neighborhoods.

The claim used by Ms. Burruss is that because the original Evangeline Thruway couplet was so divisive and "racist" through the neighborhoods when it was built in the 1950's, developing the Connector along that alignment would further the "racist" intent, and thus violates the "civil rights" of residents. This is daffy thinking, and abusing racism to promote simple NIMBYism.

Not to mention, even though the cost of the Connector has spiraled to nearly $2 billion, it still beats the alternative of a Teche Ridge bypass in St. Martin Parish that would cost nearly that much due to it having to negotiate through Cypress Swamp and wetlands; and the LRX loop, which would be even more expensive to build.

This nonsense needs to cease. Seriously.



/rant
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Anthony_JK on March 02, 2023, 05:49:02 AM
Update:

I discovered an earlier article documenting Ann Burruss' attempt to use "civil rights" investigations to kill the Connector project (via the Acadiana Advocate):

https://www.theadvocate.com/acadiana/news/i-49-lafayette-connector-investigated-over-racial-divide/article_e147add2-a963-11ed-938c-d76089ab94f6.html (https://www.theadvocate.com/acadiana/news/i-49-lafayette-connector-investigated-over-racial-divide/article_e147add2-a963-11ed-938c-d76089ab94f6.html?mode=comments)

The original letter from Ann Burruss to USDOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg was dated January 26th; and the announcement by FHWA of the investigation was posted on February 16th.

Turns out that Ms. Burruss' husband is none other than Michael Waldon, one of the most fervent and vehement opponents of the Connector project who was behind the original lawsuit to kill the 2003 Record of Decision, and who has invented many sham arguments to kill the project and promote his prefered Teche Ridge bypass.

Just as I expected: a Hail Mary attempt to exploit "civil rights" to smear this project.

BTW: The DOTD Secretary, Shawn Wilson, happens to not only be Black, but a UL/USL graduate.  But, just plain "racism", right?



[Edited to correct the link to the actual article]

Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Plutonic Panda on March 02, 2023, 06:33:11 AM
Nothing but a typical joker trying to stop a much needed infrastructure project. Plenty of those to go around. I'll look forward to the day I can drive this beautiful road and listen to some good tunes not even thinking about all of those who love to block progress.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Anthony_JK on March 02, 2023, 06:46:10 AM
Just dropped this comment to the Acadiana Advocate's comment section re: the Connector article:


Quote
So sorry, but this seems like yet another Hail Mary attempt by the most fervent opponents of this project to exploit the "race card" in order to kill this project. The rationale that Mrs. Burruss uses by quoting the original construction of the Evangeline Thruway in the 1960's as "racist" is absolutely daffy. Was it really racism that determined the original location of the Thruway, or was it the need for a direct north-south thoroughfare that could service both the abutting neighborhoods and downtown Lafayette, as well as serve access to USL/UL and the Lafayette Regional Airport? Would Mrs. Burruss or Mr. Waldon prefer the Thruway be build closer to where Ambassador Caffrey Parkway is today? Or, right over Cypress Swamp? Or, like their preferred Teche Ridge Bypass non-alternative, near Breaux Bridge or St. Martinville?

Secondly, there is no "racial division" with the Connector project. The chosen alignment of the freeway is between two neighborhoods in its northern section or well within its own right-of-way, with direct and continuous access between Sterling Grove and the Ballard Addition/Laplace neighborhoods. The elevated viaduct will allow for full and continuous connectivity between the neighborhoods, and the improvements to the existing Thruway, combined with Complete Streets implementation of green space and walkability and bikeability, will directly enhance and improve the development of the neighborhoods. Not to mention, the removal of the real and actual division that hurts the corridor: the bumper-to-bumper traffic that has turned it into a virtual free fire zone for pedestrians, bikers, and drivers alike. No bypass alternative can provide such benefits without significant other impacts (wetland invasion in the case of Teche Ridge; excessive costs for a western bypass beyond even that of the Connector).

Instead of continuing these stall tactics and parlor tricks, why not just help build the Connector and make it the best it can be for Lafayette and everyone else who will use it?


Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: rte66man on March 03, 2023, 09:15:43 AM
Quote from: Anthony_JK on March 02, 2023, 06:46:10 AM
Just dropped this comment to the Acadiana Advocate's comment section re: the Connector article:

Quote
So sorry, but this seems like yet another Hail Mary attempt by the most fervent opponents of this project to exploit the "race card" in order to kill this project. The rationale that Mrs. Burruss uses by quoting the original construction of the Evangeline Thruway in the 1960's as "racist" is absolutely daffy. Was it really racism that determined the original location of the Thruway, or was it the need for a direct north-south thoroughfare that could service both the abutting neighborhoods and downtown Lafayette, as well as serve access to USL/UL and the Lafayette Regional Airport? Would Mrs. Burruss or Mr. Waldon prefer the Thruway be build closer to where Ambassador Caffrey Parkway is today? Or, right over Cypress Swamp? Or, like their preferred Teche Ridge Bypass non-alternative, near Breaux Bridge or St. Martinville?

Secondly, there is no "racial division" with the Connector project. The chosen alignment of the freeway is between two neighborhoods in its northern section or well within its own right-of-way, with direct and continuous access between Sterling Grove and the Ballard Addition/Laplace neighborhoods. The elevated viaduct will allow for full and continuous connectivity between the neighborhoods, and the improvements to the existing Thruway, combined with Complete Streets implementation of green space and walkability and bikeability, will directly enhance and improve the development of the neighborhoods. Not to mention, the removal of the real and actual division that hurts the corridor: the bumper-to-bumper traffic that has turned it into a virtual free fire zone for pedestrians, bikers, and drivers alike. No bypass alternative can provide such benefits without significant other impacts (wetland invasion in the case of Teche Ridge; excessive costs for a western bypass beyond even that of the Connector).

Instead of continuing these stall tactics and parlor tricks, why not just help build the Connector and make it the best it can be for Lafayette and everyone else who will use it?



:clap:  :clap:  :clap:

Very well written.

BUT....
Since when has common sense reigned?
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: bwana39 on March 03, 2023, 12:37:19 PM
Quote from: rte66man on March 03, 2023, 09:15:43 AM
Quote from: Anthony_JK on March 02, 2023, 06:46:10 AM
Just dropped this comment to the Acadiana Advocate's comment section re: the Connector article:

Quote
So sorry, but this seems like yet another Hail Mary attempt by the most fervent opponents of this project to exploit the "race card" in order to kill this project. The rationale that Mrs. Burruss uses by quoting the original construction of the Evangeline Thruway in the 1960's as "racist" is absolutely daffy. Was it really racism that determined the original location of the Thruway, or was it the need for a direct north-south thoroughfare that could service both the abutting neighborhoods and downtown Lafayette, as well as serve access to USL/UL and the Lafayette Regional Airport? Would Mrs. Burruss or Mr. Waldon prefer the Thruway be build closer to where Ambassador Caffrey Parkway is today? Or, right over Cypress Swamp? Or, like their preferred Teche Ridge Bypass non-alternative, near Breaux Bridge or St. Martinville?

Secondly, there is no "racial division" with the Connector project. The chosen alignment of the freeway is between two neighborhoods in its northern section or well within its own right-of-way, with direct and continuous access between Sterling Grove and the Ballard Addition/Laplace neighborhoods. The elevated viaduct will allow for full and continuous connectivity between the neighborhoods, and the improvements to the existing Thruway, combined with Complete Streets implementation of green space and walkability and bikeability, will directly enhance and improve the development of the neighborhoods. Not to mention, the removal of the real and actual division that hurts the corridor: the bumper-to-bumper traffic that has turned it into a virtual free fire zone for pedestrians, bikers, and drivers alike. No bypass alternative can provide such benefits without significant other impacts (wetland invasion in the case of Teche Ridge; excessive costs for a western bypass beyond even that of the Connector).

Instead of continuing these stall tactics and parlor tricks, why not just help build the Connector and make it the best it can be for Lafayette and everyone else who will use it?



:clap:  :clap:  :clap:

Very well written.

BUT....
Since when has common sense reigned?

Ms. Burruss and Mr. Waldon are from Delaware.  His linked-in profile would suggest he has returned to Delaware. Not sure about her. They are both college biology instructors who specialize on environmental concerns.  Not sure there is a significant correlation between their educational disciplines and their activism. They do appear to be northern liberals who hate ANY urban freeway. Both appear to be white.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Anthony_JK on March 06, 2023, 12:46:43 AM
I haven't met Mrs. Burruss, but I do know that Michael Waldon is indeed White.

The stupidest aspect of their argument is that since the construction of the original Evangeline Thruway couplet was a racist intent to destroy traditional Black neighborhoods, the building of the Connector along the Thruway is simply a continuation of that "racist" intent and therefore must be canceled on "civil rights" grounds. Really?? I always thought that the alignment of the Thruway selected (using one way couplets involving existing streets) signified a compromise of avoiding bisecting the Sterling Grove neighborhood as well as providing a more direct connection between US 167 north to Opelousas and beyond and the US 90 section to the southeast. The old Southern Pacific Railroad classification yard that used to be located in the central part of the city (closed down in the 1960s and relocated to the present location west of Lafayette) was already a major divider between neighborhoods; and the current BNSF/UP mainline still splits the city nearly in half. Also, the old classification railyard had to be cleaned up due to hazardous waste contamination.

The existing proposed Connector alignment that was approved in the 2003 ROD was an adequate compromise that avoided excessive displacements by pushing the freeway alignment off the Thruway in its central section, while providing direct access to the CBD and neighborhoods through interchanges. The modifications in the current Supplemental EIS/CSS process further reduce and mitigate impacts, and even (through the "urban boulevard" concept), provide opportunities for further development of the corridor and better connectivity (along with the usual walkability and bikeability that urban designers say they want). This isn't about "racism"; this is pure NIMBYISM and exploiting the "race card" to oppose this project.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Bobby5280 on March 06, 2023, 12:12:27 PM
The I-49 connector could improve business thru the middle of Lafayette and maybe boost employment through those parts of time. It could do more to help improve the lives of people these activists are claiming to protect. Under the current status quo little will be done to help. More commercial and residential development will take place around the outer fringes of the city, particularly areas near where Future I-49 freeway segments are completed.

I think the only negative risk of building the I-49 connector is a potential of gentrification of lower income neighborhoods. But Lafayette isn't exactly a major tourist attraction or location where douchey people want to buy 2nd and 3rd homes. A completed I-49 skirting downtown Lafayette could attract new retail and service businesses as well as fuel after business hours leisure activity in the downtown district. If lots of people can drive in and out of the downtown area easier they might visit more often.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Urban Prairie Schooner on March 08, 2023, 08:44:07 PM
Wouldn't improved access as provided by the I-49 Connector increase mobility and access to jobs for the residents of the adjacent neighborhoods? Doesn't seem racist to me in that light.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Anthony_JK on March 10, 2023, 12:36:09 AM
Seems to me that it would, and there are real opportunities for economic growth along the Evangeline Thruway "grand boulevard" segment between Second/Third and Fourteenth/Taft streets, especially in the area between the freeway ROW and the boulevard on the west side of the boulevard. Plus, the current northbound Thruway roadway between Fourteenth and Magnolia Streets would be repurposed as a two-way local street and returned to the McComb-Veazey neighborhood which the Thruway borders.

Not to mention, this can be done with minor mitigation for all of the neighborhoods abetting the freeway alignment, since the Thruway would remain as a surface through/local access/frontage/service road system while the Connector freeway cannibalizes all the heavy through traffic. Far better than the alternative of a choked and dangerous, if not deadly Thruway with little or no sidewalks and NO bikeability right now.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Anthony_JK on May 19, 2023, 08:48:04 PM
An update to the Connector nonsense ongoing.


NOLA.com ran an editorial right after posting the article on the "civil rights" investigation of the Connector project which skewered Burruss and Waldon pretty good:


Editorial: The "racist" road is needed for Interstate 49 (https://www.nola.com/opinions/our_views/editorial-the-racist-road-is-needed-for-interstate-49/article_d3adf9ea-ad48-11ed-96a7-7f34b72a19e1.html)




Mrs. Burruss was butthurt enough to launch a letter to the editor to the Baton Rouge Advocate defending the lawsuit and deriding the project:


Letters: I-49 extension plan would exacerbate earlier redlining (https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/opinion/letters/letters-i-49-extension-plan-would-execerbate-redlining/article_474e950f-7ce0-5d28-9592-da05df33089c.html)




And then, some AARoads roadgeeker decided to respond to Mrs. Burruss with some actual facts:


Freeway project disconnected from racial strife (https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/opinion/letters/lettrers-freeway-project-disconnected-from-racial-strife/article_727a0a47-5e2f-5566-ba3f-ea4cfc98858e.html)




I may decide to do a full debunking of Mrs. Burruss' non-arguments over at my Connector support blog if you want it.


Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Concrete Bob on May 19, 2023, 09:52:08 PM
Nice job on your response to Ms. Burruss!  You cited facts, rather than simply stirring up emotions.  Much of the rhetoric used by the anti-freeway crowd to convey their point is based on emotions rather than facts. 
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Anthony_JK on December 18, 2023, 12:31:30 PM
It's been a while since my last update, and we are still awaiting progress on the Supplemental EIS for this project.


But, may I introduce y'all to what must be one of the absolutely blatant smear jobs on the Connector project I have ever seen. Almost every sentence of this letter to the editor posted to the Acadiana Advocate in October is one lie packed on another.


I was induced to post a brief letter in response, which is awaiting review for publishing. In the meantime, here's the original LTE by Roger Peak which completely whiffs on every point.


Letters To The Editor -- Let's abandon the I-49 Connector plan for once and for all (Acadiana Advocate) (https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/opinion/letters/letters-lets-abandon-the-i-49-connector-plan/article_9bbffe05-1cac-558f-af7a-381f692eecbb.html)


Once my response is approved and posted, I'll provide the link.

Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: The Ghostbuster on December 18, 2023, 08:08:22 PM
Does it seem likely that the Interstate 49 Lafayette Connector will be abandoned, as the letter writer suggests? I look forward to reading the response Anthony_JK posted in response to the letter writer.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Anthony_JK on December 19, 2023, 08:02:23 AM
Naaaah, it's not going to be abandoned. Not by a long shot.


In fact, the City of Lafayette has reinforced its full support of the project. Yesterday, incoming Lafayette Mayor-President Monique Blanco-Boulet held the first of her "Community Conversations" on her goals for her upcoming governance, and she expressed full support for the Connector, provided that all the assorted refinements and accessories for revitalizing the adjacent Evangeline Thruway was included in the ultimate construction.


Also at the meeting was LADOTD Connector Project Manager Tim Nickel, who presented an updated timeline on the progress of the environmental and design process for the Connector. Based on his words, we can expect another round of public meetings in February of next year, and perhaps the release of the Draft Supplemental EIS, and the subsequent NEPA Public Hearing, by this coming summer. Nickel also noted that engineering and design work is now underway for the segment of the Connector between I-10 and the L&DRR rail spur along the Evangeline Thruway (which would include constructing the interchange at Willow Street), as well as the Kaliste Saloom Road interchange near Lafayette Regional Airport.


The Acadiana Advocate has an article on Boulet's meeting here (heads up: they misspell Tim Nickel's last name as "Nicholls"):


Monique Blanco Boulet seeks to revitalize Interstate 49 Connector project, Evangeline Thruway (Acadiana Advocate) (https://www.theadvocate.com/acadiana/news/business/monique-blanco-boulet-to-revitalize-i-49-lafayette-connector/article_d24151b6-9dc4-11ee-80ba-8fe3137e25da.html)

Still waiting for the Acadiana Advocate to post my response to Peak's ridiculous Op-Ed: will link it when it is done.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Anthony_JK on December 19, 2023, 09:13:51 AM
Screw it....Peak's letter is just too stupid for delay. Gonna fisk it here and now. Link to it here (https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/opinion/letters/letters-lets-abandon-the-i-49-connector-plan/article_9bbffe05-1cac-558f-af7a-381f692eecbb.html).


QuoteI am writing as a member of the Louisiana Four Corners for Transportation Planning Reform, a statewide group that supports spending highway funds on existing infrastructure, not on elevated interstates.


Great....another New Urbanist anti-freeway scam. But also....a Google search turns out that this organization was founded by the group Save Allendale, the very group organized to oppose the Shreveport I-49 Inner City Connector through downtown. At least that proposal actually does go through a sensitive neighborhood, and at least there there is a somewhat feasible bypass alternative (Loop It/Inner Loop/I-220); but how exactly is protecting a neighborhood for gentrification and "urban removal" reform, exactly?


QuoteRegrettably, each of the Lafayette mayor-president candidates, despite claims of fiscal conservatism, staunchly support the Interstate 49 connector project; only a big-government big-spending politician could love the connector. A local blogger refers to this boondoggle as the con.


That "local blogger"? Michael Waldon, long time opponent of "The Con"...who has since (or had already, since Peak's letter was published in October) hightailed it to Delaware along with his wife, Ann Burruss, who wrote a previous Letter to the Editor in February condemning the Lafayette Connector as "racist" based on the original drawings of Lafayette neighborhoods. In the 1920's. Thirty years before the Evangeline Thruway was constructed out of the local street grid. SIXTY years before the concept of the Connector freeway along the Evangeline Thruway was even first studied.


Burruss also wrote a similar letter to the US Department of Transportation, which resulted in USDOT launching an investigation over the alleged "racist" impacts of the Lafayette project, doubled with the Shreveport ICC. Apparently both failed to reach the conclusion Burruss hoped for.


Also, nice touch of the "fiscal conservative"/"big government spending" card, hoping to pander to our new incoming conservative Governor Landry.


QuoteIf ever built, the cost of the connector will be over a billion dollars. DOTD has warned this would require incremental funding and has suggested higher taxes and future tolls may be needed to finance the connector. Will Lafayette support this?


Actual estimates for the total cost of the Connector is near $2 billion, but since the Feds will pony up 90% of the funding, and it will be incrementally constructed, the actual cost to Lafayette citizens will be much less. Some of the enhancements desired by local officials, such as streetscaping and dual use rights underneath and abetting the freeway ROW, will require some degree of local support and financing, but not quite to the level of a billion dollars.


Also, there will be no tolling of the Connector freeway; a study done in 2014 on the feasibility of tolls for the entire length of I-49 South essentially rejected them on account that they would not cover fully the costs of construction, that they would easily be "shunpiked" by the existing Evangeline Thruway/frontage road system, and there would be massive public opposition to tolls.


QuoteEvangeline Throughway safety improvements must wait until the connector's completion, leading to more tragic pedestrian deaths.

WRONG. The "urban boulevard" concept, the shifting of the northbound Thruway away from the Sterling Grove Historical District, the refinements for the Pinhook Road interchange that would mitigate impacts for the Freetown-Port Rico Historical District, and any upgrades of sidewalks within the corridor, are essentially baked into the design of the Connector freeway. In fact, the improvements to the Thruway have to be constructed first in order to clear ROW for the ultimate elevated viaduct. Not to mention, without the Connector freeway, there would be no improvements to the Thruway, continuing the risk to pedestrians that exists right now.


QuoteThis 1950s-style elevated bridge over downtown has widespread opposition and numerous problems that will delay construction for decades or permanently block construction.


First off, the proposed elevated viaduct DOES NOT GO OVER DOWNTOWN. The Lafayette CBD rests on the other side of the BNSF/UP main railroad line from the proposed Connector ROW, which mostly goes through unoccupied land or the property of the former Southern Pacific railroad yard on the east side of the rail line. In addition, the original proposal that had been approved in the 2003 Record of Decision has been modified to eliminate many of the impacts to the CBD, mostly by removing the proposed interchanges with Second/Third and Johnston Street and allowing the new Evangeline Thruway "urban boulevard" to access downtown (with only an off ramp from the north to Second Street and the Pinhook Road interchange providing indirect access to the freeway mainline).

Second...the only major issue with the current Connector routing through the center of Lafayette is the potential impact on the Chicot Aquifer, which runs underneath most of the city and provides Lafayette with its drinking water. The former SP rail property was initially declared a hazardous facility and given a cleanup by the Department of Environmental Quality, but there are concerns that some hazardous materials remain, and that pilings for the elevated viaduct could possibly penetrate the protective clay layer, causing leeching into the aquifer. LDEQ, FHWA, and LADOTD already have protocols and procedures in place for mitigating and preventing any impacts to the aquifer, and they will be incorporated into the design and construction of the Connector viaduct. The only real opposition comes from the usual NIMBYs and New Urbanist extremists who oppose elevated freeways on feelz alone.




[To be continued in next post]




Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Anthony_JK on December 19, 2023, 10:34:45 AM
[Fisking of Roger Peak's Acadiana Advocate Letter to the Editor opposing I-49 Lafayette Connector, continued from previous post]


QuoteProject approval awaits the overdue Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement, followed by public and government review and likely court challenges.


No duh, Sherlock Peak. The NEPA process already includes public input, and counts as government review on its own; the Supplemental EIS counts as the process for Federal approval for the project. The Supplemental Record of Decision that would result from the SEIS process serves as final Fed approval of the project.


As for any court challenges....since the new SEIS process is an extension of the approved 2003 Connector ROD that was already sued and found to be legitimate from a legal standpoint, I hardly think that any new legal action by Connector opponents would be successful, especially in a court system based on establishing prior precedent. Only reason for legal action would be to continue to stall and block and hold their breath until they get their way.


QuoteA lawsuit against owners of the documented contaminated abandoned railyard downtown is ongoing.


That lawsuit was filed back in 2018 or so by the Lafayette Sierra Club and other Connector freeway opponents, calling for a more detailed and updated analysis of the SP railyard property and, if needed, a full cleanup of hazardous materials. Strangely enough, the NEPA/SEIS process for the Connector calls for a Stage II Environmental Assessment for any properties that may contain hazardous materials within the ROW, and LADOTD has in fact executed one here. No word as of yet if any contamination was found, or whether there was enough to warrant mitigation beyond what is already proposed.


In fact, cleaning up the railyard property could be an advantage for the Connector project, for there is the potential of extending local streets underneath to finally reconnect the Freetown-Port Rico neighborhood on the west side of the BNSF/UP tracks, and the McComb-Veazey neighborhood on the east side of the Thruway, both of which had been separated by the railyard.


QuoteDOTD's purchase of this site would entangle them in the lawsuit and possibly transfer liability for contamination from the owners to the Louisiana taxpayer. Construction on this site would threaten further contamination of our aquifer.


No, it wouldn't. LADOTD would only be responsible for ROW they acquire from the railyard property needed to build the viaduct, not the entire site; they would still apply the usual LDEQ/LADOTD protocols in preventing any contamination of the aquifer; and I'd think that having Louisiana taxpayers pay for cleaning up a potential hazardous waste site to make it whole and functional again would be a good thing...right?


QuoteSupporters claim that the connector will bolster the economy. Residents of Treme in New Orleans living in the shadow of the Interstate 10 bridge over Claiborne Avenue would disagree.


Ahhhhh, yes....straight to the NOLA I-10 Claiborne Elevated Big Lie. Never mind that that idea flamed out completely thanks to the essential fact that the Claiborne Elevated is the sole main transportation artery that serves New Orleans East and points beyond from the NOLA CBD, the French Quarter, and the Ceasar's Superdome; and that even Treme residents backed away quickly due to real concerns that removing the elevated was a prelude to "urban removal" of Treme's current residents for gentrification. Besides, you could make a serious case that Treme's issues were more about NOLA officials not giving a damn about that neighborhood....which absolutely does not apply to the Lafayette Connector's long Refinement/CSS process. Besides, the actual goal of the Connector is to relieve the disaster that is the current Evangeline Thruway, and complete I-49 South to NOLA as a hurricane evacuation route and better access to the main shipping ports in South Louisiana.


QuoteStormwater runoff for this project has not been addressed. Lack of access to and from downtown will cause traffic chaos. Hazardous cargo would travel through Lafayette at high speed.


The Connector project covers stormwater runoff by having separate structures for runoff from the elevated structures. Downtown access would be improved by the removal of through traffic from the Thruway to the Connector mainline, freeing that up for serving local traffic. The urban boulevard design and full flanking continuous service roads utilizing the existing Thruway, combined with enhancements for pedestrian/bicycle traffic, improves upon the existing access to downtown. Hazardous cargo using the viaduct to speed through Lafayette rather than using the current Thruway is actually an improvement, especially since Haz-Mat cargo will use the Thruway/90 corridor anyway due to it's more direct routing, rather than the I-10/Ambassador Caffery Parkway route which is much longer.


Which brings us to the final Big Lie of Peak.


QuoteA western bypass, the LRX, was designed at great expense but then disappeared. I believe that citizens would prefer this if given the alternative.


The LRX refers to the Lafayette Regional eXpressway (http://www.lrxpressway.com/), a planned 25 mile tollway loop around the periphery of Lafayette Parish, extending into northern Vermilion Parish and northern Iberia Parish. A Tier 1 EIS was published with a completed ROD in 2019 establishing the corridor limits for the LRX loop; Tier 2 EIS's would be required for designing and constructing segments of the project.


To say that this would be an adequate replacement for the Connector freeway is laughable. No loop bypass would remove the amount of traffic from the current Evangeline Thruway that would be needed to alleviate its problems, let alone one nearly 25 miles long and 20 miles outside of the heart of downtown Lafayette. Indeed, the developers of the LRX assumed that the Connector/I-49 South would be already completed and in operation prior to construction of the outer loop.


While the initial cost of the LRX is somewhat comparable to the cost of the Connector freeway ($1.5 billion for each), it would be madness to even think that the LRX could be a cost-effective alternative for I-49 South or the Connector freeway, especially considering that improvements to upgrade US 90 just south of Lafayette to I-49 South are already ongoing. The Verot School Road/US 90 interchange just south of the Connector project limits is under design, the Albertson's Parkway/St. Nazaire Road interchange is already complete, and the upgrade of US 90 with frontage roads extending south of Albertson's Parkway/St. Nazaire Rd./LA 182-BNSF overpass to an interchange with South Ambassador Caffery Parkway is already under construction. Combine that with the now under design Willow Street and Kaliste Saloom Road interchanges, and there is simply no concept that will divert traffic away from the Evangeline Thruway enough to diminish the need for the Connector project.


A much closer eastern bypass proposal called the "Teche Ridge Bypass" was proposed by Connector opponents at the time of the 2003 ROD process. That alternative would have generally followed the Teche Ridge to the east of US 90 in St. Martin Parish, connecting with I-49 South near the LA 88/US 90 interchange, I-10 just west of the Rees Street interchange in Breaux Bridge, and I-49 North just south of the LA 182 interchange. It would suffer from the same demerits as any other bypass, with the additional issue of crossing Cypress Swamp, which is far more sensitive wetlands that are protected by Federal and state law. The only citizens that would prefer this would be, again, the NIMBYs who simply don't want to look at a freeway shading the Evangeline Thruway, and the usual "Elevated freeways SUCK!!!" crowd.


To put it simply, Roger Peak's letter is more like an ant hill than a mountain of protest.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: The Ghostbuster on December 19, 2023, 02:25:19 PM
Hopefully, the Lafeyette Connector is eventually built (ditto for Shreveport's ICC). However, it will likely be some time before either proceeds to construction.
Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Anthony_JK on February 21, 2024, 04:38:21 AM
LADOTD announced last week that they have reached a major milestone in the US 90/Ambassador Caffery Parkway interchange project.

On Thursday, northbound/westbound US 90 mainline traffic will be switched over to the newly constructed frontage road between just south of Ambassador Caffery Parkway and the existing northbound frontage road serving the Albertson Parkway/St. Nazaire Road interchange. This includes the newly completed frontage road overpass of LA 182 and the BNSF Railway mainline.

A similar lane shift was done earlier last year for the southbound US 90 mainline to accommodate the new southbound/eastbound frontage road between the LA 182 overpass and ACP. The north frontage road approaches were built during the construction of the Albertson Parkway interchange, this recent project completes and extends the frontage roads over LA 182/BNSF for another 2 miles or so to connect with ACP.

This will now enable LADOTD to remove the portion of the current US 90 mainline across ACP so that the mainline overpass structures can be built to complete the interchange. The US 90 mainline will also be widened to 2x3 (three lanes in either direction) through the ACP interchange, with direct access removed and restricted to the frontage roads.

LADOTD has a completion date for the entire Ambassador Caffery interchange of spring 2026.

Upcoming Traffic Shift Planned for Ambassador Caffery Interchange project along U.S. 90 in Lafayette Parish (https://wwwapps.dotd.la.gov/administration/announcements/Announcement.aspx?key=34991)

The bend in the ROW for the northbound frontage road is there to accommodate future construction of direct connector ramps in the final build out whenever funding warrants.

Quote


BROUSSARD, La. - DOTD announces that a traffic shift is planned for U.S. 90 northbound as part of the $136 million Ambassador Caffery Interchange project.

On Thursday, February 22, 2024 beginning at 8 p.m. construction crews are scheduled to transition U.S. 90 northbound mainline traffic entirely to a stretch of new frontage road.

U.S. 90 northbound drivers will be shifted onto the new northbound frontage road beginning approximately 0.4 miles south of Ambassador Caffery and then shifted back onto U.S. 90 northbound approximately 0.3 miles south of the BNSF railroad overpass.

The new frontage road will accommodate two lanes of traffic in the northbound direction. Additionally, a signal light has been installed at the intersection of the new frontage road with Ambassador Caffery Parkway/Corne Road to accommodate through and left-turning traffic.

The temporary traffic shift is necessary to allow crews to begin widening the existing mainline of U.S. 90 northbound and constructing the new overpass. The traffic shift will be in place until the project is nearly complete.

The Ambassador Caffery Interchange construction project is estimated for completion by spring 2026.


(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwwwapps.dotd.la.gov%2Fadministration%2Fpublic_info%2Fprojects%2Fdocs_test%2FPR_Images%2F90-shift.jpg&hash=f826ad5d335cc82634d82731a7202d0cf6d7139f)


Title: Re: I-49 Lafayette Connector/I-49 South Update (The Sequel)
Post by: Anthony_JK on March 10, 2024, 11:33:40 AM
The Acadiana Advocate just posted an article updating the progress of the US 90/Ambassador Caffery Parkway interchange build, and included some passing notes on other aspects of the I-49 South extension through Lafayette.


US 90, Ambassador Caffery construction in Lafayette Parish completion expected in 2026 (Acadiana Advocate) (https://www.theadvocate.com/acadiana/news/work-progresses-on-us-90-ambassador-interchange/article_6a087232-d749-11ee-8c27-1736ed9bc66a.html#tncms-source=topstories-1)

Quote




Construction on the interchange of U.S. 90 at Ambassador Caffery Parkway in Lafayette Parish is in the third of five phases, with completion expected in the spring of 2026.
The $136 million project in Broussard, started in August 2022, is part of the Interstate 49 South plan to extend the interstate from north Louisiana to the west bank of New Orleans through Lafayette.
For years, state and federal agencies have replaced dangerous ground-level intersections along U.S. 90 with elevated bridges that will be part of I-49 South.
At Ambassador Caffery Parkway, a four-way intersection that stopped traffic on the highway will be replaced with a six-lane 1,722-foot long bridge that will allow traffic on U.S. 90 to flow over the intersection unimpeded by cross-traffic.




Two-lane frontage roads will allow local traffic to travel eastbound and westbound without entering the highway, according to an update from the Louisiana Department of Transportation. Signals will control traffic beneath the elevated highway on Ambassador Caffery Parkway and the frontage roads.
Slip ramps will be constructed for motorists entering the interstate traffic.
Currently, traffic on U.S. 90 in the area of the construction site is being diverted onto newly-constructed frontage roads.
The Verot School Road interchange at U.S. 90 in Lafayette is expected to be bid out for construction at the beginning of 2025, with construction tentatively beginning in mid-2025, Deidra Druilhet, public information office for DOTD's Acadiana region, said.




The intersection is in the final design phase. Funds in the amount of $200 million have been allocated for the project.
Meanwhile, a public meeting is expected to be scheduled in the spring on the I-49 Connector project through Lafayette. The meeting was tentatively expected to take place in February but staff are still reviewing documents and preparing materials, Druilhet said.
The final two designs for the connector will be on display at the meeting and should be online before the meeting at lafayetteconnector.com (http://www.lafayetteconnector.com/).
The I-49 Lafayette Connector is a proposed 5.5-mile section of interstate from Lafayette Regional Airport to the current terminus of I-49 at Interstate 10 in Lafayette. Probably the most controversial section of I-49 South, it is expected to be partially elevated and skirt downtown Lafayette.




The final two options for the Connector project differ only in the design of cross-street intersections with the "grand boulevard" that will re-purpose the Evangeline Thruway in the core section of the city. One uses traditional signalized intersections; the other uses roundabouts.


Also, interesting that they are just about finished with the final design on the Verot School Road interchange just south of the Connector's southern terminus. That would leave only the segment between Verot School Road and the Albertson's Parkway interchange (aside from the Connector) as needing upgrade to Interstate status.