I-10 Construction Aims to Limit Traffic Disruptions
Ongoing construction along I-10 continues to affect travel in Baton Rouge, but Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) spokesperson Rodney Mallet says the widening project has minimized its impact on daily traffic.
During an appearance on Mornings With Brian Haldane, Mallet explained that DOTD extended the project’s timeline to avoid reducing the number of travel lanes during the work. Most closures related to the project occur overnight, generally between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
Mallet said DOTD has also completed improvements to the westbound section near Perkins Road. Crews extended the Perkins Road westbound on-ramp by about 300 feet, giving drivers more room to merge onto I-10.
Other Road Projects May Add to Congestion
Mallet acknowledged that Baton Rouge drivers face congestion from several projects happening across the city. He pointed to work on Florida Boulevard, projects around the lakes, and utility work by Entergy as potential contributors to traffic delays.
The I-10 project itself has only one associated surface-road closure, according to Mallet: East Lakeshore Drive, which has been closed for more than two years.
More I-10 Improvements Are Coming
The next major phase of the I-10 widening project is expected to include work on the westbound flyover. Crews are also widening the I-110 southbound off-ramp.
Mallet said the project addresses long-standing congestion concerns on I-10. He acknowledged that construction can frustrate drivers but emphasized that road improvements often require temporary inconvenience.
As Baton Rouge continues to grow, drivers can expect additional construction activity before they see the completed improvements. For DOTD, the goal remains improving traffic flow while limiting disruptions wherever possible.