The Operations Excellence award is presented to projects that demonstrate the ability to operate the existing transportation system as safely and efficiently as possible and make more effective use of already existing transportation assets.
“This project is a testament of what can be accomplished when entities work together to create a lasting and effective transportation system,” Wilson said. “The I-10 widening project was critical for the economic growth in the region, and I am proud it has received recognition. I want to applaud DOTD staff, contractors, designers, and everyone who has worked on this project.”
In September 2016, Louisiana received $40 million in additional federal highway funding due to successfully obligating the full amount of its federal funding during the 2015-2016 federal fiscal year, resulting in plans for the I-10 widening project to move forward.
This $72-million project broke ground in February 2018 and was completed a little over two and half years later in October 2020. Overall, the project consisted of widening I-10 from four lanes to six lanes from Highland Road in Baton Rouge to the LA 73 interchange in Prairieville. The contractor was James Construction Group.
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Additionally, the two bridges on the I-10 overpass above Highland Road were replaced with one large overpass that includes three 12-foot travel lanes in each direction, separated by a two-foot barrier. The LA 928 (Bluff Road) bridge was raised approximately nine inches to comply with updated federal interstate standards.
As a regional winner, the I-10 widening project will be considered in the AASHTO’s Top 12 contest, competing with other projects across the nation.
