DOTD raising flood-prone interstate
Published 12:00 am Wednesday, July 3, 2013
By Kimberly Hopson
L’Observateur
LAPLACE – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development on Monday announced plans to improve Interstate 10 to address flooding because of storm surge at I-10 near LaPlace and Interstate 55 near Ponchatoula.
The project to raise the elevation on I-10 near LaPlace is scheduled to begin this summer, with a September completion date. The work will eliminate a 4.7 foot low point in the roadway and add approximately 15 inches of asphalt to the existing roadway.
According to Lauren Lee, a public informaiton officer for the agency, the cost of the project is approximately $1.3 million.
Lee said the DOTD will use contractor Barriere Construction for all improvements.
Additionally, a project to raise the grade of the I-10 ramps at the Louisiana Highway 3188 (Belle Terre Boulevard) Interchange to prevent flooding is scheduled to begin construction in 2015. The estimated cost is between $500,000 and $1 million.
The DOTD is also conducting a hydrologic and hydraulic study of water flow and movement for the I-10 corridor between the Reserve Relief Canal Bridge and U.S. Highway 51 this fall that will include the interchange at U.S. 51 and the connection to the I-55 ramps. The study will identify options for current storm conditions as well as potential elevating alternatives and an elevated bridge section alternative for a 50-year and 100-year storm event. Lee said the study is expected to last about one year.
Design is also under way for a project to eliminate another low spot just north of the elevated section of I-55 near Ponchatoula. This low point is also approximately 4.7 feet.
Work is scheduled to begin in spring 2014 at a cost of $250,000-$500,000. The DOTD has contracted the services of barrier dam companies, to be activated if necessary, for both locations.
“These projects will help to mitigate interstate flooding in these areas and maintain access to major corridors during flood events,” Lee said.
For more information, please visit www.dotd.la.gov, email dotdcs@la.gov, or call the DOTD’s Customer Service Center at 225-379-1232 or 1-877-4LADOTD, 1-877-452-3683. Business hours are 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Motorists can access up-to-date travel information by dialing 511 or by visiting www.511la.org. Out of-state travelers can call 1-888-ROAD-511, 1-888-762-3511.