Pelican State News

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) shared an update regarding the US 165 safety improvement project at the intersection with Lonewa Road in the Town of Sterlington, Ouachita Parish. The project has faced delays due to the original contractor's failure to meet its contractual obligations, resulting in the company being in default.

A surety-bond company is currently in the process of securing a new contractor to take over and complete the construction work. The primary task for the incoming contractor will be the construction of the final J-turn, which is integral to the planned safety improvements. Three J-turns were initially planned to enhance safety, accessibility, and traffic flow at this intersection. These J-turns aim to minimize serious crashes by eliminating vehicle conflict points linked to left-turns and crossover movements.

Despite the challenges, DOTD is committed to completing the project and recognizes that the ongoing lane closures and temporary traffic configurations have been inconvenient for the local community. There is confidence that once the project is completed, motorists will benefit significantly from the enhancements.

Additionally, the project includes the stripping of bulb-outs at the J-turns. This modification will support the turning radius of larger vehicles, ensuring they can merge safely into traffic.

The DOTD will provide another update once the contractor is secured and a work schedule is established. At that time, a timeline for project completion will also be released.

For more information, contact Erin Buchanan, Public Information Officer, Monroe District, at (318) 549-8402 or Erin.buchanan@la.gov.