DOTD's funding forecast

Contractors 'wait to exhale' as reauthorization edges closer to approval
The construction industry is waiting to exhale.
Recent overwhelming approval by the U. S. House of Representatives of the Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (TEA-LU) offers a glimmer of hope that a long-term commitment to the nation's highways is right around the bend. Full Story >>

Sigh of relieve

Shreveport's Southern Loop Interchange completed after 10 years of waiting
When officials removed the barricades allowing the first motorists to use the new exit 196 off of Interstate 49, a palpable sigh of relief went up from the southside Shreveport residents who call the area home. Full Story >>

Managing traffic flow

Popular Baton Rouge road widened to five lanes
It's certainly not unusual for highway construction projects to affect traffic flow.
But since Barber Bros. Contracting Co. of Baton Rouge began the $17.4 million widening of Old Hammond Highway in Baton Rouge from Airline Highway to Boulevard de Province last June, traffic on the well-traveled thoroughfare has actually decreased, said Clay Hollowell, project engineer for the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. Full Story >>

Southwest Report

Despite petrochemical downturn, region sees strong growth
Though high natural gas prices have forced an overall downturn in the petrochemical industry, southwest Louisiana is experiencing a period of heavy construction activity. And this growth is expected to continue. Full Story >>

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