Baton Rouge leaders push to remove Washington Street off-ramp to ease traffic
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Baton Rouge city leaders are calling for the removal of the Washington Street off-ramp, citing its role in ongoing congestion and frequent wrecks.
Officials said the ramp has long been a trouble spot, with the stretch of I-10 leading up to it earning the nickname 'the Devil's Triangle of interstates.'
State Representative Dixon McMakin emphasized the urgency of addressing the issue.
'This exit has caused so many delays and wrecks that the area leading up to it has been known as the Devil's Triangle of interstates,' McMakin said.
The proposed plan would barricade the Washington Street off-ramp and redirect traffic to the Terrace Street and Nicholson Drive exits. Supporters of the plan argue that closing the exit would allow motorists more time to merge onto I-10 East, reducing bottlenecks and improving traffic flow.
'Closing that exit down will allow motorists more time to merge onto I-10 as they head east,' McMakin added.
Legislators are pushing for the project to move forward, aiming to have the ramp closed by December. McMakin expressed confidence in the plan's momentum, citing strong backing from state and congressional leadership.
'We have great congressional leadership that also backs this,' he said. 'A governor's office, a full legislator. So, I think by Christmas time the exit will be shut down.'
State leaders said they will continue to monitor the project's progress and address any public concerns as work moves forward.
Baton Rouge leaders push to remove Washington Street off-ramp to ease traffic
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