2 days ago
College Drive flyover project complete, brings relief to Baton Rouge drivers
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — After years of construction and constant traffic headaches, Baton Rouge drivers are finally getting some relief. On Thursday, state leaders officially cut the ribbon on the long-anticipated College Drive Flyover project.
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) gathered with local officials to mark the completion of the $61.5 million project, designed to address one of the most congested and dangerous traffic spots in the Capital Region.
'This stretch of interstate sees nearly 178,000 drivers a day. Until now, drivers had to make multiple lane changes and less than a mile just to reach the college drive exit. One of the most dangerous traffic patterns in the area,' said DOTD Secretary Joe Donahue.
Construction on the project began in 2021 in response to growing frustrations from drivers dealing with traffic delays, accidents, and confusing merges near the busy I-10/I-12 interchange. The new flyover provides a direct, two-lane ramp from I-10 and I-12 westbound to College Drive, eliminating the dangerous weaving that plagued the area for decades.
'Safety is always DOTD's top priority, and this project reflects that commitment,' Donahue said.
Public Information Director Rodney Mallet said the redesigned traffic pattern is expected to significantly improve both safety and commute times.
'It's really going to help the traffic flow, and it's going to be a safer situation because people aren't going to be weaving,' Mallet said.
The College Drive Flyover was originally a component of the broader I-10 Widening Project. However, leaders determined it could be completed sooner and fast-tracked its development using the design-build method, a move that helped expedite construction and minimize costs.
DOTD said additional infrastructure upgrades are still underway throughout Baton Rouge, including the ongoing I-10 widening and the new bridge over City Park Lakes, which is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
The College Drive Flyover is now fully open to drivers, offering a smoother, safer route through one of Baton Rouge's busiest corridors.
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