LAKE CHARLES, LA (KPLC) -
The Joint Legislative Committee on Highway Priorities met in
Lake Charles on Wednesday, Feb. 8 at the Lake Charles Civic Center.
People across Calcasieu Parish and other parishes in
Southwest Louisiana got a chance to speak on how they think highway dollars
should be spent.
La. Representative Michael Danahay said various concerns
were brought up. One of the concerns being the traffic on Highway 171.
"The turn lanes there they felt like they needed some
signaling in that area to help prevent accidents," Danahay said.
Another concern, Danahay said, was traffic on the 210 Loop
and potential traffic on Nelson Road once the new casino, Mojito Pointe, is
established. Danahay said various plans were presented and some of these plans
may help alleviate traffic on the Nelson Road interchange.
But there's one roadway being kept under a close eye, and
that's the I-10 bridge.
"Of course long-term we're looking at the I-10 bridge. We
feel like that's very crucial," Danahay said. "The I-10 corridor carries about
60,000 cars a day through here."
With all these concerns in mind, Danahay said a final plan
has to go into consideration for the La. Department of Transportation and
Development. He said various plans have been submitted and within the next
several weeks, DOTD will come up with a final plan.
Depending on what plan is chosen will determine which
project in SWLA will take place.
"I think the better infrastructure that you have, the better
economic development that takes place," Danahay said. "It's very important that
we have a very good infrastructure in Louisiana."
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