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Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) and state officials are espousing the benefits of the recently opened for traffic I-20/Tarbutton Road interchange in Ruston, Lincoln Parish.
“This type of investment – over $25 million – is indicative of our continual efforts to make smart decisions when it comes to the use of transportation funding,” Gov. John Bel Edwards said. “This project is one that we prioritized early in my first term, understanding the need for accessibility and connectability for residents and business owners. But the first shovel couldn’t hit the dirt without commitments from local government.”
The governor commended DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson and his team for working to see infrastructure improvements such as the Ruston endeavor happen statewide.
The project creates a new interstate interchange in addition to a new Tarbutton Road overpass, as well as a reconstructed Tarbutton Road north and south of I-20, and improved traffic flow on adjacent service roads.
“This project has transformed the landscape of this area of Ruston while remaining ahead of schedule and on budget despite heavy spring rains, a devastating tornado, and the restrictions of a worldwide pandemic,” Wilson said. “This interchange provides new critical interstate access to both commercial and residential areas. But none of it would be possible without vital partnerships with local and federal agencies, and without the vision of an administration set on investing our transportation dollars strategically.”