Louisiana state officials are espousing the benefits of the completed construction on the I-10 highway widening project from Henderson to the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge in St. Martin Parish.
Gov. John Bel Edwards and Louisiana Department of Transportation & Development (DOTD) Secretary Shawn Wilson joined other state and local personnel in a ceremony marking the achievement.
“Since I have been in office, over $321 million has been invested in transportation projects throughout St. Martin Parish,” Edwards said. “The completion of this project will improve the east-west connection along I-10 across the state, as well as enhance access to I-10 for residents and businesses in the area.”
Authorities indicated the work scope included pavement replacement within the existing lanes in each direction for 2.7 miles along I-10 from La. 347 to the base of the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge; an additional lane was added in the westbound direction; and the installation of added roundabouts at the Henderson interchange.
“As a department, we have worked hard over the last few years to improve the I-10 corridor,” Wilson said. “The widening of Interstate 10 in this area will help to reduce traffic congestion for over 60,000 motorists in the growing area of St. Martin Parish and is yet another example of our commitment to investing in our state’s infrastructure.”
The project was awarded to Gilchrist Construction Co. LLC of Alexandria for $54.7 million, officials noted, adding approximately $10 million in FASTLANE funding was allocated for the project. Construction began in May 2017 and was completed in December 2020.