MONROE, La. – A project aimed at widening a portion of Interstate 20 in Ouachita Parish was announced by the Louisiana Governor’s Office on April 19.
According to a news release, the $20 million project aims to widen a 2-mile stretch of Interstate 20 eastward from Hwy. 165. In other words, this would be in the Pecanland Mall area.
The money for the project comes as part of the 2020 Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, in which the state of Louisiana received approximately $216 million to be allocated for road and infrastructure projects. This $1.4 trillion relief package was passed by Congress last year.
“As you are all aware, the state’s roads and bridges are in great need of repair and upgrade,” said Gov. John Bel Edwards. “Addressing these needs has been a priority of my administration. We have proven what we can do when we have funds and have invested over $3 billion in infrastructure since 2016, despite a 1980s revenue stream as the main source of funding. Louisiana’s transportation infrastructure will benefit greatly from this additional funding, and I know DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson has worked tirelessly to find projects that will be most beneficial.”
Two preservation projects for Northeast Louisiana were also announced. They are:
- LA 2: from West Carroll Parish line to U.S. 65, East Carroll Parish, overlay, $2.1 million
- LA 15: from U.S. 425 to Ouachita Parish line, Richland Parish, asphalt overlay, $3.3 million
Also among the projects announced was $11.3 million for electric vehicle charging infrastructure statewide.
