MONROE, La.- Gov. John Bel Edwards met with local officials in Ruston on Thursday to cut the ribbon on the Tarbutton Road Overpass and I-20 Interchange project.
According to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, the project replaced the Tarbutton Road overpass and reconstructed the road north and south of I-20. The project also added new on and off-ramps for interstate interchange and included extensive drainage work.
Though work on the project began in 2017, Edwards said this project has been in the works since the early 90′s. Now that it’s complete, local officials are celebrating.
“This is huge for our city, our community, the corporation between Grambling and Ruston, Grambling State University and Louisiana Tech,” said Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker.
“I guess the old adage ‘Good things come to those who wait,’ is correct,” said Grambling Mayor Edward Jones.
Since 2016, Edwards said they’ve invested over $300 million on projects to improve daily commutes and make the area along I-20 more accessible for tourism and commerce.
He said, on top of improving quality of life, the project is also going to help grow the economy. However, that won’t be the only benefit.
“You’ve got two great universities, Louisiana Tech and Grambling State University; they’re both going to benefit from this as well,” said Edwards.
Grambling State University President Rick Gallot said the project will help alleviate traffic on game days and other school events. He said previously, they would experience significant delays on I-20 of fans trying to get into the university.
“It is a win-win for Grambling, Ruston, Grambling State University, Louisiana Tech, Lincoln Parish,” he said. “All of us will benefit greatly from the completion of this project, and I’m looking forward to getting out there and driving on it.”
