DOTD causes traffic delays for OLOL’s new medical center

The Louisiana Department of Transportation & Development is apparently causing traffic delays for Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center’s new facility in Livingston Parish. At a community meeting Tuesday evening, CEO Scott Wester told a gathering of politicians and community leaders that DOTD has stalled necessary roadway permits to resolve problems that existed before the medical center bought the property. The agency wants Walker South Road widened from Interstate 12 to Buddy Ellis Road — that’s the stretch leading to the medical center’s proposed entrances — and the I-12 overpass leading into Walker widened. That alone could cost as much as $30 million. The problem is that funds aren’t currently appropriated to make the necessary infrastructure improvements, leaving OLOL to possibly foot the bill so hospital construction can move forward. “It’s pulling teeth to get state officials to recognize what a gem this is,” Wester says. “DOTD looks to us to solve problems with the road that existed even before we bought the property.” To read the full story, click here. — Penny Font