I-12 widening project breaks ground in Livingston Parish

Gov. Bobby Jindal was on hand today to break ground on a $21.9 million project to widen 3.2 miles of Interstate 12, from four to six travel lanes, between Juban Road and the Walker interchange. Jindal says the project came in under bid, and the state will use the savings to widen an additional two to three miles of I-12. The project is slated for completion in the middle of 2013. “Folks from across the nation are seeing that opportunities exist in Louisiana, and they are coming to Livingston Parish to pursue their dreams and raise a family,” Jindal says in a release. “That’s why we’ve invested millions to make this region more accessible to the state and the nation. This project will reduce congestion for our people and continue to boost economic growth in the region.” Through the competitive bid process, the state will save approximately $14.5 million on the project, compared to the estimated cost. Combined with funds from an existing I-12 bridge federal rehabilitation project, the savings will be used to further widen I-12, from two to three lanes, from the Walker interchange to approximately two to three miles east.