Last week, Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards, alongside the Louisiana Department of Transportation (DOTD) celebrated the completion of the first two segments of the $169.8 million project to expand and revitalize the I-12 corridor through the Northshore.
“This is a major project that will benefit the folks of St. Tammany and everyone who travels throughout this area," said Gov. Edwards. "Improving Louisiana’s infrastructure statewide has always been among my top priorities, and the widening of I-12, which is among our heavily traveled interstates, is important for businesses, families, visitors and the like. It’s vital for this community as well as our state and is something we can all be proud of.”
Phase one of the project widened three miles of pavement surface from U.S. 190 to LA 59 into the median, overlaying the existing lanes with asphalt, and installing concrete median protection.
The project also widened the bridges over U.S. 190, the Ponchatolawa Creek, and the Tammany Trace bike path. Phase one, constructed by James Construction Group, was completed in summer 2023 for $54.5 million.
The project's second phase provided identical reconstruction elements as phase one along 3.4 miles of I-12 from U.S. 190 westward to LA 21. The I-12 and LA 21 interchange area is a hub for new business in St. Tammany and is adjacent to Pinnacle Parkway and the recently constructed Oschner Medical Complex. Phase two, built by JB James Construction, was completed recently at $59.1 million.
Funding for phase two was sourced through a $25 million federal BUILD grant obtained by St. Tammany Parish and a $7.2 million commitment from the parish. Federal and state funding comprised the remaining funds.
The project's third phase, at a cost of $56.1 million, widens I-12 from LA 1077 to LA 21, and is currently under construction by James Construction Group with a 2026 estimated completion date.
DOTD believes the daily traffic count will grow by as much as 40,000 by 2036. The expansion projects allow for that accommodation.
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Source: The Louisiana Department of Transportation
