LAFAYETTE, La. (AP) — Depending on the design, a 1.5-mile section of proposed Interstate 49 near downtown Lafayette will cost between $355 million and $668 million.

The Advertiser reports the I-49 Community Working Group received that news Thursday evening from consultants working on the I-49 connector project for the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development.

Several design concepts for the section of interstate were eliminated in August, leaving two series of designs, one featuring an elevated interstate with slight differences among them and a second series with a semi-sunken interstate or a tunnel.

Steve Wallace of consulting firm Stantec says the tunnel would be the most expensive, require removal of the most homes and businesses, and present the greatest challenges for emergencies and drainage.

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Information from: The Advertiser, http://www.theadvertiser.com

 

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