I-49 Bypass Proposal May Be Revived

For years leaders in Louisiana have talked about their work to get highway 90 turned into Interstate 49.

An alternate plan that would bypass Lafayette could be getting some more attention now.  It was ruled out about 10 years ago, but more discussion about the Teche Ridge route is being considered.

Lafayette Representative Terry Landry and Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval have asked the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to study the idea.  The route would have Interstate 49 bypass Lafayette to the east and run mostly through rural areas of St. Martin Parish.

The Teche Ridge route came about after opponents disagreed with the idea of an elevated interstate through Lafayette.  Also St. Martin Parish officials like the idea as the interstate would run through the parish.

Officials working on the Interstate 49 project worry that more discussion about the Teche Ridge route will just lead to further delays in getting the interstate project completed.