LAFAYETTE, La. (AP) — A road project most Lafayette residents likely had never heard of a year ago has been quickly gaining momentum to become the next crossing over the Vermilion River.

The Advocate reports city-parish government is moving forward with a $350,000 engineering study to narrow down the possible routes for the extension of South City Parkway in south Lafayette. Officials are considering buying 26 acres to secure much of the right of way for the road.

Public Works Director Kevin Blanchard says the bridge is the No. 1 project in regards to reducing traffic.

In terms of roadways, Lafayette is literally a city divided by the Vermilion River, and any new crossing has the potential to improve traffic, particularly for the congested arteries of south Lafayette.

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