LAFAYETTE, La. (AP) — Construction has begun on the $21.6 million widening of East Pont des Mouton Road between Louisiana Avenue and Interstate 49 in Lafayette.

The Advocate reports the project is one of the biggest in north Lafayette in recent years. Officials say traffic on the road has risen significantly over the past two decades.

The work is expected to be completed in 2016 and involves widening the two-lane road to a four-lane boulevard in some sections and a five-lane roadway in others.

Drainage improvements, lighting and sidewalks are included in the plan.

According to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, traffic on the 1.3-mile segment of Pont des Mouton between I-49 and Louisiana Avenue rose from about 2,700 vehicles daily in 1997 to about 12,600 in 2012.

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Information from: The Advocate, http://theadvocate.com

 

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