Well it appears that there is another HUGE 4 lane project underway in South Baton Rouge. After perusing the greenlight plan website i’ve learned that South Harrells Ferry Rd from Sherwood Forest all the way to Millerville Rd will be upgraded to 4 lanes. That will make Harrells Ferry a complete 4 lane thoroughfare from Sherwood Forest all the way to the east side of Oneal Lane. This will be a nice relief to that same area of I-12, which we all know is the largest parking lot in Baton Rouge.

Living in this general area, I was glad to hear about this upgrade, which is currently in the works (Planning 100%, Design 100%, R.O.W. 70%, Construction 0%), however, I do not think the upgrade at Harrels Ferry and Sherwood Forest was the most intelligent decision for this particular interchange.  For east bound traffic exiting at Sherwood Forest and wishing to continue east bound on S. Harrells Ferry, a right turn onto Sherwood Forest then a left turn onto Harrells Ferry Rd is required. I cannot understand why Harrells Ferry Rd wasn’t straightened out completely to intersect with Sherwood perpendicularly and eliminating the need for interstate traffic to have to use Sherwood Forest. An intersection similar to College @ I-10 where east bound traffic can exit the interstate and proceed directly onto Constitution would have been a grand idea. I’m certain that when this 4 lane project is complete it will prove to be a very inviting change of scenery for thousands of drivers. At that point i’m afraid that this error in design will really start to cost drivers who wish to use this thoroughfare.

Nonetheless, I will welcome, with open arms, this upgrade. I have driven the old 2 lane Harrells Ferry Rd for 25 years now and its a wonder I havent driven off the edge of it and went off into the ditch. Dodging orange barrels for a year or so is a small price to pay in this case.