Effective August 19, 2010, South Harrell’s Ferry Road between Jones Creek Road and O’Neal Lane will remain closed to the traveling public to allow for the completion of paving operations.  The current temporary closure of this stretch of South Harrell’s Ferry Road began May 24, 2010 as construction crews began necessary work for the installation of the embankment, new box culverts for the roadway crossings at Knox Branch, and to complete utility relocations as well as pipeline adjustments by Shell Pipeline required to four-lane that stretch of South Harrell’s Ferry Road.

Adverse weather conditions and unexpected utility relocations have lengthened the construction period required for the closed portion of the roadway.  Construction crews continue to work as expeditiously as possible to complete the work necessary to reopen the closed portion of the roadway. Weather delays have been and will continue to be a factor in determining the length of the closure period.  Due to the uncertainty surrounding upcoming weather conditions, an anticipated date is not available at this time for the roadway to reopen.

Although substantial progress has been made on pipeline adjustments, box culvert installation, utility relocations, and embankment work, the extension of the closure period is necessary to allow for completion of the base course and paving operations sufficient enough to permit the reopening of the roadway to local traffic.

Motorists should continue to use Jones Creek Road, George O’Neal Lane and O’Neal Lane as detour routes during the closure (see map in attachment).  Access to South Harrell’s Ferry Road from Lirocchi Drive and Manchester Drive will also continue to be closed during this closure period with a detour provided to O’Neal Lane.

Message signs warning of the closure remain posted near South Harrell’s Ferry Road and motorists should exercise caution when traveling in the vicinity. Travel times may be affected, and motorists are encouraged to factor in potential delays when traveling in the area during the road closure.

Work began last September to widen that stretch of South Harrell’s Ferry Road as part of the Green Light Plan to relieve congestion on major traffic arteries in East Baton Rouge Parish. The project will add two additional through lanes, sidewalks and a raised median to South Harrell’s Ferry Road from a point 1,100-feet east of Millerville Road to O’Neal Lane. The project also calls for a new intersection with Jones Creek Road and a new drainage crossing and raised roadway at the Knox Branch crossing between Jones Creek Road and O’Neal Lane.

Other Green Light Plan projects are now under construction to widen Jones Creek Road from South Harrell’s Ferry Road to Coursey Boulevard, and South Harrell’s Ferry Road from Millerville Road to South Sherwood Forest Boulevard.