On June 27, the Federal Highway Administration authorized a “Stage 0 / IJR” study for a proposed I-12 /Pete’s Highway Interchange project. The next day, the DOTD and the FHWA issued the Scope of Services and Notice to Proceed, in conjunction with that feasibility study, to Fenstermaker Engineers, Surveyors & Environmental Consultants, the firm awarded the contract to perform the study.

The IJR is an Interchange Justification Report and is a first step to improving Denham Springs traffic flow. The Range Ave. Interchange has exceeded original capacity assessments and another Interchange at Pete’s Hwy. would provide tremendous relief. The feasibility of new Interchanges must go through the process of justification by in-depth studying of traffic counts, loads, flow and projected growth. Models are developed of current traffic conditions and analysis made of the conditions expected to exist in 20 years. The models encompass conditions both with and without a Pete’s Hwy. Interchange.

As part of the study, the Capital Region Planning Commission, the designated BR Metropolitan Planning Organization, recently provided the consultant with Traffic Analysis Zones and corresponding TAZ level demographics for this project area. These existing forecasts, including dwelling units, total employment and retail employment, have input from local officials and are determinants incorporated into the models.

After engineers have studied, modeled and projected traffic conditions, the completed study will be submitted to the FHWA. A favorable IJR indicating a definite need for the interchange will give state legislative delegates proof of need in gaining project priority and funding. Liv. Ph. legislators have voiced support of this project, along with DOTD Sect. Sherri LeBas, Sen. David Vitter and Sen. Mary Landrieu.

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