Latest news with #DOTD
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Yahoo
WATCH: 18-wheeler hits Louisiana state employee working in utility bucket truck
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — An employee with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) was hit while working on a traffic light in Livingston Parish on Wednesday. The utility worker was struck by an 18-wheeler while inside the bucket of a utility vehicle, the impact of semi-truck shattering the bucket itself. READ MORE:
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Landry administration shuffles leadership at DOTD, coastal authority
One of the new flyover ramps, pictured prior to opening, that connects I-10 to New Orleans' Armstrong International Airport officially opened on Sept. 29, 2023. (Photo credit: Daniel Gitlin/DOTD) Gov. Jeff Landry is making leadership changes at the state highway department that will go into effect Monday. In a statement issued Thursday, the governor's office said Department of Transportation a Development Secretary Joe Donahue will move from that post to become the agency's executive counsel. Glenn Ledet Jr. will leave as executive director of the Coastal Restoration and Protection Authority to become DOTD's new secretary. Also, Eric Dauphine, DOTD's current Lafayette region administrator, will become a deputy secretary for the department. 'Joe has done an outstanding job in one of the most thankless roles in state government. Louisiana's roads and infrastructure are in dire need of reform, and Joe worked every day to move DOTD forward despite the challenges,' Landry said in the statement. Ledet departs the CPRA after a year and a half as its leader and previously working as administrator of its operations division. The authority has state-level oversight of major coastal infrastructure projects in Louisiana. The governor credited Ledet with CPRA's implementation of the state's $50 billion Coastal Master Plan. The governor's office shared no information on plans for Ledet's replacement at CPRA. The incoming DOTD secretary's background includes 13 years in civil and environmental engineering, including management positions with private companies that have worked as contractors for the state transportation department. Ledet holds an environmental engineering degree from LSU and is licensed as a civil engineer in multiple Gulf Coast states. 'I am honored and grateful to Governor Jeff Landry for the trust he has placed in me to lead DOTD,' Ledet said in a statement. 'I look forward to working alongside the agency's dedicated team and partners throughout the state to strengthen Louisiana's transportation network. Together, we will focus on delivering efficient and safe infrastructure that meets the needs of Louisiana's residents, communities, and businesses both now and in the future.' Donahue has worked with Landry since the governor held the attorney general's post. In addition to his time at DOTD, Donahue has also been a staff lawyer with the state Department of Environmental Quality. His exit comes as state lawmakers have approved a package of Landry-backed bills that call for greater efficiency and accountability at DOTD, while also giving the governor more say-so on state highway spending. The changes will include a new deputy secretary of transformation. Landry's office has not clarified whether Dauphine is filling this position or an existing deputy secretary's position. Donahue is the third member of Landry's cabinet to move out of their role since the governor took office in January 2024, and the first to stay within state government. Madison Sheahan left her job as secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries in March to become deputy director for U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The move reunited her with Homeland Security Director Kristi Noem, for whom Sheahan worked when Noem was governor of South Dakota. Last month, Aurelia Skipwith Giacometto resigned as DEQ secretary to take a job with a Washington, D.C. law firm. Though Landry remained consistent in his support for her, Giacometto's tenure was marked with strife within the department and several departures from high-ranking employees. A workplace survey from the Louisiana Legislative Auditor revealed pervasive low morale during her time in charge. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
College Drive flyover project complete, brings relief to Baton Rouge drivers
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — After years of construction and constant traffic headaches, Baton Rouge drivers are finally getting some relief. On Thursday, state leaders officially cut the ribbon on the long-anticipated College Drive Flyover project. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) gathered with local officials to mark the completion of the $61.5 million project, designed to address one of the most congested and dangerous traffic spots in the Capital Region. 'This stretch of interstate sees nearly 178,000 drivers a day. Until now, drivers had to make multiple lane changes and less than a mile just to reach the college drive exit. One of the most dangerous traffic patterns in the area,' said DOTD Secretary Joe Donahue. Construction on the project began in 2021 in response to growing frustrations from drivers dealing with traffic delays, accidents, and confusing merges near the busy I-10/I-12 interchange. The new flyover provides a direct, two-lane ramp from I-10 and I-12 westbound to College Drive, eliminating the dangerous weaving that plagued the area for decades. 'Safety is always DOTD's top priority, and this project reflects that commitment,' Donahue said. Public Information Director Rodney Mallet said the redesigned traffic pattern is expected to significantly improve both safety and commute times. 'It's really going to help the traffic flow, and it's going to be a safer situation because people aren't going to be weaving,' Mallet said. The College Drive Flyover was originally a component of the broader I-10 Widening Project. However, leaders determined it could be completed sooner and fast-tracked its development using the design-build method, a move that helped expedite construction and minimize costs. DOTD said additional infrastructure upgrades are still underway throughout Baton Rouge, including the ongoing I-10 widening and the new bridge over City Park Lakes, which is expected to be completed by the end of this year. The College Drive Flyover is now fully open to drivers, offering a smoother, safer route through one of Baton Rouge's busiest corridors. EBR Metro Council picks new advisor for Raising Canes River Center redevelopment project 'It's a big problem in Baton Rouge': Authorities suspect human trafficking in massage parlors College Drive flyover project complete, brings relief to Baton Rouge drivers Louisiana lawmakers push for transparency in drug pricing, bill advances Judge blocks Trump's National Guard deployment in Los Angeles Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Landry names new head of Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Gov. Jeff Landry announced leadership changes at the state Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) Thursday morning. Major changes include Secretary Joe Donahue moving into a new role within the agency as executive counsel and announcing Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) Executive Director Glenn Ledet as the new secretary. 'Joe has done an outstanding job in one of the most thankless roles in state government. Louisiana's roads and infrastructure are in dire need of reform, and Joe worked every day to move DOTD forward despite the challenges,' said Landry. 'Now, he's returning to his passion—practicing law—and I know he'll bring the same dedication and integrity to his new role as DOTD Executive Counsel. I'm excited about the new era of leadership Glenn and Eric will bring to the department.' Ledet said he looks forward to working with the DOTD team and its partners to make the state's transportation network stronger. As the head of CPRA, he led the agency's implementation of the $50 billion Coastal Master Plan. He also has over a decade of experience in the engineering industry. 'Together, we will focus on delivering efficient and safe infrastructure that meets the needs of Louisiana's residents, communities, and businesses both now and in the future,' said Ledet. Landry also announced that Eric Dauphine, currently the district administrator of Lafayette-District 03 serving eight parishes, will be deputy secretary. 'I appreciate the opportunity to help lead DOTD during this time of transition, focusing on strategic improvements and comprehensive change needed to enhance Departmental operations,' said Dauphine. Leadership changes were announced after lawmakers passed a bill that would restructure DOTD. According to House Bill 528, the secretary would have the power to eliminate positions determined to be unnecessary following civil service rules. The agency's head would also be allowed to enter into agreements with other state agencies to develop programs and monitor, enforce and collect penalties for state construction zone violations. The bill changed who appoints the role of deputy secretary, shifting it from being a secretary appointment to a governor-appointed position. Tasks for the deputy secretary include overseeing the office of transformation to 'optimize' the agency and submitting an annual report to the legislature. Meet Courtney Burdette, new head of Louisiana Department Environmental Quality Pointe Coupee Parish man sentenced to 230 years for drug trafficking WATCH: Black bear follows elderly woman through her neighborhood 'Honestly, it was shocking': Video shows tourist approaching bison with toddler Trump launches web site for 'gold card' Landry names new head of Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
La. DOTD collects data with traffic count devices
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — If you're wondering what the devices on the street signs next to various local roads are, they are not traffic cameras, but 'traffic count devices' being temporarily installed in several parishes across northwest Louisiana. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) posted via social media on Thursday, June 5, that the traffic count devices are for 'data collection.' The DOTD states that traffic count devices are being installed in Caddo, Sabine, St. John, St. Martin, and Red River parishes. When is I-20 reopening in Bossier City? 'These devices are used to collect valuable information on traffic volumes, vehicle types, and roadway usage patterns. The data supports future decisions related to transportation planning, infrastructure improvements, and maintenance priorities,' posted DOTD. 'The equipment is non-invasive and does not pose a risk to the public or vehicles. Typically, traffic counters appear as small electronic devices placed near street signs or along the right-of-way. DOTD asks the public not to tamper with or remove the devices to ensure accurate data collection.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
