Latest news with #JoeDonahue
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
24-04-2025
- Yahoo
Amtrak unveils name for new rail service from New Orleans to Mobile
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Amtrak has announced the name of its new rail service, which is set to bring passengers to and from New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama. On Thursday, Amtrak officials announced that the service, also making stops in Coastal Mississippi, will be called Amtrak Mardi Gras Service. City of New Orleans announces Jazz Fest safety measures, traffic reminders According to Amtrak, the rail service between New Orleans and Mobile will stop in Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi; Gulfport, Mississippi; Biloxi, Mississippi; and Pascagoula, Mississippi. 'With the launch of the Amtrak Mardi Gras Service, we are not just restoring a transportation link; we are celebrating the vibrant culture and community spirit of the Gulf Coast,' said Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development Secretary Joe Donahue in a news release. Southeast Louisiana law enforcement agencies to participate in Drug Take Back Day The news release states that daily morning and evening departures in both directions will be available when the service starts, which is expected to be during the summer. Amtrak officials said the trains are set to include reclining seats and carry-on bag options. Additional accommodations for golf bags and pets are also set to be unveils name for new rail service from New Orleans to Mobile Judge blocks Trump efforts to eliminate DEI in public schools The NFL's most powerful piece of paper — the Draft Card Utah immigration lawyer, who is a naturalized US citizen, ordered to self-deport These US cities have the 'most polluted' air in the country, says new study Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Yahoo
DOTD erects memorial to lives lost in construction zones
BATON ROUGE, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) kicked off National Work Zone Awareness Week on Monday, April 21, at its headquarters in Baton Rouge. This year's theme is 'Respect the zone so we all go home.' DOTD begins work to improve safety at I-49 and Southern Loop DOTD Secretary Joe Donahue was joined by representatives from the Louisiana State Police and the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission to remind drivers of the importance of staying alert and driving safely through work zones. 'The safety of Louisiana's roadways is a shared responsibility, starting with respect for the men and women working in active construction zones,' said Louisiana State Police Colonel Robert Hodges. 'Work zones are not just construction sites. They are workplaces where real people are doing essential jobs to keep our roads safe and functional. 'Every driver must slow down, stay alert, and respect the zone. The choices we make behind the wheel directly impact the lives of those working just feet away. Let's take that responsibility seriously and make sure everyone gets home safely.' Man dies after being arrested by Shreveport police The DOTD established a safety cone memorial in front of its headquarters to honor those who have lost their lives in work zones. In 2023, the National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse reported 898 work zone-related fatalities across the nation, including 14 in Louisiana. 'That was due to somebody not paying attention,' Donahue said. 'That was due to somebody not observing and abiding by the laws that are out there. So, when you think about the risks and the benefits, saving a couple of minutes on your drive is not worth the loss of anybody's life.' 'Respect is simply about recognizing the worth of a person and the things they do,' said Louisiana Highway Safety Commissioner Lisa Freeman. 'Certainly, the workers in our work zones qualify for our respect. They have more than earned it. Even beyond the golden rule approach in treating our workers the way we would want to be treated, showing respect translates into good public safety. That's something we should practice—in all places, at all times.' National Work Zone Awareness Week runs from April 21 to April 25. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
