With the influx of businesses and outgrowth of student housing on Burbank Drive, the street has become home to some of the most severe traffic problems leading to campus and is often difficult to avoid during peak traffic hours.
But during the University’s Fall Break, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development will attempt to improve traffic flow by restriping Burbank Drive between Nicholson Drive and the Burbank Commons Apartments, the DOTD announced in a news release Thursday.
The restriping will add a center turn lane, which will help prevent traffic from backing up as cars try to turn on popular streets like Jennifer Jean Drive, East Boyd Drive and West Parker Boulevard.
Work will begin at 8 p.m. on Thursday and finish at 6 a.m. Nov. 11, coinciding with Fall Break when traffic volume will be low.
The project totals $28,000 and will change the current two 12-foot lanes in each direction on Burbank to a 10-foot outside lane and a 9-foot inside lane in each direction and add a new 10-foot center turn lane.
“The additional turn lane will relieve congestion by providing a dedicated turn lane out of the way of through traffic, increasing flow and creating a safer environment by reducing crashes,” according to the news release.
One-lane traffic in each direction will remain open at all times during the construction.
The DOTD advises drivers to use caution in the area and pay close attention to workers and the new striping.
Access to businesses, apartments and parking during construction will not be affected, the DOTD said.