Recently commenced construction on Brightside Lane, marking the halfway point of the Green Light Plan, will add a turning lane along with walkways and bike paths on either side of the street.
Work began Thursday and is anticipated to last approximately nine months.
The post-production costs of the project — the 18th of 36 projects planned for East Baton Rouge Parish — are predicted to be $7.1 million, according to Green Light Plan representatives. Brightside Lane is viewed by the Green Light Project as a vital road for both the University and area residents.
“The Brightside Lane project is the first of several important projects for this area specifically designed to alleviate traffic congestion, reduce the potential for traffic accidents and improve the quality of life,” Project Greenlight Director Michael Songy said in statement to The Daily Reveille.
Jeremy Baumgartner, mechanical engineering sophomore, said he rides his bicycle to campus each day to avoid morning traffic. He said riding his bike saves him an additional 15 minutes each morning.
Baumgartner said he would likely drive to campus more often — if he were certain he would make it in time for his 9:00 a.m. class.
“Nine o’clock traffic is heinous,” Baumgartner said. “You can’t leave for 8:30 [a.m.] and then get to campus for 9:10.”
While construction began several days ago, residents will not experience any traffic delays until the utility lines running along Brightside are relocated.
Katie Kampen, psychology freshman, said the lack of turning lanes causes traffic to back up on Brightside during peak traffic hours.
“Sometimes, you’ll be sitting there forever waiting for one person to turn so everybody else can go,” Kampen said.
Following the project on Brightside Lane, construction will begin on Nicholson Drive at Brightside to improve traffic at the intersection and, eventually, the construction of additional travel lanes on Nicholson from Ben Hur Road to Gourrier Lane.
The Green Light Traffic Plan was created by East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Kip Holden in May 2005, It was voted and passed Oct. 15, 2005.
Bidding began on the Brightside Lane Project in May 2009.–Contact Lindsey Meaux at [email protected]