Citizens input wanted at public loop meetings | Community Spirit

Public hearings are scheduled starting Dec. 5 in each of the five parishes that would be impacted by the proposed Baton Rouge Loop project.  Mayor Kip Holden said the hearings are part of a Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement required by the Federal Highway Administration and are an opportunity for local residents to provide written or recorded comments on the project. 

A loop system for Baton Rouge to supplement Interstates 10 and 12 has been discussed for decades and studied extensively. The Baton Rouge Loop project (BR Loop) is proposed as an 80 to 90 mile long circumferential controlled access free-flow toll roadway around the Metro Area. The project study area is located in the parishes of Ascension, East Baton Rouge, Iberville, Livingston, and West Baton Rouge.
 
The BR Loop would initially be constructed as a four-lane facility with the ability to add at least two additional lanes, one in each direction, in the median when traffic demands warrant. The proposed typical section also provides space within the right-of-way to add continuous frontage roads, if needed. Bike paths and transit could potentially share the footprint.
 
Interchanges will connect the BR Loop to the regional transportation grid. Where the BR Loop crosses I - 10, and I - 12 (and perhaps other major U.S. and state highways (such as U.S. 190, U.S. 51, and LA 1), it will have system-to-system directional 4-level interchanges. Other interchanges will vary but will most commonly be diamond-type interchanges.
 
The process is managed by the Capital Area Expressway Authority, which consists of the Parish Presidents of East Baton and West Baton Rouge Parishes and the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development.

The public hearings are to get citizens input on the Tier 1 Draft Environmental Impact Statement that is currently available for viewing at www.brloop.com .  Printed copies are also available at area public libraries. 

Monday, December 5, 2011

5:00 – 7:00 P.M.

BREC Headquarters

6201 Florida Boulevard

Baton Rouge

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

5:00 – 7:00 P.M.

Iberville Parish Optional Education Center

58060 Plaquemine Street

Plaquemine, 

5:00 – 7:00 P.M.

Pecan Grove Primary School

1712 S. Pecan Grove Avenue

Gonzales

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

5:00 – 7:00 P.M.

Port Allen Community Center

749 N. Jefferson Avenue

Port Allen

5:00 – 7:00 P.M.

Denham Springs High School Jacket Gym

1000 Range Road

Denham Springs