Community Gets First Look at Design for Florida Boulevard Corridor Enhancement

EBR Director of Transportation and Drainage talks with attendees at an open house to view design plans for improving the Florida Boulevard Corridor.

In late January, the public got its first look at design plans to enhance the Florida Boulevard Corridor from N. 22nd Street to Airline Highway. A public open house held at the BREC Ballroom on Florida Boulevard revealed plans to improve mobility for pedestrians and cyclists through intersection, sidewalk and signal improvements. With state and federal funds supplementing the project, construction estimates are now at $60.2 million.

Safety studies have identified opportunities for improvements that are consistent with LADOTD and East Baton Rouge Complete Streets policies. Improvements to sidewalks in the four- and five-lane sections will provide a continuous pedestrian facility and a 10-foot-wide facility for pedestrians and bicyclists that has the potential to connect to existing and/or planned bike routes between North Foster Drive and Airline Highway.

Three controlled mid-block crossings of Florida Boulevard at isolated locations for pedestrians and cyclists are also being considered for implementation. Drainage improvements are proposed from Acadian Thruway to Foster Drive, and lighting improvements throughout the corridor will also be considered.

The project is funded through $15.1 million in MOVEBR funding, a federal INFRA grant awarded to East Baton Rouge Parish in 2022 and LADOTD program funds. The design consultant for the project is Forte and Tablada. You can find out more about the project here.