 |
|
| |
| |
| We’re Working to Make Baton Rouge Better for All of Us |
| |
|
For those of you who I haven’t had the opportunity to meet, my goal is to make East Baton Rouge Parish better for all of us, and the MOVEBR program is one way we can do that.
Traffic is always near the top of problems residents want addressed in Baton Rouge, and while the MOVEBR program aims to make our city and parish a better place to live, work, and play, we still have a long way to go.
One of our early successes is the traffic signal program which has been especially helpful in managing emergency incidents and making commute times more reliable. We are always adjusting this system since travel patterns change, but we now have a state-of-the-art traffic management center where real-time adjustments can be made. This is especially helpful when we get additional traffic on our local streets while the construction projects on the interstate system are taking place.
The program has completed 32 projects, and we have 102 active now with more breaking ground this year. Road projects never happen as fast as we want but I’ve asked Director of Transportation and Drainage Fred Raiford and the MOVEBR program management team to find ways to move these projects to completion as quickly as possible.
I’m tasking everyone with moving things faster both within the program management structure and City-Parish operations.
MOVEBR has positively impacted our local economy. To date, the program has contracted over $246 million with East Baton Rouge Parish companies, boosting our local economy which will in turn cycle back into our City-Parish in tax revenues for further improvements.
As always, public input is a vital part of making these improvements and I appreciate those of you who follow the program and give us your feedback.
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
| Project Spotlight: Midway Drive (Picardy - Constantin) |
| |
|
 |
| |
|
The construction of the Midway Drive (Picardy-Constantin) project is nearing completion and is the latest Capacity project milestone under the MOVEBR program, expecting to complete construction activities in the second quarter of this year. This new two-lane roadway will connect Picardy Avenue and Constantin Boulevard (formerly Dijon Ave). Midway Drive is the first MOVEBR project completed within the Baton Rouge Health District, which includes medical facilities such as the Pennington Biomedical Research Center, The Baton Rouge Clinic, Our Lady of the Lake Hospital and Children’s Hospital, Baton Rouge General Bluebonnet and the Manning Family Children’s Specialty Care.
The Midway project is one of four MOVEBR projects within the health district, alongside the Constantin (Midway – Bluebonnet) and Mall of Louisiana Blvd. (Picardy-Perkins Connector) projects, which are currently under construction, and the Hennessy – Perkins Connector project which is in the design phase. These projects aim to alleviate congestion, improve connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as provide better access for patients, staff, and emergency services.
Key features of the Midway project include pedestrian and cyclist facilities on both sides of the roadway, a connection to BREC’s Ward Creek Greenway, raised intersections for enhanced safety, lighting, and improved traffic through the medical district. The roadway is anticipated to open for public use in the second quarter of 2025.
To learn more about the Midway Drive project or other projects within the Baton Rouge Health District click
here.
|
| |
|
| |
| Clearing and Grubbing Getting Underway on MacHost Road Project |
| |
|
 |
| |
|
The MOVEBR program team has completed field services that began in mid-February for the MacHost Road (LA 64 to Pride Port Hudson) Project and a notice to proceed on the clearing and grubbing contract was issued for April 7.
The project team set permanent right-of-way markers and boundary markers at key points along the route. The required permitting has been secured, and M&J Civil Construction, selected by the City-Parish, will begin working with property owners as they remove trees, brush, stumps, roots, and other debris to prepare the site for the proposed road improvements.
Property owners along the project boundaries were notified by mail that the work was beginning and those who have signed up to follow the project were notified by email. Information was also posted to the MacHost Road neighborhood group on the Nextdoor app. To receive notices on the project, please visit movebr.brla.gov/machost. The contractors will contact property owners as needed when work is conducted that impacts private property. If any residents have questions, you may contact construction manager Keith Poret at (225) 215-5119.
|
| |
|
| |
| Your Voice is Shaping MOVEBR’s Small Business Outreach in 2025 |
| |
|
 |
| |
|
Your voice matters! Last quarter, we asked for your feedback on the MOVEBR 1st Thursday Call and Small Business Outreach (SBO) activities and you delivered. We sincerely appreciate the contractors who took the time to complete the SBO Survey. Your insights are shaping the future of MOVEBR’s small business engagement.
We heard you loud and clear! Your feedback confirms that we’re on the right track with the 1st Thursday Calls. Many of you rely on them to stay updated on the MOVEBR Program, with nearly 60% recommending that we continue the monthly cadence.
The overwhelming majority of you also expressed a strong interest in networking with other businesses. Additionally, half of you indicated a preference for a hybrid version of the 1st Thursday Call, allowing for both virtual updates and in-person connections.
We’re taking action based on your input! In 2025, we will enhance our Small Business Outreach activities to foster more networking and collaboration opportunities. Since many of you expressed interest in hybrid events, we are exploring in-person gatherings alongside our virtual calls.
|
| |
|
| |
| Main Street ADA Project Kicks Off |
| |
|
| |
|
MOVEBR program managers announced the Main Street ADA project will begin April 14, 2025 with an estimated completion date of September 22, 2025. This project includes improvements on Main from Third to Seventh Streets, with some work on Fifth and Seventh between Main and Florida Streets. Triumph Construction was selected by the City-Parish to perform the work.
During the procurement process, the program team has been working with downtown stakeholders to coordinate the construction to minimize any disruptions to scheduled events.
Construction is planned to begin in the area around the Main Street Market first. To follow this project, please click here.
|
| |
|
| |
| Progress Continues on Plank-Nicholson Bus Rapid Transit Project |
| |
|
| |
|
Progress on the Plank-Nicholson (BRapid) Bus Rapid Transit project continues on Florida Street westbound between 16th and 19th Streets. Current work includes constructing sidewalks, curbs, drainage, in-road bus pads, and level boarding platforms.
The first section of concrete work on Plank Road between Shelley Street and Airline Highway is nearing completion and the next phase will install the first lift of new asphalt. The Contractor will continue to work south towards I-110 on Plank Road over the coming months.
By late April, it is anticipated that all four lanes will be open on N. 22nd Street between Florida and Fuqua where construction has been ongoing. Some intermittent closures may be necessary for striping and signal work and other minor adjustments, but drivers will be able to use all four lanes in this area.
Follow the Plank-Nicholson Bus Rapid Transit project and sign up to receive updates here.
|
| |
|
| |
| Connect with Us |
| |
|
Stay informed about the MOVEBR Program by visiting movebr.brla.gov or following @movebrla on Facebook, X (Twitter) and Instagram. Let us know if you have a question or need assistance on a MOVEBR project. Be sure to sign up to receive updates so you can follow progress on projects that affect your travel or learn how your business can participate in the MOVEBR Program. Connect with MOVEBR and help us build East Baton Rouge Parish for the future!
|
|
|
|
|
