Central Thruway Phase 1 Begins

Groundbreaking for the Central Thruway Phase 1 bridges was held on Wednesday, May 20, 2009. It was the official start of the construction on the Sullivan Drainage Lateral and the Canadian National and Illinois Central Bridges, This $9.5 million project is expected to be completed in late 2011. The total project cost is nearing $70 million. The planned improvements for this phase of the project include a four-lane rouadway with a raised median and shoulders on new alignment from Florida Blvd. to Frenchtown Rd. The project will also complete the bridges required within the Central Thruway Phase 1 project limits. The complete plan between Phases 1 and 2 of the project is to provide an improved north-south connection for the area as well as an improved north-south connection extending from Nicholson Dr. to Hooper Rd.

The Central Thruway Project will be one of the largest single public works projects to be constructed in East Baton Rouge Parish. To stay updated on the project’s progress and to view maps of the planned improvements, visit the websites for Project 1 and Project 2.