Louisiana DOTD Proposes Curve Safety Improvements in Central

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development opened bids on March 14, 2012 on curve safety improvements at various locations on Devall Rd, Denham Rd, Frenchtown Rd, and Lovett Rd in Central, LA.   These improvements involve installing 2.674 miles of centerline rumble strips, 5.348 miles of thermoplastic pavement markings, 723 reflectors, and 192 new curve signs at curves along each of those roadways where accidents have been a problem due to vehicles crossing the centerlines.

Six bidders submitted proposals. The low bidder was Highway Graphics, Inc. with a low bid of $61,021.20.  The estimated cost of the project was $61,190.40.  The highest bid was $98,800.70.   Work should begin in a few months.

Centerline rumble strips were recently installed by DOTD on Hwy 64 and a portion of Liberty Rd in the northern part of Central, as well as on Greenwell Springs Rd from Liberty Rd north to the parish line.  Studies indicate centerline rumble strips can reduce head-on collisions by 15%.

The cost of this project is being funded with DOTD paying 90% of the cost and the city of Central paying 10%.  DOTD’s Local Road Safety Program (LRSP) helps fund safety improvements on local roadways through a 90/10 match process.   The city of Central has been successful in submitting applications to the LRSP for three years, and each year, the city’s applications have been approved for safety improvement on some of our local roads.

The city’s 2012 application to the LRSP was approved last month.  This approval will grant the city funds to install new curve warning signs along Brown Rd, Carey Rd, Core Ln, Frenchtown Rd, Hubbs Rd, McCullough Rd, Morgan Rd, Planchet Rd, Solitude Ln, and Thibodeaux Rd.