The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) in the US has announced the completion of the US 90 / La 318 Interchange Project in St. Mary Parish.

The scope of this $55.7m project included improvement works on the US 90 corridor and upgrading the existing US 90 and La 318 intersection with a new separated interchange and new frontage road system.

Furthermore, US 90 was also upgraded to interstate standards to enable construction works on the future I-49 South corridor, which comprises the I-49 Connector project through Lafayette.

Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards said: “This project is not only a major win for St. Mary Parish, but it is integral to the future development of the I-49 corridor.

“It is important for day-to-day travel and equally important, it serves as an evacuation and transport route for some of our most vital freight and port industries.

“This project is not only a major win for St. Mary Parish, but it is integral to the future development of the I-49 corridor.”

“Thus far, we have invested $1.4b in more than 700 projects statewide. Improving our infrastructure is necessary for the economic growth of our state and continues to be a priority for my administration.”

The route serves as an important artery for the residents of St. Mary Parish, as well as for other motorists providing an alternative route from Lafayette to New Orleans.

It also offers direct access for the Midwest industries to the ports of south Louisiana and links oil industry supplies and manufactures between New Orleans and Texas.

DOTD secretary Shawn D. Wilson said: “With this completed project, an improvement of connectivity and overall mobility will be seen for all motorists, as well as industrial and freight transport from our local industries.”

This corridor currently supports the movement of more than 22,000 vehicles daily, which is estimated to increase to more than 40,000 in the next 20 years.

The upgrade works started in July 2015 where Gilchrist Construction, Stantec, T. Baker Smith, Pan American and GeoEngineers formed the design build team on this project.