HISTORY
The completion of I-49 South is vital for Louisiana and the rest of the country. The I-49 South Coalition unifies and builds upon all of those efforts into a focused organization to fight for the advocacy, promotion, and funding for its completion.
- Attract more business and industry to South Louisiana
- Finally have the interstate that our economy and our families deserve
- A safer and more efficient evacuation during hurricane season
WHY I-49 SOUTH?
Aspects of the project are equally as important to the region and our families:
- Safety: Too many accidents, too many injuries, and too many deaths occur along Highway 90. An interstate would provide for much safer travel for our families and visitors.
- Evacuation: An interstate would facilitate a safer and more efficient evacuation during hurricane season
- Congestion Relief: Reducing delay times and congestion that currently exist along Highway 90
- Federal Marine Highway System: Providing a key corridor to Canada for the freight from larger ships coming through the Panama Canal
I-49 South is a major piece towards completing our regional infrastructure network. Our region already possesses great ports, railways, and airports. We need a fully functional interstate.
FUTURE EXPECTATIONS
Early Estimates suggest the total cost of improving the highway system along current US-90 from Lafayette to New Orleans by connecting the current terminus of I-49 in Lafayette (intersection of I-10 and US-167) at I-10 Superdome in New Orleans (intersection of US-90 Bus and I-10) to be $4.5 billion. The project is broken down into segments and phases that will link together.
- Strong media presence to bring awareness to the general public, as well as, hosting events along the corridor to promote the importance of the project.
- Identify and explore funding mechanics (user fees, grants, public/private partnerships, federal funding, etc.). Complete Environment Assessments throughout the corridor.
- Foster regional support and maximize the economic development potential of an uninterrupted, safe interstate system. This critical component will connect America’s Energy Corridor seamlessly to the rest of the country.
