WHY I-49 SOUTH?

I-49 South is a major piece of completing our regional infrastructure network. Our region already possesses great ports, railways, and airports. We need a fully functional interstate.

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

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

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) to 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 environmental 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.