U.S. 190, a main connector through St. Tammany Parrish that boasts over 60,000 travelers every day, was experiencing severe congestion and long waits in traffic, particularly in the overcrowded left turn lanes. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) needed to address the problem, so the department conducted a study to find the best solution. That solution was a $9.1 million highway redesign. The new design completely eliminated left turn lanes at 11 intersections, forcing drivers to only make right turns before making a U-turn, making it easier for vehicles to re-enter the flow of traffic. This new design cuts the commute time down to 12 minutes from 18 minutes and allows traffic to flow easier, allowing commuters to get where they need to go faster and safer.
America's Transportation Awards 