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Two construction projects, one intersection; residents concerned for traffic

Posted at 11:11 PM, Aug 22, 2018
and last updated 2018-08-23 00:11:21-04

Traffic is a common problem across Lafayette, but especially so right now in one area.

On the Southside,  two big construction projects are underway near the intersection of Kaliste Saloom and E Broussard Road.

The intersection itself will soon become a two-lane roundabout.

And just up the road, construction is underway on a 30,000 square foot retail facility.

Several people, who travel E Broussard Road every day, told KATC’s Dannielle Garcia that with all of this new development, their main concern is traffic.

“It’s already difficult enough trying to pull out and trying to take a left out of my neighborhood because the traffic will already get backed up all the way back to the bridge,” said Ethan Hart, who lives near the intersection.

When it comes to traffic, that will soon change in a big way. The roundabout is intended to help the flow of traffic.

“The biggest concern is to be able to get in and out of our business onto E Broussard road. Once the roundabout is there, there will be no breaks in traffic. Whereas now, with the red light, there is breaks,” said Wade Navarre who live and works near the development.

According to the Planning and Zoning Commission’s Chairman, John Guilbeau, other projects will be considered to alleviate congestion in areas along E Broussard.

“To give you an idea in the morning, if you leave here before 6:50 you can be at Kaliste Saloom and Ambassador in 5 minutes. If you leave here at 7, you’re looking at about 35-40 minutes. If it’s 7  o’clock you don’t even go that way, you just avoid it. You wait until after 8:15,” said Navarre.

The people who live in the area told KATC they weren’t too concerned about flooding, but we asked planning and zoning about that.

Guilbeau development regulations have become stricter since the 2016 flood. And whenever someone develops a property, the flood elevation must be equal to or better than its current state.