Baton Rouge, Louisiana – State highway officials announced new traffic patterns for Pecue Lane beginning Monday. This change prepares drivers for the upcoming opening of new Interstate 10 ramps next month. The project introduces a 'diverging diamond' interchange design, aiming to improve safety and reduce congestion in the St. George area.
Key Takeaways
- Pecue Lane traffic pattern shifts Monday, January 12, 2026.
- New I-10 ramps will open next month, not on Monday.
- The interchange features a diverging diamond design.
- This design improves safety and reduces left-turn conflict points.
- The project cost over $50 million.
New Diverging Diamond Interchange Design
The core of the Pecue Lane project is a diverging diamond interchange. This design guides drivers to briefly cross over to what appears to be the 'wrong' side of the road before making left turns onto the interstate ramps. This method is becoming increasingly common across the country due to its safety benefits.
Rodney Mallett, a spokesman for the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, emphasized the safety aspect.
"The diverging diamond is popular across the country and other parts of the world because it’s safer," Mallett stated. "It minimizes the amount of conflict points that you’re going to have, especially when you’re making left turns at a signal."
Fact Check
- Diverging diamond interchanges reduce conflict points by eliminating direct left turns against opposing traffic.
- This design typically improves traffic flow and decreases signal wait times.
Improved Traffic Flow and Reduced Congestion
The new design specifically addresses common issues at traditional intersections. By removing the need for vehicles to wait for a gap in oncoming traffic to make a left turn, the diverging diamond helps traffic move more smoothly. This reduces overall congestion, especially during peak hours.
Mallett further explained the benefits: "You don’t have that anymore, and because you don’t have that anymore, it helps traffic flow and minimizes congestion because you’re not having that extra time at the signal for people to turn left."
Impact on East Baton Rouge Parish
This new intersection in St. George aims to alleviate pressure on existing exits. Siegen Lane and Highland Road currently serve the rapidly growing southeastern part of East Baton Rouge Parish. The Pecue Lane project will provide an additional, more efficient route for motorists.
Background
Louisiana already uses a similar diverging diamond interchange at Loyola Avenue in Kenner. This intersection manages traffic leaving I-10 to access the New Orleans International Airport, demonstrating the design's effectiveness in high-traffic areas.
In addition to the interchange, a separate road, Rieger Road, now connects Pecue and Siegen. This connection allows drivers to travel between the two areas without needing to access the interstate.
Overcoming Environmental Challenges
Engineers faced specific challenges during the planning and construction of the new interchange. The diverging diamond design proved beneficial in navigating environmental obstacles. According to Mallett, the design helped engineers work around a section of wetlands located on the south side of Interstate 10. It also helped avoid a set of power transmission lines.
Project Funding and Scope
The comprehensive project involved significant investment. The state was responsible for the improvements directly at the I-10 interchange. The remaining work on Pecue Lane, between Perkins Road and Airline Highway, fell under the East Baton Rouge Parish MovEBR road improvement plan.
The MovEBR plan, which is voter-approved, funded the transformation of Pecue Lane into a four-lane thoroughfare. This upgrade converted what was once a country road into a major artery. The total cost for the entire project exceeded $50 million, marking a substantial investment in the region's infrastructure.
Looking Ahead
While the new traffic pattern on Pecue Lane starts Monday, drivers must remember that the direct ramps to Interstate 10 will not open until next month. This phased approach allows motorists to become familiar with the new road layout before the full interchange becomes operational. Residents and commuters in the St. George area can anticipate improved travel times and enhanced safety once the entire project is complete.
