For Immediate Release, Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Contact:  Suzanne Parsons Stymiest @ 985-898-5243

STOP LIGHTS ADJUSTED TO ACCOMMODATE TRAFFIC

            Parish traffic engineers have been working with the state to accommodate the dramatic increase in traffic volume and have successfully adjusted timing of lights at 11 locations.

             The number of vehicles on local roadways and state highways has jumped significantly since Katrina struck due to the influx of relief workers, utility company employees and those who have relocated or are unable to return to homes on the south shore. In an effort to alleviate congestion, staff from the Parish Government Engineering Department have monitored traffic volume and flow at numerous locations and have requested the state Department of Transportation and Development alter the timing of stoplights at key intersections.

             The DOTD has responded to those requests, adjusting the lights at the following locations: Hwy. 11 at I-12; Hwy. 11 at Eden Isles Boulevard; Hwy. 1077 at Hwy. 1085; Hwy. 22 at the Beau Chene entrance; Hwy. 22 at West Causeway Approach; Hwy 22 at Sav-a-Center; Hwy. 22 at Hwy. 190; Hwy. 59 at Harrison Avenue (Dog Pound Road); Hwy. 21 at Hwy. 36; and Hwy. 21 at Ochsner. Additionally, DOTD is working on changing traffic light timing and function on Gause Boulevard and on Hwy. 190 (Collins Blvd.) from Hwy. 25 to Claiborne Pass as well as other problem areas.

             “Traffic congestion has been a widespread headache parish-wide in recent weeks, and we continue to work towards a solution,” Parish President Kevin Davis said. “The adjustments in recent days have had a clear, positive result, but we still need to remain patient. Much of the traffic is due to emergency response personnel who are helping to rebuild our community. Many drivers are displaced from their homes on the South Shore, and we should welcome them to St. Tammany while they work to rebuild their own lives.”

###