Louisiana Advances Environmental Assessment for Sugar House Road Extension

en.Wedoany.com Reported - On November 12, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) and the City of Alexandria held a public meeting on the environmental assessment for the Sugar House Road Extension project, releasing the draft environmental assessment and soliciting public comments. Located in Rapides Parish, the project plans to construct a new approximately 2.46-kilometer two-lane road with paved shoulders, improving connectivity between roads in southern Alexandria by linking LA 1, Interstate 49, and U.S. Highways 167 and 71.

The project has selected Preferred Alternative 2 from two candidate routes. This route extends eastward from the existing terminus of Sugar House Road, crosses Hynson Bayou, Chatlin Canal, and the Kansas City Southern railway line, and ultimately connects to LA 1. A roundabout is also planned on the south side of LA 1 to provide a connection with the existing road system. The current estimated construction cost is approximately $15.6 million.

The environmental assessment focuses on the impacts of road construction on wetlands, waters, floodplains, surrounding residences, and natural ecosystems. Based on the assessment of the preferred route, the project may occupy up to approximately 17 acres of wetlands, with related ecological compensation costs estimated at approximately $178,000. The assessment also addresses noise, vegetation, wildlife, and land use along the corridor. The project team will incorporate public comments to further refine the environmental impact analysis and associated mitigation measures.

This public meeting is part of the project's environmental review process. Written comments may be submitted until November 30, 2026.