🛣️ Project 1: LA 327 Staring Lane Extension (State Project No. H.011684)

This is a massive infrastructure plan to build a brand-new corridor connecting Burbank Drive directly to Nicholson Drive (LA 30).

• The New Roadway: DOTD is proposing a new 4-lane divided highway with a wide grass median that will cut through the undeveloped land behind our general area.

• Key Intersection Changes:

  • Burbank Drive & Innovation Park Drive: These major junctions will feature new lane alignments, dedicated turning lanes, and highly visible Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons (crosswalk signals).

  • Nicholson at Gardere: This intersection will be completely rebuilt to tie seamlessly into the new 4-lane extension.

  • Ned Drive: The new highway will intersect Ned Drive, providing direct neighborhood access points with modern median cutouts.

• Cul-de-sac Creation: A section of the existing Gardere Lane will be cut off by the new highway and converted into a permanent cul-de-sac to manage local traffic flow safely.

 

🚶 Project 2: LA 327-S Bayou Fountain / Gardere Lane Improvements (State Project No. H.002337)

While Project 1 builds a new road, this second project focuses entirely on upgrading the existing stretches of Gardere Lane and Innovation Park Drive near the Bayou Fountain area.

• Pavement Upgrades: The state plans to perform a full mill and overlay (repaving) of Gardere Lane to repair worn down asphalt and provide a smooth driving surface.

• Pedestrian Access: A brand-new concrete sidewalk is proposed along Gardere Lane to improve safety for walkers and joggers.

• Safety Features: The intersection at Innovation Park Drive will receive new marked crosswalks, sidewalk curb ramps, and optimized signal alignments.

 

 

📝 What This Means For Sagefield

• Traffic Relief: Once finished, this will create a massive pressure valve to pull cut-through traffic away from local neighborhood roads.

• Construction Disruptions: Because these are massive engineering undertakings, we should expect phased lane closures and heavy equipment nearby once the projects are officially let for construction.

• AI Mockup Disclaimer: Please note that the state's display boards explicitly mention these aerial layouts are preliminary mockups utilizing AI software for visualization; final engineering designs may slightly vary.

I will continue to track the state's timeline, right-of-way acquisitions, and environmental/drainage impact studies for the Bayou Fountain sub-basin to ensure Sagefield’s interests are protected.