BH was responsible for the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for a new 35-mile controlled access highway providing north/south system linkage between the Houma-Thibodaux areas and I-10. BH was the prime consultant responsible for line and grade information, National Environmental Policy Act documentation, implementation plan, management plan, and successfully obtaining the Record of Decision or Finding of Significant Impact for a north-south route extending from US 90 to LA 3127. The project used route optimization technologies and the context-sensitive solution concept.
Route optimization technologies were applied in an effort to identify those alternative routes best meeting the project purpose and need while minimizing impacts to environmental resources. Geographic information system (GIS) technology was combined with the route optimization technology to analyze the potential impacts the alternative corridors could have on the rich resources of the study area.
The ultimate solution required a balanced and fair consideration of public and resource agency concerns. While evaluating the line and grade, several intersections were analyzed using the LADOTD’s Engineering Directives and Standards Manual VI.1.1.5. The proposed route will serve Terrebonne, Lafourche, Assumption, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Charles, and St. Mary Parishes in southeastern Louisiana. Because of the large area involved (6,050 square miles in seven parishes), the public outreach program needed to be flexible and comprehensive in its implementation. The context-sensitive solution concept needed to be embraced from the very beginning. Every effort is being made to provide opportunities for the public to engage the project team at every stage of the project.
Transportation