Every major improvement to Louisiana’s transportation system starts with a single essential step: Stage 0 planning. At Buchart Horn, we see Stage 0 feasibility studies are not just procedural milestones. They define challenges, weigh alternatives, and ensure that every transportation dollar produces the greatest benefit in safety, reliability, and community value.
From Challenge to Concept
Our transportation team has completed Stage 0 studies for corridors such as LA 117 and US 167. These studies tackled issues like narrow lanes, sharp horizontal curves, minimal shoulder widths, and inconsistent access. Through detailed analysis of crash history, roadway geometry, drainage conditions, and traffic operations, we developed targeted recommendations that include:
- Wider lanes and improved shoulders
- Geometric realignments to address sight distance
- Upgraded intersections and turn lanes
In doing so, we brought the same rigor to other complex Stage 0 assignments across Louisiana.
Stage 0 in Action
- I 10 from I 610 to the Twin Spans
Along a 17-mile segment of a critical New Orleans evacuation and freight corridor, we completed a Stage 0 study focused on flooding and capacity. The study compared roadway elevations to multiple storm event flood profiles, identified inundated areas, and evaluated alternatives to raise and widen the interstate. Traffic analysis, conceptual sections, and cost estimates supported informed decision making on safety and constructability. - LA 44 Pavement Preservation in Gonzales
On this busy urban corridor, we evaluated pavement conditions, ADA deficiencies, and pedestrian connectivity serving commercial, school, and community uses. The Stage 0 study offered several recommendations. They included pavement preservation, new sidewalks, and ADA-compliant ramps to improve safety while respecting existing access and right of way constraints. - LA 21 at US 190B in Covington
Here, we evaluated a congested intersection that limited both mobility and development potential. Using traffic counts, crash data, and detailed site surveys, we developed and compared alternatives that ranged from roundabout concepts to modifications of the existing signalized intersection. Each alternative was assessed for capacity, reliability, safety performance, and cost. This provided the Regional Planning Commission and local officials a clear basis for decision making.
Data Driven Decisions, Community Focused Outcomes
A key advantage of Stage 0 planning is its emphasis on early coordination. As such, we work closely with DOTD District offices, the New Orleans Regional Planning Commission, other MPOs, parishes, and local stakeholders. This coordination ensures that proposed improvements meet both engineering needs and community priorities.
Under a statewide retainer contract for Feasibility and Planning Studies, Buchart Horn supported LADOTD on a variety of Stage 0 projects that demonstrate this balance:
- Eastbound I 10 Twin Span Pedestrian Bridge Feasibility Study in Slidell
For this, we evaluated which sections of the existing Twin Span Bridges could safely function as a pedestrian and recreational facility. Efforts included documenting structural, environmental, and cost considerations for repurposing infrastructure. - Florida Avenue Bridge and Florida Avenue Expressway in New Orleans
Our team reviewed and refined alternatives for a new bridge across the Inner Harbor Navigational Canal and for extending and upgrading Florida Avenue from Elysian Fields Avenue to Paris Road. The Stage 0 work focused on lowering cost and impacts, coordinating with rail operations, and supporting access to the Port of New Orleans. - LA 3132 Inner Loop Extension in Shreveport
We evaluated multiple new alignments to connect the southern terminus of LA 3132 with LA 1 and the future I 69 corridor. On this busy urban corridor, we evaluated pavement conditions, ADA deficiencies, and pedestrian connectivity. The corridor serves commercial development, schools, and community facilities. As a result of this analysis, the Stage 0 study recommended pavement preservation strategies, new sidewalks, and ADA compliant ramps. These improvements enhance safety for both drivers and pedestrians while respecting existing access patterns and right of way constraints.
By combining technical rigor with community input, our studies build consensus around the most cost effective and constructible solutions.
Stage 0 Planning as a Launch Pad for Safer Highways
The true success of a Stage 0 study lies in its ability to pave the way for smooth project delivery. Each study includes cost estimates, environmental and right of way screenings, and prioritization frameworks that allow DOTD and local partners to confidently advance projects into design and construction.
Our Stage 0 work supports a wide range of transportation needs. This includes preserving four lane urban corridors and closing ADA gaps. It also includes improving congested intersections and evaluating interstate segments that must remain operational during hurricane evacuations. In addition, we explore opportunities to repurpose aging bridges as community assets. Together, these efforts give decision makers a clear understanding of needs, options, and tradeoffs.
Our Stage 0 work gives decision makers a clear understanding of needs, options, and tradeoffs.
Looking ahead, Buchart Horn is eager to continue supporting DOTD and Louisiana’s communities with clear, comprehensive, and actionable planning documents. When done right, Stage 0 studies are not simply reports. They are the launch pad for safer highways, stronger connections, and more resilient infrastructure across the state.
If your agency or municipality is preparing to evaluate a corridor, address a safety concern, or advance a long-range transportation improvement, our planning and engineering team is ready to help. Buchart Horn provides Stage 0 studies that give decision makers clarity, confidence, and a clear path forward.
When the next transportation decision matters, start with Stage 0. Buchart Horn delivers feasibility and planning studies that help agencies make informed choices and advance projects with confidence. Contact our team to learn more.