Following an uptick in the number of accidents in the Holly Ridge area, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has decided to take action.
Due to the increased traffic near the new Meta data center development site in Richland Parish, the DOTD will convert three intersections to four-way stops until traffic lights can be installed.
The intersections are:
• US 80 at LA 183, Holly Ridge, Richland Parish
• US 80 at LA 583, Bee Bayou, Richland Parish
• US 80 at LA 609, Dunn, Richland Parish This new traffic configuration will go into effect the week of July 9, weather permitting.
This change follows a traffic engineering study conducted by the consultant hired by Meta’s developer. The study recommended installing traffic signals at all three intersections as traffic volume increases. The all-way stop is an interim measure to assist with traffic control until those signals can be installed.
“We’re going to start looking at making sure we have the proper traffi c controls to handle the amount of work that’s coming. Because guess what? That project is transformational for this area. Like all good things, it comes with good problems,” Gov. Jeff Landry said during a recent visit.
Richland Parish Sheriff Neal Harwell said he and his staff would like to thank the residents of Richland Parish for their patience and understanding.
“The safety of the public in our parish is our focus as we work through record amounts of commercial and passenger vehicle traffic,” Harwell said, after meeting with Landry to discuss issues related to traffic and ongoing construction.
“The upcoming traffic lights on Hwy 80 were a main topic of discussion, and Governor Landry’s offi ce is taking a personal interest in expediting them,” Harwell said. “The governor expressed his commitment to the public safety of our parish and will remain in touch with Sheriff Harwell throughout the construction.”
Meanwhile, Delhi Police Chief Roy Williams said his office has received several calls about commercial vehicles on city streets.
“The construction at LA 17 and US 80 has LA 17 blocked,” Williams said. “Commercial vehicles are being diverted onto our city streets. These vehicles are tearing down street signs, pulling down power lines resulting in power outages and damaging internet lines.”
Williams said the Delhi Police Department is working to stop as many commercial vehicles as possible from disrupting power to homes during the hottest part of the summer. He has reached out to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development project engineer for assistance with this matter.
“I appreciate all the calls to my office expressing your concerns,” Williams said. “Please continue to call the Delhi Police Department if you see any commercial vehicles on our city streets. Your help is greatly appreciated.”
