Local officials press DOTD for I upgrades, crossings and bridge repairs at Livingston Parish hearing

During the Senate Transportation Committee's District 62 hearing in Livingston Parish, a string of legislators and local officials pressed DOTD for faster action on pedestrian safety, corridor capacity and aging bridges in the North Shore region.

Rep. Sylvia Taylor of District 57 described multiple pedestrian hotspots on Highway 61 in St. John the Baptist Parish near schools and a nursing home, saying "there were 2 people that were killed trying to cross at these intersection[s]" in the last three months and asked when the department would act on resolutions the House passed. DOTD officials replied they would follow up and work with local law enforcement and the district on short-term and design-level remedies.

Multiple speakers highlighted I as a regional choke point. Tangipahoa Parish President Robbie Miller said I is central to commerce for a fast-growing area and urged designs that would avoid creating additional flood risk, citing the 1983 flood settlement. St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper reiterated concerns about the I/I interchange and listed several aging structures, telling the committee the US 11 Norfolk Southern overpass is "a dangerous roadway" and that five Pearl River bridges could require $250'$300 million to replace.

Livingston Parish Councilman Dean Coats identified local safety trouble spots, including LA 44 at LA 63, LA 42 at South Satsuma Road, and recurring congestion on Highway 22 and Highway 16 near refinery traffic, and suggested roundabouts and targeted roadway upgrades.

District Administrator Dalton Williams and district staff described local accomplishments funded partly with LTIF dollars (in-house overlays, striping, fencing, increased bridge sweeping and maintenance cycles) and said some projects are constrained by utility relocations or city agreements. On crosswalks in Slidell along US 11, Williams said sidewalks were a prerequisite and that upgrades to a flashing beacon project had been proposed; he committed to meeting with the new Slidell mayor to finalize details.

No formal votes or ordinances were taken at the hearing; DOTD officials pledged follow-up meetings and additional coordination with legislative liaisons and local governments to advance specific projects.