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HR 206

HIGHWAYS: Directs the Department of Transportation and Development to complete the Louisiana Highway 16 widening project

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kellee Hennessy

Directs DOTD to widen LA-16 from two to four lanes between LA-1019 and LA-1023 to reduce congestion and support growth.

Taken by the Clerk of the House and presented to the Secretary of State in accordance with the Rules of the House.
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Bill Summary · HR 206

Summary of HR 206 (2026, Louisiana) – Highways: Directs the Department of Transportation and Development to complete the Louisiana Highway 16 widening project

Purpose and Intent

  • The resolution authorizes and directs the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) to complete the widening of Louisiana Highway 16 (LA-16) from LA-1019 to LA-1023.
  • It identifies the goal as expanding a two-lane corridor into four lanes to alleviate congestion and support local growth.

Key Provisions

  • Directive: DOTD is directed to widen LA-16 from two lanes to four lanes along the segment between LA-1019 and LA-1023.
  • Scope: The project specifically targets the stretch from LA-1019 to LA-1023, inclusive.
  • Status and funding reference: The resolution notes that capital outlay funding for widening LA-16 was already dedicated during the 2024 Regular Session, though the project has not yet begun. The resolution itself does not appropriate new funds but directs agency action.

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Primary government entity: Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD).
  • Local stakeholders: Residents, commuters, businesses, and institutions along LA-16, including but not limited to Oak Point Fresh Market, Livingston Parish Fire Protection District #4 Station, restaurants, and clothing stores located along LA-16, LA-1019, and LA-1023. The expected impact is reduced traffic congestion and shorter travel times on this corridor.
  • General public: An anticipated improvement in regional traffic flow and safety along the widened segment.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Legislative action: The resolution was read by title on April 27, 2026.
  • Nature of action: Non-binding, declaratory resolution directing a state agency to proceed with a specific infrastructure project.
  • Next steps implied: DOTD would be expected to initiate and advance the widening project in accordance with state procedures, leveraging existing capital outlay funding dedicated in the 2024 Regular Session, and complete planning, procurement, and construction activities as per applicable laws and DOTD timelines.

Additional Context

  • Rationale presented in the resolution includes traffic volume (approximately 25,000 vehicles daily on LA-16) and population growth in Livingston Parish, along with general traffic engineering considerations that widening can reduce congestion and improve commuter satisfaction.
  • The document emphasizes the corridor’s role in supporting local commerce and services along the route.

If you’d like, I can compare this bill to prior highway widening authorizations or provide a plain-language timeline once more details on DOTD’s implementation schedule become available.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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