HIGHWAYS: Urges and requests the Department of Transportation and Development to study the feasibility of closing a specific ramp during certain periods of times

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jacob Braud

Louisiana DOTD must study closing one eastbound on-ramp to US 90 Business between Camp Street and I-10 during 3:00–6:30 p.m. weekdays and report findings by Mar 1, 2027.

Taken by the Clerk of the House and presented to the Secretary of State in accordance with the Rules of the House.

Summary of Bill HR 342 (2026, Louisiana)

Purpose and intent

This House Resolution urges and requests the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) to study whether it would be feasible to close one on-ramp feeding eastbound U.S. Route 90 Business (Pontchartrain Expressway) between Exit 12A (Camp Street) and Exit 13C (I-10 East toward Slidell) during weekday afternoons (3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.).

The goal of the study is to determine if closing a closely positioned ramp on this congested segment could improve traffic flow and reduce public safety threats during peak hours.

Key provisions and changes proposed

Identifies the specific location under consideration: one of the on-ramps onto eastbound U.S. Route 90 Business on the stretch between Camp Street Exit 12A and Exit 13C toward I-10 East.

Requires the DOTD to conduct a feasibility study on closing one of these on-ramps during the weekday 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. window.

Mandates that the DOTD provide a written report outlining findings, conclusions, and any recommended actions to the Louisiana House Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works.

Reporting deadline: DOTD must submit the written report by March 1, 2027.

Administrative action: A copy of the resolution must be transmitted to the DOTD Secretary.

Who/what is affected

Affected entity: Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development.

Affected infrastructure: Eastbound traffic on U.S. Route 90 Business (Pontchartrain Expressway) between Camp Street Exit 12A and Exit 13C toward I-10 East.

Potential downstream effects: Changes to on-ramp access could impact traffic patterns, congestion levels, driver routing decisions, and potentially public safety outcomes in the surrounding corridor during peak hours.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Legislative action: The resolution urges and requests action by the DOTD; it does not by itself authorize or implement a ramp closure.

Reporting timeline: DOTD must deliver a written report with findings to the House Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works no later than March 1, 2027.

Sponsor: Representative Braud, with a co-sponsor listed as Jacob Braud.

Status note: The bill was read by title on May 26, 2026.

Practical considerations

The resolution does not specify which ramp would be closed or the exact duration of any restriction beyond the 3:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m. weekday window.

The study would likely involve traffic flow analyses, public safety assessments, risk evaluations, potential impacts on local businesses and CBD access, and any alternative traffic management strategies.

Any subsequent action (e.g., legislation or DOTD implementation) would depend on the study’s findings and recommendations.