Lake Farm Road Extension (Frem to Verot)

Public Works Project Number: 1781

Project Length (miles): 0.45

Parish District: 4

Construction Estimate: $5,000,000.00

Project Cost: $6,000,000.00

Project Type: Traffic, Roads, & Bridges

Designer: Ronkartz-Oestriecher

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The Lake Farm Road Extension project involves the construction of a new asphalt roadway that will extend from the existing Lake Farm Road intersection with Frem Boustany Drive to Verot School Rd. To further enhance traffic flow and safety, the project proposes the construction of a new roundabout at the intersection of Frem Boustany Drive and Lake Farm Road. The proposed roundabout will provide several benefits, including but not limited to reducing congestion, wait times at the intersection, and the risk of accidents. The project will also consist of lighting, sub-surface drainage, sidewalks, landscaped median and buffer spaces, addition of a bridge, and grading for future infrastructure improvements. Overall, the Lake Farm Road Extension project will provide improved road safety, increased accessibility, promote active transportation, and provide better connectivity to the surrounding areas.

TYPICAL SECTION

The graphic below provides a conceptual view of the proposed improvements that will be considered for the project.

DRAINAGE AND GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE CONSIDERATIONS

Fill mitigation, which serves to maintain overall floodplain storage, will occur on this project. Stormwater detention areas tying to the drainage system are being developed in conjunction with each new LCG road project.

The new corridor will consist of a grass median and grass buffers on both sides of the roadway. These new green spaces will provide numerous benefits such as reducing air pollution, providing shade, and improving the overall appearance of the corridor. They can also help to mitigate stormwater runoff by allowing rainwater to be absorbed into the soil and plants rather than simply flowing into storm drains or other drainage systems. This can help to reduce the amount of water that needs to be managed by these systems and can also help to prevent flooding and erosion.

Existing drainage for the project area utilizes an open (ditch) system, and the proposed drainage will utilize a closed (sub-surfaced) system. The new system will collect and transport water runoff quickly to a stormwater system which will aid in the prevention of flooding. Throughout the project, the construction team will carefully monitor the drainage system to ensure that it is functioning correctly. They will also make any necessary adjustments to the system to ensure that it is optimized for the area's drainage needs.

This project will also consist of filling an existing pond which will be redirected under the roadway by the placement of a new bridge.

The following are the drainage considerations for this specific project:

• A portion or all of this project is located within a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA).

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

Constructing a new road in the vicinity of a pond will have significant environmental considerations, particularly affecting the aquatic ecosystem. The project may lead to the alteration of the water flow, sedimentation, and changes to the quality of water. During road construction, there may be soil erosion, resulting in sedimentation of the pond. The soil, gravel, and other construction materials, when carried by rainwater, can end up in the pond. It can also reduce the light penetration, affecting the growth of the plants in the pond, and reduce oxygen levels in the water, causing harm to the fish and other aquatic life. It is necessary to undertake measures to minimize the environmental impact of the project on the pond. These measures include erosion control techniques to minimize sedimentation, proper disposal of waste materials, and ensuring that no pollutants enter the pond during construction.

*Note that this is not exhaustive of possible future environmental considerations

UTILITY CONSIDERATIONS

A preliminary assessment of the project area is provided for the utilities listed below. Potential utility relocation costs will be included in the project budget if the infrastructure is located within the utility’s own servitude.

RIGHT OF WAY CONSIDERATIONS

For the Lake Farm Road Extension project, there will be a 70’ right-of-way acquisition needed in the first section of the corridor. This right-of-way acquisition is necessary to ensure safe and efficient travel along the road, as well as to provide space for any necessary infrastructure improvements. Farther down the project, there will be an additional 80’ right-of-way acquisition needed along the proposed roadway.