7/9/03-Gov. Mike Foster has signed legislation that requires most Louisiana highway repair work that involves the closing of a lane to be bumped to nighttime or weekends.
The new law – SB323 – requires the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to determine whether repair projects will cause “undo hardship or significant delay” to drivers.
If a project meets that description, the agency must do the work at night between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. or during other “non-peak” traffic hours, such as weekends.
The new night hours will be put to use first on the project to expand eastbound I-10 in Metairie. Night work also will begin in coming weeks to repave a section of I-10 between Slidell and the Mississippi line.

6/18/03-Most highway repair work that involves the closing of a lane would be bumped to nighttime or weekends under a bill headed to the governor for approval.
The full House unanimously approved the measure June 17, sending it to the governor’s desk. It previously passed the Senate by a 27-1 vote.
SB323 would require the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to determine whether projects will cause “undo hardship or significant delay” to drivers.
If a project meets that description, the agency must do the work at night between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. or during other “non-peak” traffic hours, such as weekends.
The department would have an out if its studies determine that non-peak work is not feasible.

6/12/03-Most highway repair work that involves the closing of a lane would have to be done overnight or during other “non-peak” traffic hours, under a bill unanimously approved by a House panel June 10.
The House Appropriations Committee voted 11-0 in favor of legislation by Sen. Art Lentini, R-Kenner, despite estimates that the price tag of road work could jump by $5.9 million because of increased lighting, labor, materials and insurance costs.
SB323, which previously passed the Senate by a 27-1 vote, goes next to the full House for debate. It would require the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to determine whether projects will cause “undo hardship or significant delay to the motoring public.”
If it will, the agency must do the work at night between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. or during other non-peak traffic hours, such as weekends.
The department would have an out if its studies indicate that non-peak work is not feasible.
For bill status, call 1-800-256-3793. In Baton Rouge, call (225) 342-2456.