City of Lake Charles, Louisiana

For Immediate Release:  October 3, 2011

                        LA DOTD Announces Upcoming Reconstruction

                Work at Ryan St. & Prien Lake Rd. Intersection

Scheduled to begin November 1, the north and south approaches to Prien Lake Rd. on Ryan St. will be widened to provide dual left turn lanes in both directions.  Single left turn lanes will be constructed on the east and west approaches of Prien Lake Rd.

After completion of the intersection reconstruction project, traffic will be permitted to turn left in both directions from Ryan Street onto Prien Lake Road during protected left turn signal phases.   Additional intersection capacity will also be added on the east approach of Prien Lake Road, which will be widened from four lanes to five lanes in advance of Ryan Street.   New traffic signals on mast arms will be installed at the intersection.  

One lane in each direction will remain open to traffic at all times during the project.

The first phase of construction will include the installation of the new traffic signal, intersection radius improvements and widening of both Ryan St. and the section of Prien Lake Road east of Ryan Street.  Drainage structures, concrete pavement, ADA handicap ramps, and sidewalk will be constructed during this phase of work.

The outermost lanes on Ryan St. and Prien Lake will be closed at all times during this phase of construction. Lanes will be reopened as each quadrant of the intersection work is completed.

The second phase of work will place an asphalt overlay on Ryan St.  Various lane closures will be necessary during this time. Asphalt work will be sequenced to avoid peak travel times, 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The state project is expected to continue for 75 working days.  The anticipated completion date is May of 2012.

Utilities are now being relocated in advance of the expected November 1 start date.

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The City of Lake Charles fully complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related statutes and regulations in all programs and activities.   For more information, or to obtain a Title VI Complaint Form, see the City of Lake Charles website- www.cityoflakecharles.com  or call the Mayor's Action Line at (337) 491-1346, or contact the appropriate Department Head, or call the Title VI coordinator at (337) 491-1440.