By james art 
Baton Rouge, La. (WAFB) – DOTD and some state representatives have announced the last update in the plan to get rid of the Washington street exit of I -10 to improve traffic and reduce the risk of safety.
“By Christmas, I want this way out to be turned off,” State representative Dixon McMakin said. “So, I will stay on FHWA’s stay of our federal partners and you are coming over the bridge by Christmas, there is no more Washington Street to deal with.”
As the cars get off the Mississippi River Bridge to merge the interstate, other cars try to move to the exit, which creates traffic jams.
“What was a 30-minute trip before can be almost an hour and a half to two hours,” said State representative Chad Brown.
A few years ago, the outcome of the I-110 terrace was opened as an alternative to Washington’s exit, but DOTD says the problem is still ongoing.
Dotd says closing will include tuning barricades and removing signs. The ramp will be removed later as part of the I-10 expansion project. The project still has a process of approval to go through.
“The process of closing the exit of the street Washington includes two points for a solution from our federal partners. The approval of a report on the change of exchange or IMR and the satisfaction of the provisions of the National Environment Policy Law, “said DOTD secretary Joe Donkyu.
Donku says he expects IMR to be approved in a short order. Brown says this is just one step forward to improve traffic in Baton Rouge.
“I am a strong supporter of a new crossing over the river, of course the new bridge is needed. But to do something to make this area and this route more forthcoming and also remove one of the obstacles that creates the largest throttle of Interstate 110 throughout America, it is necessary, “Brown said.
Dotd says they are collecting comments from the local community until February 23. After reviewing these comments, they will submit the request for approval to the Federal Highway Administration.
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