River Road Reclamation

T-5

Observation

River Road is currently configured as a high-speed four-lane roadway that effectively severs downtown from the levee and river. Sidewalks are nonexistent, and there are no designated at-grade crossings for pedestrians over its entire length. Traffic volumes, even in the peak hour, do not warrant the number of lanes or width of the existing roadway. As a result, high vehicular speeds are encouraged, compromising the safety of those few pedestrians who do attempt to cross River Road, and giving the impression that this roadway is “for motor vehicles only.”

Discussion

River Road has been traditionally characterized as an important truck route, carrying commercial traffic between the refineries along Chippewa Road and points south of Downtown, and for limestone trucking as well. However, this assertion is not supported by data. A comparison of travel routes from the Government Street/Interstate-110 interchange to a location along Chippewa Road shows that the route utilizing Interstate-110 actually saves time, in the range of 14 seconds, over the route that includes the subject segment of River Road. The route utilizing Interstate 110 took 5 minutes and 56 sec-onds, while the route utilizing River Road took 6 minutes and 10 seconds.

Recommendation A

The roadway should be reclaimed for the pedestrian and other modes of travel. The livability of the roadway should be increased through aesthetic and geometric improvements. An important first step in this reclamation will be turning the two outer travel lanes into parking lanes. If rush hour traffic proves to be a problem, mark “No Parking” in the northbound lane from 7-9 AM and in the southbound lane from 4-6 PM. In addition, provide pedestrian crosswalks at the existing signalized intersections and locate new signals at ap-propriate locations, such as between the new Capitol Complex and the proposed Riverside Park. Streetscaping, special light-ing treatments, and the provision of sidewalks along the entire length of River Road will restore livability to this important amenity, and will invite pedestrians and motorists alike to ex-perience the river. [River Road has already been redesigned. The other recommendation will be implemented when construction of the Centroplex Expansion is complete.]

Recommendation B

This increased livability can then be extended southeast through the realignment of the River Road/Government Street intersection. As proposed, this existing curved transition would be converted into a signalized “T” intersection at a 90-degree angle. By realigning and signalizing this intersection, traffic speeds will be reduced in this area, and proper pedestrian crosswalks may be provided between the Cen-troplex and uses along the river such as the Catfish Town area, the USS Kidd, and the Louisiana Arts and Science Center.

Responsibility

Downtown Development District, Office of the Mayor and Plan Baton Rouge

Project Status

Recommendation

See #27, DPC-1

Implementation

Explanation of Terms

Product

Comprehensive Road Improvements

Responsibility

OM, PBR, & DDD

Implementing Agent

DPW & DOTD

Feasibility Analysis

DPW & DOTD

Initial Financing

PBR

Project Financing

SCB & FF

Timing