Capitol Access Road Improvements

T-6

Observation

The Capitol Access Road (LA 3045) provides a high capacity and very scenic means of access between Interstate-110 and the northern part of the Capitol grounds.

Discussion

Unfortunately, this means of access is not well used; few motorists take advantage of this free flowing and pleasing entry to the Capitol grounds. As a result, other access routes between Interstate-110 and the Capitol (Main Street, North Street, etc.) are burdened with unnecessarily large vol-umes of traffic.

The major goal for the North Capitol Access Road is to gain more use of the existing road. This objective can be reached through a series of small incremental measures to the Capitol Access Road and its connecting streets. (See Exhibit B)

Recommendation A

Convert Capitol Access Road to two-way operation throughout. At present, the road splits into one-way operation about mid-way between Interstate-110 and the Capitol. No meaningful traffic or aesthetic purpose is served by this one-way operation. Nor is the one-way operation needed to attain a desired level of circulation. Existing roadway width is adequate to permit immediate conversion to two-way traffic.[The Baton Rouge Downtown Transportation Plan does not recommend conversion to two-way because the geometrics of the road were not designed for two-way operation.]

Recommendation B

Better connect Capitol Access Road to Riverside Drive North. There has been some discussion of severing the connection between Capitol Drive and Riverside Drive North. In the interests of mobility and access in the North Capitol region, exactly the opposite should be done: the relationship between Capitol Access Road and Riverside Drive North should be improved by providing a two-way intersection between the two streets and by enhancing the appearance of this connection to a level comparable to that existing on Capitol Drive to the east.

Recommendation C

Improve the appearance (and therefore the attractiveness as an access route) of Riverside Drive North. At present, this street appears to be a causeway which is not at all harmonious with the beautiful waterfront treatment of the nearby Capitol Access Road. Riverside Drive North should be brought to the same level of parklike landscaping already present on Capitol Access Road. This improvement will help raise Riverside Drive North to the stature of an important entry road into the Capitol grounds, providing an alternative access that is much more in the character of the Capitol. This improvement to Riverside North will also provide a worthy setting to the State office building, presently located in a sterile environment along the waterfront.[With the construction of the Claiborne Building, landscape improvements are being implemented on Riverside Drive North.]These improvements are summarized in Exhibit B: Capitol Access Road.

Responsibility

Office of the Mayor and State Commissioner of Administration

Project Status

Recommendation

The Baton Rouge Downtown Transportation Plan does not recommend conversion to two-way because the geometrics of the road were not designed for two-way operation.

Implementation

Explanation of Terms

Product

Comprehensive Road Improvements

Responsibility

OM, & DDD

Implementing Agent

SCA

Feasibility Analysis

DOTD

Initial Financing

SCA

Project Financing

SCB & FF

Timing