Government Street Correction

BTN-1

Observation

Government Street at the heart of Beauregard Town has the design characteristics of an out-of-date commercial strip.

Discussion

Four lanes for speeding traffic, no on-street parking, no trees, small sidewalks, long distance signage, and buildings behind parking lots all combine to make this street a visual blight. What once united the north and south halves of the neighborhood now separates them. Alternate routes of traffic (South Boulevard and North Boulevard) do not relieve traffic that is now focused on Government Street. The I-10 Government Exit U-turn is not quite effective in bringing cars to South Boulevard. Cars back up on Government Street during Centroplex events, due to slow access to the Centroplex parking garages, and also because the northern access to these garages is not explicit.

Recommendation

Widen the sidewalks on Government Street at Royal Square to include tree planters and narrow lanes slightly. Place a sign on the U-Turn ramp for the Centroplex as well as for the Convention Center. On the highway, advertise the North Boulevard Exit as also serving the Centroplex to increase use of the northern garage entries. Curve the corner where South Boulevard meets the traffic coming south from the U-Turn.

Responsibility

Plan Baton Rouge, Downtown Development District and Metro Council

Project Status

The Baton Rouge Downtown Transportation Plan makes specific recommendations to improve pedestrian safety on this corridor such as pedestrian activated signals and striped crossings.

Implementation

Explanation of Terms

Product

Road Improvements

Responsibility

PBR & MC

Implementing Agent

DPW

Feasibility Analysis

State DOTD

Initial Financing

State DOTD

Project Financing

State DOTD

Timing