MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - A fourth bridge over the Ouachita River isn't a new idea, the discussion has been going on for decades. Tuesday project mangers met with the public to get their opinions.
Monroe's Economic Development Officer, Dwight Vines, says "the first study started back in the 60's. Back when I was president of the chamber of commerce in the late 70's we had a study on a specific site."
That study like many others had people opposing the location. With the three bridges currently connecting the twin cities,nearing capacity, the effort has been revived by legislators. They are funding the first step of the project: a two year long study.
Project Manager, Scott Hoffeld, says, "the study area is between LA 143 and US 165, in an undeveloped area in Monroe and West Monroe." Where to build the 4th bridge has been the biggest debate. Leaders believe this time they have a plan they think the majority will agree with.
Vines says, "we'll probably never build a road that there is no opposition to. I think it's far enough out, that it'll have wide spread support." Vines, says this location would be low impact. He says, "this site we are looking at now is out of town, and it cuts across the swamp."
Money is still a concern. Past studies have projected such a project to cost anywhere near 200 million dollars. One option is a toll road. Vines says, "their study indicates that $1.50 per car would maximize income, total income."
The cost of construction won't be realized until the study has concluded in 2014. Project managers encourage you to give them feed back. It must be posted marked by March 22nd. You can mail your comments to:
10352 Plaza Americana Drive Baton Rouge, LA 70816 Attn. Ms. Lynn Maloney-Mujica, AICP
Tuesday, June 18 2013 9:55 PM EDT2013-06-19 01:55:16 GMT
MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - One person has died, following a collision between a train and a car in northern Ouachita Parish. Also, another person is injured after that wreck.
MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - One person has died, following a collision between a train and a car in northern Ouachita Parish. Also, another person is injured after that wreck.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 2:01 PM EDT2013-06-18 18:01:27 GMT
MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Monroe Police and Ouachita Parish Deputies continue to investigate multiple shootings, a murder and a weekend stabbing in the parish.
MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Monroe Police and Ouachita Parish Deputies continue to investigate multiple shootings, a murder and a weekend stabbing in the parish.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:57 AM EDT2013-06-19 09:57:38 GMT
NEW ORLEANS (KNOE 8 News/AP) - A 13-year-old boy from a New Orleans suburb has been arrested after authorities say he told them he used TV wrestling moves on his 5-year-old half-sister, who died from the beating.
NEW ORLEANS (KNOE 8 News/AP) - A 13-year-old boy from a New Orleans suburb has been arrested after authorities say he told them he used TV wrestling moves on his 5-year-old half-sister, who died from the beating.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 7:27 PM EDT2013-06-18 23:27:15 GMT
TALLULAH, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Board members at Madison Parish Hospital put the CEO on administrative leave earlier this month and they told us why on Tuesday.
TALLULAH, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Board members at Madison Parish Hospital put the CEO on administrative leave earlier this month and they told us why on Tuesday.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 8:54 AM EDT2013-06-19 12:54:41 GMT
SHREVEPORT, La. (KNOE 8 News/AP) - Shreveport police have arrested a 32-year-old woman in the death of a toddler who was brought to the hospital on Monday.
SHREVEPORT, La. (KNOE 8 News/AP) - Shreveport police have arrested a 32-year-old woman in the death of a toddler who was brought to the hospital on Monday.
The mayors of New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and 15 other cities are reviving a push against letting food stamps be used to buy soda and other sugary drinks.
The mayors of New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and 15 other cities are reviving a push against letting food stamps be used to buy soda and other sugary drinks.
