ASCENSION PARISH- The Department of Transportation and Development is looking to improve traffic along LA 30.

Traffic is currently so bad, that drivers take alternative routes to avoid it.

“It’s a straight shot from my area to come to work this way. But I avoid it and I actually make so many zig zag turns, just to avoid the traffic,” Tammy Newsome, driver of LA 30, said.

The state is looking at new alternatives such as adding a roundabout or j-turns to cut down on traffic and accidents.

DOTD wants to improve the road from Ashland Road to South Burnside Avenue by the Tanger Outlet Mall.

Ideas also include a raised median and left turning lanes.

Driver Raymond Allen said that he lives on LA 30 and thinks any improvements would help.

“This is a story that hits home everytime, everytime someone has a wreck out here I come out and look at it and its another story of if we had something in place in the infrastructure, we wouldn’t of had this,” Allen said.

The project is currently in the first phase. DOTD is asking for public opinion and upon review of the comments, will move to the environmental phase.

The final examples of alternatives for the road will be presented at a meeting held on Tuesday at the Gonzales Civic Center from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.