WALKER - Roundabout construction starts Monday on La. 447 at I-12 as crews close travel lanes to prepare for the new traffic feature.

DOTD first announced it was considering a roundabout for the interchange in 2013. Then, the state said ten miles of La. 447 between La. 16 and Keith Street were being evaluated for as many as ten roundabouts, j-turns and further lane widening projects. Specific areas include roundabouts at the entrance to Our Lady of the Lake Hospital, at the north and south ends of I-12 at the on and off ramps, widening of the I-12 overpass from two to four lanes and a roundabout near the busy shopping area of Walmart and Winn-Dixie.

Lane closures begin Monday north of Pendarivs Lane to the westbound I-12 on ramp. The southbound right lane will be closed between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. from May 9th - May 20th so crews can remove remove the existing shoulder and sidewalk and construct a new right turn lane to access the on ramp.

Drivers can use use US 190 to La. 1026 (Juban Road) to I-12 as an alternate route.

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