VERMILION PARISH, La. (KLFY) — Construction has begun on a $6.9 million project to improve LA 699 in Vermilion Parish, stretching 5.5 miles from LA 35 to 343.

The project, managed by the Department of Transportation and Development, aims to preserve and extend the life of the roadway through various enhancements.

“We have many different projects where we don’t want our roads to get into a situation to where it’s to a point to where it needs to be completely redone and so with this, this preservation project allows us to basically preserve the roadway and basically extend the life of the roadway,” said Deidra Druilhet, spokesperson for the Department of Transportation and Development.

The construction includes drainage work, soil cement treatments, milling and asphalt concrete overlays.

Crews will work from 7 a.m.-5 p.m., with drivers encountering alternating lane closures.

“We’re still going to maintain two-way traffic on that particular roadway. We’re more than likely going to be using Flaggers to help assist us in that process,” she said. 

The project is expected to wrap up by next spring, benefiting local industries such as sugarcane and rice, as well as residents and commuters.

“It’s very needed for the people that travel that roadway in the area,” Druilhet explained, highlighting the importance of the project for local industries and residents.

Motorists are advised to abide by reduced speed limits and be cautious of workers and equipment along the roadway. The improvements to LA 699 are set to enhance infrastructure and support the local economy, with completion anticipated next spring 2026.

All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by KLFY. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat from a broadcast script into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by KLFY staff before being published.

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