Needed: $14 billion for roads

Louisiana government is responsible for 16,705 miles of highways and roads, including about 6,000 roadway miles not eligible for federal funding. The 16,705 miles include state highways; U.S. highways such as U.S. 61, 165 and 190); interstate highways 10, 12, 55, 49 and 20; and many smaller roads, mainly in rural areas. The state transportation department has identified $14 billion of highway improvements that are considered necessary but have no source of funding. Unfunded priorities break down into three categories:

• $8 billion for highway widening and other improvements to reduce congestion and traffic jams.

• $4 billion for safety improvements: guard rails, new turn lanes, shoulder improvements and other fixes to make roads safer.

• $2 billion for basic repairs such as resurfacing, fixing potholes, complete reconstruction of a roadway.

Source: Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development