LCG Completes First Phase of Carmel Drive Sidewalks
LCG COMPLETES FIRST PHASE OF CARMEL DRIVE SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENTS
New sidewalks improve pedestrian safety and connectivity along key Lafayette corridor
Lafayette, LA – Lafayette Consolidated Government (LCG) has completed construction on the first segment of sidewalk improvements along Carmel Drive, part of a broader push to create safer, more connected routes for pedestrians throughout the corridor.
New sidewalks compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) now extend along both sides of Carmel Drive, from Teurlings Drive to the bridge near Louisiana Highway 94. Wider sidewalks with sloping transitions at crosswalks, truncated domes at curb transitions, and a ramp with a handrail to accommodate the steep grade were added to ensure the corridor is physically accessible for people with disabilities. The nearly half-mile segment also features upgraded crosswalks, fresh striping and new safety barrier curbs, all aimed at giving pedestrians a more secure path through the area. This phase was completed in less than six months at a cost of $736,500. The project was funded by tax revenue.
This segment marks the first step in a larger, multi-phase plan to extend sidewalks along Carmel Drive and support ongoing development around Holy Rosary Institute, including the nearby future Norman C. Francis Library. Additional phases will bring sidewalks from Louisiana Avenue to Teurlings Drive and from the bridge near Louisiana Highway 94 to Louisiana Highway 353 (Lake Martin Road), further strengthening connectivity across the corridor. The two remaining phases to complete the sidewalks at Carmel Drive are currently in the design and planning stages respectively with final plans expected in 2027.
Residents can track this and other major infrastructure projects through LCG’s interactive Capital Improvements Map at lafayettela.gov/constructionmap, which currently highlights 27 active projects representing over $161 million in construction investment across Lafayette Parish.
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