HLS 24RS-4474 ORIGINAL
2024 Regular Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 258
BY REPRESENTATIVE WYBLE
HIGHWAYS: Urges and requests the Department of Transportation and Development to
study the expansion of a portion of Lousiana Highway 21 to four lanes
1 A RESOLUTION
2To urge and request the Department of Transportation and Development to study traffic
3 conditions on Louisiana Highway 21 from the intersection of Louisiana Highway 10
4 in Bogalusa North to the Louisiana state line and make recommendations for four
5 lane expansion and a turning lane.
6 WHEREAS, the talk of a new state highway connecting Bogalusa with Interstate 12
7has been around for decades; and
8 WHEREAS, the expansion would go through the northshore, connecting Louisiana
9Highway 40 and Louisiana Highway 41 south of Bogalusa and Louisiana Highway 434 north
10of Lacombe; and
11 WHEREAS, the expansion of the interstate to four lanes would improve access
12between Interstate 12 and the northeastern portion of Louisiana; and
13 WHEREAS, the expansion of the interstate would also provide an additional
14hurricane evacuation route from the New Orleans and Northshore areas; and
15 WHEREAS, the alternative four lane expansion of Louisiana Highway 21 will
16alleviate traffic congestion and promote safe traveling; and
17 WHEREAS, the four lane expansion of Interstate 12 has been on the states
18infrastructure project list to be funded with Louisiana's gasoline tax for over thirty years; and
19 WHEREAS, the state has finally fully funded Interstate 12 with a completion date
20of by the end of 2024; and
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HR NO. 258
1 WHEREAS, Louisiana Highway 3241 promises to be a vital artery for Bogalusa, by
2giving the city access to the interstate via Louisiana Highway 21, which widens to four
3lanes; and
4 WHEREAS, the widening of these lanes may become a safety hazard to schools
5along the highway with no turning lanes; and
6 WHEREAS, turning lanes can improve safety and efficiency on highspeed roadways
7and reduce the delay experienced by drivers who need to make a turn; and
8 WHEREAS, Varnado High School on Louisiana Highway 21 and Main Street will
9be affected by the expansion of the highway; and
10 WHEREAS, to promote safety a turning signal is vital as the expansion of Louisiana
11Highway 21 will have an impact on the flow of traffic in the school zone during certain peak
12times; and
13 WHEREAS, although the four lane expansion of Louisiana Highway 21 will bring
14great benefits to motorists it is also necessary to take precautionary measures to prevent
15future conflicts and the addition of the turning lane is one way to accomplish that end.
16 THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
17Legislature of Louisiana does hereby urge and request the Department of Transportation and
18Development to study traffic conditions on Louisiana Highway 21 from the intersection of
19Highway 10 in Bogalusa North to the Louisiana state line and make recommendations for
20the four lane expansion and a turning lane.
21 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Transportation and
22Development shall submit a report detailing its findings to the House Committee on
23Transportation, Highways and Public Works and the Senate Committee on Transportation,
24Highways, and Public Works by August 1, 2025.
25 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
26secretary of the Department of Transportation and Development.
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HR NO. 258
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HR 258 Original 2024 Regular Session Wyble
Urges and requests the Dept. of Transportation and Development (DOTD) to study traffic
conditions on La. Hwy. 21 from the intersection of La. Hwy. 10 in Bogalusa North to the La.
state line and make recommendations for extensions and a turning lane to promote safety and
prevent traffic congestion. Requires the DOTD to submit a written report detailing its
findings to the House and Senate transportation committees by Aug. 1, 2025.
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