HLS 24RS-5002 ORIGINAL
2024 Regular Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 279
BY REPRESENTATIVE TAYLOR
PUBLIC WORKS: Urges and requests the Department of Transportation and Development
to study conditions on Louisiana Highway 44 in Reserve, Louisiana, to add
sidewalks
1 A RESOLUTION
2To urge and request the Department of Transportation and Development to study conditions
3 on Louisiana Highway 44 in Reserve, Louisiana, to add sidewalks.
4 WHEREAS, Louisiana Highway 44 is a state highway that serves Ascension, St.
5James, and St. John the Baptist Parishes; and
6 WHEREAS, the Reserve Historic District is located in St. John the Baptist Parish in
7Louisiana; and
8 WHEREAS, for many rural communities such as Reserve, accessing state and federal
9funds to improve infrastructure such as sidewalks has been difficult and expensive; and
10 WHEREAS, there are no sidewalks along the highway or the elevated piped bridge,
11which creates a safety hazard for motorists and pedestrians; and
12 WHEREAS, the frequently used highway is busy during most hours of the day and
13extremely busy during certain peak times; and
14 WHEREAS, the addition of sidewalks separate from the roadway is a safety measure
15that would be beneficial to pedestrians and would eliminate the wait time for those traveling
16the busy intersection by bicycles incapable of accelerating at the speed of a vehicle; and
17 WHEREAS, aside from enhanced safety, adding a sidewalk would provide other
18benefits such as mobility and healthier communities; and
Page 1 of 2 HLS 24RS-5002 ORIGINAL
HR NO. 279
1 WHEREAS, the addition of sidewalks would reduce pedestrian crashes and allow
2a designated area for pedestrians to walk, run, or jog without the risk of being struck by a
3vehicle; and
4 WHEREAS, the Federal Highway Administration Safety Program's guidance
5statement recommends providing accessible sidewalks or pathways along both sides of the
6streets on highways in urban areas particularly near school zones and transit locations where
7there is frequent pedestrian activity; and
8 WHEREAS, for less developed areas with occasional pedestrian traffic expected, the
9guidance statement provides that walkable shoulders be provided along both sides of
10highways at a minimum of four feet of stabilized or paved surface; and
11 WHEREAS, Reserve, Louisiana, particularly River Road, has several schools,
12churches, and local businesses, resulting in constant pedestrian travel; and
13 WHEREAS, Reserve, Louisiana, is a rural area that is in need of sidewalks to better
14serve the local population and promote safety.
15 THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
16Legislature of Louisiana does hereby urge and request the Department of Transportation and
17Development to study conditions on Louisiana Highway 44 in Reserve, Louisiana, to add
18sidewalks.
19 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Transportation and
20Development shall submit a report detailing its findings to the House Committee on
21Transportation, Highways and Public Works by January 3, 2025.
22 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
23secretary of the Department of Transportation and Development.
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 279 Original 2024 Regular Session Taylor
Urges and requests the Dept. of Transportation and Development (DOTD) to study
conditions on La. Hwy. 44 in Reserve, La., to add sidewalks to better serve the local
population and promote safety. Requires the DOTD to submit a written report detailing its
findings to the House transportation committee by Jan. 3, 2025.
Page 2 of 2