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