Green Light Plan completes project

Even though "Dead End" signs still line the curbs on Picardy Avenue, Bluebonnet Boulevard and Essen Lane, these streets are now connected because of the latest Green Light Plan project.

Mayor-President Melvin "Kip" Holden, East Baton Rouge Parish Chief Construction Engineer Jose Alvarez and other members of the Green Light Plan celebrated the completion of the eighth project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday.

"[Vehicles] are able to access [Baton Rouge General Medical Center] in a more efficient manner, especially emergency vehicles," said William Holman, Baton Rouge General president and CEO. "They can have quicker access to the facility. This holds true for physicians, employees and visitors as well."

Barber Brothers Contracting Co., LLC of Baton Rouge, through the public bid process had a $2.4 million contract to connect the existing Picardy Avenue segments off Bluebonnet Boulevard and Essen Lane. The project was completed a month ahead of schedule.

Alvarez attributed the early completion to the 2005 half-cent sales tax, which allowed the Green Light Project to be funded by a series of bonds instead of being paid for one at a time.

Holden said this project will alleviate congestion and open up two of the most used roadways in Baton Rouge. Mike Walker, East Baton Rouge Parish mayor-pro temp, said the Green Light Plan will help Baton Rouge's economy.

"Every time we cut a ribbon, that is an economic stimulus that's been completed," Walker said.

Walker said each construction project allows more and more construction workers to get paychecks, have money to spend, generate sales taxes and stimulate the economy.

"People do not need to fear that with the failure of the [latest] bond, our economy won't get better," Walker said. "It will because of the Green Light Plan ... [and] the Sewer Improvement Program."



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Contact Mary Walker Baus at mwbaus@lsureveille.com