ST GEORGE, LA – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development confirmed this week that the newly redesigned Pecue Lane interchange at I-10 in St. George is functioning exactly as designed, while acknowledging that the design itself may not be working as expected.
Officials emphasized that the diverging diamond interchange is not broken, malfunctioning, or incomplete. Instead, they described it as “aspirational,” noting that it performs flawlessly when drivers behave in the precise, highly theoretical manner they envisioned during the planning phase.
“We modeled every possible traffic scenario,” a DOTD spokesperson said. “Unfortunately, we did not account for Baton Rouge drivers.”
Since opening, motorists have reported sudden lane endings, unexpected merges, and the unsettling realization that the car beside them appears just as unsure. Several drivers admitted they only realized they were in the wrong lane after committing fully and then realizing it was too late to adjust.
DOTD stressed that confusion is a normal part of the adjustment period and encouraged drivers to remain calm, alert, and willing to abandon previous driving instincts. “This interchange challenges outdated concepts like predictability,” the spokesperson added. “It’s meant to keep you engaged.”
Despite complaints, officials remain optimistic, stating that once drivers collectively agree on what the lanes mean, traffic should flow more smoothly, or at least fail in a more organized way. Until then, motorists are advised to slow down, pay attention, and trust that someone, somewhere, knows what’s happening.
