DENHAM SPRINGS, LA – Louisiana officials have approved $6.4 million to modify sections of the I-12 median barrier, nearly ten years after a man holding a cordless drill reportedly suggested the same solution for free.
The barrier was blamed for preventing floodwater from crossing the interstate during the catastrophic 2016 flood. After a decade of studies, meetings, engineering reviews, environmental assessments and catered lunches, DOTD concluded that water flows better when concrete is not completely in its way.
“This validates everything I learned building my deck,” said Livingston Parish resident Dale Broussard, who claims officials dismissed his 2016 proposal because his diagram was drawn on a Raising Cane’s napkin.
Construction will begin in September and continue through 2027 or early 2028, giving crews sufficient time to locate an extension cord.
DOTD praised the project as an innovative drainage improvement and reminded residents that government cannot simply drill holes without first spending ten years determining who gets paid to hold the drill.
