Engineers present stage‑0 feasibility study for Barton Avenue bicycle and pedestrian connections

Gary McClure of Shred Kuykendahl engineers briefed the council on a Stage‑0 feasibility study to evaluate bicycle and pedestrian improvements along Barton Avenue from US‑90 to River Road/LA‑18.

"This is a stage 0 feasibility study for bicycle and pedestrian accessibility along Barton Avenue from US 90 up to the River Road," McClure said, describing the study’s purpose to evaluate corner modifications, sidewalks, shared‑use path feasibility and drainage enclosure where needed. He explained the DOTD project delivery process and said this stage gathers public and stakeholder input to develop alternative concepts for later funding and design phases.

McClure noted traffic counts were completed March–May and the study builds on the parish’s 2019 pedestrian and bicycle master plan; Barton was identified as a high‑priority corridor providing a potential connection to the Mississippi River Trail. He said typical corridor cross sections will be examined (two lanes with intermittent sidewalks and open ditches), and the team will assess feasibility for shared‑use paths, bike lanes, drainage changes and right‑of‑way needs.

Council members linked the study to past work on the Mississippi River Trail and local revitalization efforts (Paul Maillard Road). Funding avenues discussed included Regional Planning Commission programs such as the Surface Transportation Block Grant (an 80/20 match), and McClure said future public meetings and a project management team (10–15 members) will provide local and agency input.

McClure said residents will have opportunities to review alternatives at public meetings and stakeholders may be part of the project management team. No formal action was taken; next steps include continued study work and public outreach.