A $13 million roadway first considered by city officials more than 10 years ago was officially opened in north Lake Charles on Wednesday.

Local dignitaries joined with residents to celebrate the completion of the first phase of the Enterprise Boulevard extension.

The road is considered a major north-south artery in the city.

“This part of our city will become increasingly important for economic development,” Mayor Randy Roach said. “I think this road is a major improvement and major development.”

Money from the $90 million capital improvement bonds, approved by city voters in 2006, was used to finance the work.

Construction took place between Fournet and Katherine streets. It includes subsurface drainage, sewer and water lines, and new sidewalks.

District A City Councilman Marshall Simien pushed the project through the capital outlay process.

“This road is a cornerstone project for the northern part of the city. I expect momentum to continue in this district over a long time,” he said.

City Hall has already started conceptual drawings for the second phase of the project, from Katherine to Fitzenreiter Road. The cost has not been estimated yet.

Simien said a committee, headed by former councilman Sam Tolbert, will start meeting to get public input on the new road. Tolbert recalled speaking to Roach years ago about the possibility of building a new road in District A.

After seeing work finished, Tolbert said the completion of the capital project depends on the City Council. “The job ahead is to get four votes for phase two,” he said.

Officials at City Hall think the parkway will help manage increased traffic on U.S. 171 “by providing an alternate route to the downtown area of the city,” according to a news release.

Lake Charles Mayor Randy Roach. (American Press Archives)

Michelle Higginbotham