Special to the American Press

The West Prien Lake Road Widening Project, a joint project between the city of Lake Charles and Calcasieu Parish Police Jury, remains on track for its original completion date of spring 2025.

The scope of work includes the widening of West Prien Lake Road from Cove Lane south to Ihles Road, to include a bike path on the west side of the road and sidewalks on the east side, as well as major improvements to drainage, water and sewer infrastructure. Additionally, the project includes the reconstruction of Sale Road, to include a 3-lane roadway from Rue Chan Ann Lane, west to West Prien Lake Road.

After completing construction on the intersection of West Prien Lake and Sale Roads earlier this year, contractors have been working on the reconstruction of Sale Road. This phase of the project is coming to a close, and weather permitting; is expected to be complete on Oct. 20.

Following the completion of Sale Road, contractors will move back to West Prien Lake Road for the next phase of the project, focusing on the installation of concrete pavement at the intersection of West Prien Lake Road and Ihles Road. Weather permitting; this phase is expected to span from October 20, 2023, through January 12, 2024. Additional lane closure and detour information will be released soon.

The widening of West Prien Lake Road, from its intersection with Sale Road, south to its intersection with Ihles Road, is slated for completion in the spring of 2024.

The city of Lake Charles understands the desire from the public for a speedy project. When projects are let out for bid, a third-party engineer includes an estimated project timeline. The contractor who was awarded the bid for this project is within the timeline estimated for this project.

When complete, this project will represent a significant investment in road, sewer, drainage and quality of life infrastructure for the city.