The City of Natchitoches has announced that construction work on portions of Second Street and Touline Street is scheduled to begin June 17 as part of a major infrastructure improvement project.
The project includes the removal of deteriorated concrete pavement and construction of new roadway surfaces on Second Street from Church Street to Touline Street and on Touline Street from Front Street to Fifth Street. Additional work will include replacement of water and sewer lines, storm drainage improvements, and construction of Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant curb ramps.
The first phase of construction is expected to last approximately three weeks and will take place on Second Street between Church Street and Trudeau Street. During this phase, the affected section of Second Street will be closed to all traffic, including on-street parking.
City officials said that during the final week of Phase 1, the intersection of Second Street and Church Street will also be closed to allow installation of a new sewer manhole and connection of a new sewer line.
Once Phase 1 is complete, crews will move to the next segment of Second Street between Trudeau Street and Touline Street, followed by work on Touline Street between Second Street and Fourth Street.
Motorists will be required to use alternate routes around the construction zones, and those who typically park along the affected streets will need to find alternative parking during active construction in each area.
The city said water and sewer service to nearby businesses, residences, and other buildings is expected to remain operational throughout most of the project. Temporary interruptions may occur only during brief periods when new utility lines are connected to existing systems.
The project is being funded through Louisiana’s State Capital Outlay Program, which will cover 75 percent of the costs. The remaining portion will be funded locally. The contract was awarded to Skyplex Trucking, LLC of Natchitoches, with a total project cost of approximately $2.3 million.
City officials are asking residents and motorists for patience during construction and urge drivers to obey all traffic control devices in the work zones.
For additional information, residents may contact the City Engineer’s Office at (318) 357-3877.