Sw Louisiana News

The City of Lake Charles has issued an update on the West Prien Lake Road Widening Project, a collaborative effort with the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury. The project is proceeding as planned and is expected to be completed by spring 2025.

The work involves widening West Prien Lake Road from Cove Lane south to Ihles Road. This will include a bike path on the west side and sidewalks on the east side, along with improvements to drainage, water, and sewer systems.

Sale Road's reconstruction has been finalized, featuring a three-lane roadway extending from Rue Chan Ann Lane westward to West Prien Lake Road. Additionally, the widening and paving of West Prien Lake Road south of its intersection with Sale Road have been completed, allowing for northbound and southbound traffic flow.

Construction continues on West Prien Lake Road north of Sale Road. This phase includes road widening, new drainage infrastructure installation, and concrete pavement laying.

A change in traffic patterns will occur starting at 7 am on Tuesday, December 3. The southbound lane from Cove Lane Traffic Circle to Henderson Bayou Road will close to vehicles and pedestrians. Only northbound traffic will be permitted between Henderson Bayou Road and Cove Lane Traffic Circle. Two-way traffic will continue south of Henderson Bayou Road.

Weather permitting, this phase should conclude by 5 pm on Monday, March 31, 2025.

"The City of Lake Charles understands the desire from the public for a speedy project," said city officials. They noted that third-party engineers estimate timelines during bidding processes and confirmed that the contractor remains within this timeline.

Upon completion, officials highlight that "this project will represent a significant investment in road, sewer, drainage and quality of life infrastructure for the City."