The Louisiana Legislature opened its 2025 regular session in April by approving a sweeping list of highway construction projects proposed by the state Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD).
The combined construction projects allocate $1.11 billion for 343 projects approved for bidding in the 2025-2026 fiscal year.
Statewide Impact
The approved projects target key corridors in Hammond, Bridge City, Lafayette, Monroe, Lake Charles, Bossier City, Alexandria, Chase, and Baton Rouge. Projects aim to improve safety, accessibility, and economic development across Louisiana.
Project Announcements
Louisiana lawmakers may reorder project priorities but cannot add or substitute projects that have been removed. The DOTD’s program aligns with legal objectives, including highway system preservation, safety improvements, and support for economic growth.
The state announced these changes to the 2025 - 2026 Highway Construction Program:
- 7 projects were accelerated to FY 2024-2025.
- 52 projects were postponed to FY 2025-2026.
- 84 projects were reclassified to the design and development stage.
- 3 projects were canceled, one completed, and three merged to consolidate planning.
- 18 new projects were added to the ready-to-bid stage, though not all may remain in the final program due to funding or scope adjustments.
- 138 projects have moved into the construction phase.
Public-Private Partnerships
DOTD often partners with private investors to ease taxpayers’ burdens. For example, Meta has committed to investing more than $200 million in local infrastructure improvements, including upgrades to roads and water systems for its $10 billion Richland Parish data center.
Public-private partnerships are governed by legislation that requires approval from state legislative committees and are intended to enhance efficiency, accelerate project delivery, and improve asset quality through private sector involvement.
Looking Ahead
The Louisiana Legislature is also considering creating the Louisiana Highway Construction Authority to accelerate the planning, funding, and delivery of state highway and bridge projects.
Construction economy news and insights you can act on.
About ConstructConnect
At ConstructConnect, our software solutions provide the information construction professionals need to start every project on a solid foundation. For more than 100 years, our keen insights and market intelligence have empowered commercial firms, building product manufacturers, trade contractors, and architects to make data-driven decisions, streamline preconstruction workflows, and maximize their productivity. Our newest offerings—including our comprehensive, AI-assisted software—help our clients find, bid on, and win more projects.
ConstructConnect operates as a business unit of Roper Technologies (Nasdaq: ROP), a constituent of the Nasdaq 100, S&P 500, and Fortune 1000.
For more information, visit constructconnect.com
