PONCHATOULA - Traffic engineers will discuss a widening project for a busy thoroughfare that connects Ponchatoula and Hammond in southern Tangipahoa Parish Tuesday.

Plans are already part of an environmental assessment. An environmental assessment is the first major step toward a construction project.

The state hopes to widen U.S. 51 from just north of La. 22 to the new Club Deluxe Road roundabout just south of I-12 in Hammond. The state said there are three different plans under review, but did not give specific details about what is being considered.

The two-and-a-half mile stretch has seen tremendous growth in the last few years. In Ponchatoula, a Walmart and shopping centers dot U.S. 51. Across Ponchatoula Creek is the sprawling healthcare campus of North Oaks Medical Center and near the end of the planned construction project is the redesigned I-12/U.S. 51 interchange.

In Ponchatoula, the state said a separate study is being done on how to improve the La 22/ La 51 intersection.  A roundabout is one option being considered, the state said Monday. 

Construction plans will be the highlight of a public meeting Tuesday, April 5th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Tangipahoa Parish Environmental Services Building, 15485 West Club Deluxe Road in Hammond.

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