Designing and delivering Louisiana’s first diverging diamond interchange

At a Glance

  • $145M

    Construction Value

Location
Kenner, Louisiana
Offices
Client
  • Louisiana DOT
Partners
  • Gilchrist Construction Company LLC
Awards
LADOTD Transportation Excellence Award, Bridge Design/Project Development, 2025
Engineering News-Record Texas & Louisiana Regional Best Projects Award of Merit Highway/Bridge. 2024
American Concrete Institute (ACI) Louisiana Chapter, Bridge Project Award of Excellence, 2024

I-10/Loyola Drive Interchange Improvements – Design-Build

The opening of the North terminal at the new Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport increased traffic congestion and safety concerns at Loyola Drive and I-10, an already busy interchange. Existing infrastructure couldn’t support rising traffic volumes, potentially creating bottlenecks, delays, and higher accident risks at this critical gateway. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LADOTD) engaged us to expedite a solution for the interchange.

Our Design-Build team introduced a design for a diverging diamond interchange (DDI), a first for the State of Louisiana. This design helps streamline traffic flow, reduce conflict points, and eliminates the need for a third bridge structure—enhancing safety while lowering project costs. Our design also features aesthetic bridge structures, advanced lighting systems, and a shared-use path for the community. Thoughtful design reduced right-of-way impacts, preserved businesses and residences, and reduced the need for extensive utility relocations.

By implementing this transformative infrastructure, LADOTD has addressed rising traffic volumes and improved connectivity, safety, and efficiency for residents, travelers, and businesses.

At a Glance

  • $145M

    Construction Value

Location
Kenner, Louisiana
Offices
Client
  • Louisiana DOT
Partners
  • Gilchrist Construction Company LLC
Awards
LADOTD Transportation Excellence Award, Bridge Design/Project Development, 2025
Engineering News-Record Texas & Louisiana Regional Best Projects Award of Merit Highway/Bridge. 2024
American Concrete Institute (ACI) Louisiana Chapter, Bridge Project Award of Excellence, 2024

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