I-10/Loyola Drive Interchange to New Airport Terminal

Kenner, La.

The I-10 Interchange project was a critical infrastructure initiative aimed at easing traffic congestion and providing drivers with direct access to the newly opened terminal at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. The project’s key components included two elevated flyover ramps and the state’s first Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) on Loyola Drive.  Additional features encompassed sound walls, expanded lanes on I-10, shared-use paths and upgraded interchange lighting.

Despite the challenges posed by heavy congestion from interstate and airport traffic, as well as the complexity of existing utilities, the project team successfully implemented detours and adjusted work sequences to ensure continuous progress on the flyover ramps. The project was completed without disrupting utility services and with minimal impact on traffic flow at both the airport and along the interstate. A traffic queue detection system was also deployed to provide early warnings of potential delays, helping to reduce the risk of rear-end collisions.

A major achievement was the implementation of the Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI), which reduced traffic delays at the interchange by 19%. This innovative design not only enhanced traffic flow but also contributed to significant cost savings and environmental benefits. By eliminating the need for a third flyover ramp, initially planned for the project, the team saved over 32,000 square feet of right-of-way, preventing the displacement of six residences, and ultimately generating an estimated $60 million in savings.

While the project team faced numerous challenges—including the impact of five named hurricanes in 2020 and one in 2021, which temporarily halted work on each occasion, and a global pandemic shortly after construction began—the construction partnering approach proved instrumental in navigating these disruptions. Despite these setbacks, the team stayed focused on their common goals and re-sequenced tasks to shorten the critical path, ensuring that the project remained on track.

The project’s formal construction partnering program included 27 team and leadership sessions, starting with the first meeting in October 2019 and concluding in July 2023. At the initial meeting, clear and unified project goals were established, focusing on schedule adherence, safety, quality, budget management, public impact mitigation, and thorough documentation. Throughout the project, these goals were regularly evaluated, managed by designated team members, and adjusted as necessary. Specific action items were set, with accountability assigned to individual team members. A robust communication and issue-resolution protocol was also implemented, encouraging open dialogue and collaboration. This consistent approach enabled the team to address concerns, overcome challenges, and capitalize on opportunities, ultimately ensuring the project’s success for all stakeholders.