Temporary Lighting Installed on Nicholson Drive
Temporary LED lights now illuminate a dark stretch of Nicholson Drive near LSU following an October crash that killed two pedestrians, WAFB reported.
State Rep. Dixon McMakin (R-District 68) thanked the utility company, saying the move is a temporary solution that will eventually be a long-term fix.
State Rep. Dixon McMakin said the blacktop sidewalk serves as a temporary measure during construction on the larger MOVEBR road improvement project.
Speed Limits Lowered During Construction
Officials lowered the speed limit between Brightside Drive and Bob Pettit Boulevard from 45 mph to 35 mph. East Baton Rouge Transportation Director Fred Raiford stated that the area previously lacked adequate lighting for drivers to spot pedestrians.
We wanted to be sure that people saw people walking, provide a little additional lighting for the roadway,
Raiford said, according to WAFB.
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has not clarified whether the reduced speed limit will remain in effect after construction concludes. Utility relocation and subsequent construction are projected to last until late 2028 or early 2029.
Fatal Crash Prompts Urgent Safety Measures
The infrastructure changes follow an Oct. 18 crash at the corner of Nicholson Drive and Lee Drive. Baton Rouge police reported that a vehicle veered off the road and struck 21-year-old Leah Victoria Fonte and her 21-year-old fiancé, Shane David Hirstius, while they walked along the shoulder.
Fonte, an LSU senior, died at the scene. Hirstius, a firefighter, later died at a hospital. Police arrested 20-year-old Mia Camille Dawson on charges including vehicular homicide, operating while impaired, reckless operation, and hit-and-run driving.
Following the tragedy, local lawmakers coordinated with Entergy, the sheriff’s office, LSU Police, and state transportation officials to expedite lighting installations. Entergy mounted new LED fixtures onto existing utility poles along the corridor.
Before the sidewalk gets finished during this road project, we’ve got to have more light out there,
McMakin said, as reported by WAFB.
McMakin said the new lighting puts our students, friends, visitors and guests along this road safer.
We need to make sure that public safety is always first,
McMakin said.
MOVEBR Project Reaches Completion by Late 2028 or Early 2029
The permanent MOVEBR project encompasses a shared-use path, upgraded pedestrian crossings, and permanent lighting fixtures. Raiford noted that parish officials are evaluating the need for additional illumination between Bob Pettit Boulevard and Gurrier Avenue.
Utility relocation is expected to take at least another year, followed by roughly 18 months of construction. Weather permitting, officials estimate the comprehensive corridor overhaul will reach completion in late 2028 or early 2029.
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