We’re Creating Economic Opportunity Along the I-49 Midway Corridor.

 I-49 Midway Corridor Strategic Growth Plan

The I-49 Midway Corridor is halfway between New Orleans and Shreveport, connecting communities throughout Louisiana with Arkansas, Missouri and Texas. This creates significant opportunities for communities within the region to attract investment and business expansion projects.

The Challenge

Much of the focus on transportation in Acadiana is geared towards playing catch up in areas south of I-10 to try and make up for decades of planning and investment in transportation infrastructure. The tide of growth continues to turn in Acadiana with development moving to the north. I-49 North forms the backbone of the infrastructure for this growth. Unfortunately, there are no serious efforts underway to proactively look at and plan forAcadiana’s northern growth corridor along I-49. 

The Solution

I-49 Midway Corridor Strategic Growth Plan –The scope of this plan would encompass a multi-jurisdictional effort that looks at the future of the I-49 Corridor beginning at the I-10 –I-49 intersection and proceeding north toExit27in St. Landry Parish. The scope of the plan would include some of the following overarching objectives:Gather existing plans/phase studies done on any/all portions of the I-49 corridor and put into a consolidated geographic format listing that runs from south to north through the plan area. Take a comprehensive look at each major intersection on the I-49 Corridor, which with the listed boundaries would include ten off/on ramp interchanges. Evaluate the strengths, weaknesses and opportunities associated with each interchange. Identify the needs for infrastructure improvement at each interchange, put on cost on the improvement and prioritize the need.Evaluate the frontage roads through the entire geographic study area. Identify where land use exists, where it is absent and where it needs to be upgraded and by which governing authority. Evaluate blighted, or eyesore priorities that should be addressed. Provide an assessment on highest and best use of available frontage property. Evaluate the future growth of the corridor, which should lead to a long-term plan that prioritizes a project to add additional lanes to I-49 through a phased process. 

The Process

Discussions have been held with some relevant public and private sector parties and there seems to be sufficient interest move forward with further feasibility vetting.Once in agreement, there must be a lead entity identified that would assume that applicant/administer/compliance role in a what would likely be a federal grant program that is utilized to pay for all, or a prorated percentage of the project. 

Cost Estimates

Preliminary cost estimates on this project are 500K, with timeline estimate of 9-12 months.

The Process of Developing the I-49 Midway Corridor Project

The I-49 Midway Corridor project is a collaborative group effort led by the St. Landry Economic Development and the Acadiana Planning Commission, local leaders, stakeholders and community members. 

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Funding the Development of the I-49 Midway Corridor

The I-49 Midway Corridor initiative is poised to make a significant impact on the future of the entire region. Community leadership is working on funding mechanisms to help pay for (or contribute to) the following needs:

• Performance Land Use
• Regional Planning Commission
• Consistent, district Branding/Marketing plan
• Coalition-Building

Funding is likely to come from a combination of government grants and investments made by strategic partners and businesses.

The I-49 Midway Corridor is halfway between New Orleans and Shreveport. The I-49 is an important transportation route connecting Louisiana with Arkansas, Texas and Missouri. Along the Corridor are communities rich in culture, focused on innovation and welcoming of new businesses looking to capitalize on the I-49 Midway Corridor’s strategic location. 

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Within the I-49 Corridor there are existing infrastructure assets that makes the area primed for further development. These include:

• Utilities
  • Sewer
  • Water
  • Electrical
  • Fiber
• Hazardous waste sites
• Drainage locations
• Land Division Parcels
• Land Use Plans
  • Local Regulations for Development and Land Use

In addition there are cultural assets and resources that make the I-49 Corridor an excellent location for placemaking initiatives, housing development, and the creation of entertainment and dining centers. These include historic structures and landmarks, parks, open spaces and public access areas. 

View Available Properties 

Use our mapping tools to view properties that are available along the I-49 Corridor.

Why invest in the I-49 Midway Corridor? Because the I-49 Midway Corridor is halfway between New Orleans and Shreveport, and is a growth engine for the entire region. Investing in the Corridor today will yield long-term benefits for the economies of every adjacent community. 

For businesses, a central location along the I-49 provides access to an important transportation route connecting Louisiana with Arkansas, Texas and Missouri. This prime location offers access at a price that is far more affordable than nearby major metropolitan areas. While it is easy to reach major cities, the I-49 Midway Corridor doesn’t have their traffic or high property costs. That makes it easier to do business here. Plus, our workforce is skilled and ready to add value to any organization.