The West Prien Lake Road Widening Project, which is a joint project between the city of Lake Charles and Calcasieu Parish Police Jury, remains on track for its original completion date of spring 2025, the city reported Wednesday.

The scope of work includes the widening of West Prien Lake Road from Cove Lane south to Ihles Road, to include a bike path on the west side of the road and sidewalks on the east side, as well as major improvements to drainage, water and sewer infrastructure. Additionally, the project includes the reconstruction of Sale Road, to include a 3-lane roadway from Rue Chan Ann Lane, west to West Prien Lake Road.

The current phase of the project, the widening and paving of West Prien Lake Road south of its intersection with Sale Road, is nearing completion. Weather permitting; this phase is expected to be complete on March 1, 2024.  Upon the completion of this phase, West Prien Lake Road, south of its intersection of Sale Road, will reopen to both north and southbound traffic.

Construction will then move to West Prien Lake Road, north of its intersection with Sale Road. This phase, set to get underway on Monday, March 4, 2024, will include the widening of the road, installation of new drainage infrastructure and concrete pavement.

Beginning at 7 a.m. on Monday, March 4, West Prien Lake Road, from the Cove Lane traffic circle south to Sale Road, will be open to southbound traffic only. Northbound traffic will need to detour via Sale Road to Burton Lane. Weather permitting; this phase is expected to last until Friday, Dec. 27, at 5 p.m.

Additionally, beginning at 7 a.m. on Monday, March 4, Henderson Bayou Road, at its intersection with West Prien Lake Road, will be closed to all vehicular and pedestrian traffic. This closure is to allow contractors to complete the installation of new concrete pavement. Weather permitting; this closure is expected to last until 5 p.m. on Friday, March 29.