A $21.35 million settlement has been approved to address flooding issues allegedly caused by concrete median barriers on Interstate 12, marking a significant resolution in a case that affected residents and businesses in Walker and Denham Springs.
The settlement involves the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, along with several engineering and construction companies, including ABMB Engineers Inc., Gilchrist Construction Co., James Construction Group, Volkert Inc., and Evans-Graves Engineers Inc. G.E.C. Inc. remains a defendant in the ongoing litigation.
The lawsuit alleged that the construction of concrete median crash barriers between the Amite River and Colyell Creek caused water impoundment, leading to flooding damage for residents, business owners, and governmental entities in the area.
Under the settlement terms, the $21.35 million will be deposited into a DOTD Drainage Enhancement Account specifically designated for improving drainage along Interstate 12 in the affected corridor.
The drainage improvements under consideration include constructing crash barriers with openings along specific portions of Interstate 12 in East Baton Rouge and Livingston parishes between mile markers 6 and 20, as well as retrofitting openings into existing crash barriers in that area.
The case will remain under the oversight of the 19th Judicial District Court, where DOTD will provide regular status updates on the drainage improvement projects as they progress.
The Cities of Walker and Denham Springs, along with several of their citizens and businesses, were parties to the settlement agreement.
The settlement represents what officials called a "historic and significant step" in addressing flooding concerns along the Interstate 12 corridor while ensuring continued judicial oversight of how the state agency uses the settlement funds.
The resolution addresses flooding issues in the Interstate 12 corridor between the Amite River and Colyell Creek.
