Louisiana Targets $19B Highway Backlog

State officials aim to prioritize maintenance projects, especially on rural roads and bridges, to reduce the estimated $19 billion backlog.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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State officials in Louisiana say they will focus on maintenance projects, particularly on rural roads and bridges, as they work to address an estimated $19 billion backlog in highway projects. They are also counting on a new state entity, the Office of Louisiana Highway Construction, to speed up the contracting process and get more projects underway.

Why it matters

Louisiana's aging infrastructure and significant backlog of highway projects have been an ongoing challenge, impacting both urban and rural communities across the state. This new effort aims to make progress on addressing these issues, which are critical for supporting economic development, public safety, and quality of life for residents.

The details

The state is prioritizing maintenance projects, especially on rural roads and bridges, to reduce the $19 billion backlog. The newly created Office of Louisiana Highway Construction has been given emergency procurement authority to quickly contract firms and start construction on 11 out of 62 minor bridges it wants to fix this year. To speed up projects, the Legislature gave the office the ability to choose contractors without going through a full bid process, although that authority expired in January. The office is now working under existing contracts and is confident the Legislature will extend its procurement powers through the 2026-2027 fiscal year.

  • In the fiscal year that ended on June 30, 2023, only 26% of the highway projects that were ready to go through the bid process received funding to go forward.
  • The Office of Louisiana Highway Construction's first project, a bridge over Morgan Branch on state Highway 424 in Washington Parish, started on January 21, 2026 and is scheduled to end in July or August.

The players

Rep. Ryan Bourriaque

R-Abbeville, the chairman of the House Transportation Committee.

Archie Chaisson

Executive director of the new Office of Louisiana Highway Construction.

Office of Louisiana Highway Construction

A new state entity created by the Legislature last year to speed up the contracting process for highway projects.

Department of Transportation and Development

The state agency working on larger infrastructure projects in Louisiana.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.