Military Road Alliance Letter

Condition of Roads

January 21, 2008

Mr. Will Murray
District Engineer, La DoTD
20030 Hwy 36
Covington , LA 70435

Dear Mr. Murray,

I am writing on behalf of the Military Road Alliance, an umbrella organization representing twelve homeowner associations in eastern St. Tammany Parish, concerning the material condition of a stretch of highway 1090 (Military Road) between Gause Blvd. and the I-10 overpass.

At a regular meeting of the Military Road Alliance on January 16, 2008, delegates of our member homeowner associations unanimously passed a resolution to request the Department of Transportation and Development to establish this stretch of state highway as a priority for resurfacing. This area was already in poor condition before hurricane Katrina. The heavy truck traffic associated with clean-up efforts after the storm, and the ever increasing commuter traffic associated with population growth have combined to produce current road conditions that contribute to costly automobile repairs and compromise driver safety.

Most troubling is the intersection of Military Road and Cross Gates Blvd. Ruts, potholes and loose asphalt in this area combine to compromise a vehicle operator's ability to safely stop, accelerate and negotiate turns in response to the signal light at this intersection. Many have experienced the need for costly realignment of their car's suspension systems as a result of the repeated impacts the surface conditions in this area create.

The planned opening of the new interchange at I-10 and Fremaux Ave. , while promising welcome relief to congestion at I-10 and Gause Blvd. , will undoubtedly add to the already excessive traffic on Military Road and further compromise the integrity of the highway surface.

Recently, St. Tammany Parish government responded to residents' concerns by resurfacing a stretch of Cross Gates Blvd. at this intersection. We appreciate the responsiveness of local government and request the DoTD return a portion of our state tax dollars as an investment in the safety of motorists in this area.

The Military Road Alliance meets on the third Wednesday of every month. Our meetings are open to the public. We would welcome you and members of your staff to discuss this issue with area residents if it would be helpful to interact directly with the citizens who have expressed their concerns to our delegates. The current roster of the Military Road Alliance member organizations includes: Breckenridge, Cross Gates, Doubloon Bayou Estates, French Branch, Frenchmen's Estates, Lake Village, Magnolia Forest, Old River Road Association (including Quail Ridge, Quail Valley, Bay Ridge, Paradise Point and The Settlement), Park Condo Association, Sterling Oaks, Stonebridge, and Turtle Creek.

I would be happy to discuss this issue further or to provide any additional information you require. I may be contacted at 985.649.4860.

Sincerely,

Robert A. Golding
President, Military Road Alliance

cc:
Secretary William D. Ankner, LA DoTD
Director Connie Standige, Hammond District Office
Senator A. G. Crowe, Dist. 1
Senator Jack Donahue, Dist. 11
Representative Greg Cromer, Dist. 90
Representative J. Kevin Pearson, Dist 76
Mr. Kevin Davis, St. Tammany Parish President
Mr. Gene Bellisario, Parish Council District 9
Mr. Chris Canulette, Parish Council District 8