Pardon Our Progress: Henderson Exit Construction

The small but vibrant town of Henderson, Louisiana, is ramping up to bigger and better things. Quite literally, in fact: the town is smack-dab in the middle of an infrastructure overhaul taking place between the Atchafalaya Basin and Lafayette along I-10. The project aims to repave and widen the heavily trafficked Interstate corridor to three lanes in either direction and includes building two roundabouts at the Henderson exit.

Progress is not always smooth, however—though one certainly hopes the new Interstate will be. Recent extreme weather including sudden hard freezes and heavy rains have delayed construction on the exit, obligating both locals and visitors to find alternate routes around the roadwork. Still, Henderson recognizes the light at the end of the reflective orange barrels and is looking forward to what the improved infrastructure will bring.

“Most people understand [that] it’s progress,” said Henderson mayor Sherbin Collette. “With getting people into town, with convenience and with how it looks [...] it’s going to be much better in the end.”

Collette also commends the state troopers who have been directing traffic at the interchange. Not only have they eased the snarl of confused drivers navigating construction, they’ve also worked hard to keep traffic relatively clear and flowing with minimal diversion from local businesses.

Jennifer Casanova, owner of Louisiana Marketshops at the 115 just off the I-10, is “extremely grateful” when she sees the construction workers out there doing their jobs. “[They’re] working for the safety of our visitors, and for our locals too. Big, messy traffic and accidents aren’t good for anybody; the new roundabouts should help with that.”

Casanova also notes that Louisiana Marketshops are a destination stop for many travelers, as are Crawfish Town USA, Prehistoric Park, and other nearby local gems.

“It can be an inconvenience, but they’re coming from across the country, and sometimes across the world. We’re here, and two blocks of construction isn’t going to stop them.”