House Resolution No. by Representative Taylor urges the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development to conduct a study on the conditions of Louisiana Highway 44 in Reserve, Louisiana, with the goal of adding sidewalks. The resolution highlights the lack of sidewalks along the highway and the elevated piped bridge, which poses safety hazards for both motorists and pedestrians. It emphasizes the need for improved infrastructure in rural communities like Reserve, where accessing state and federal funds for such projects can be challenging. The resolution points out that the busy highway serves several local schools, churches, and businesses, resulting in frequent pedestrian traffic.
The resolution also outlines the benefits of adding sidewalks, including enhanced safety for pedestrians, reduced pedestrian crashes, and improved mobility for the community. It references guidance from the Federal Highway Administration, which recommends accessible sidewalks in urban areas and walkable shoulders in less developed areas. The Department of Transportation and Development is requested to submit a report on its findings to the House Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works by January 3, 2025, ensuring that the community's needs for safer pedestrian access are addressed.