by KAREN LAGRANGE COX
At the May 14, 2024, City of Broussard Council meeting, the Council approved and awarded the bid for the West Fairfield Drive and North Larriviere Road Signalization to Preferred Electric, Inc., whose bid amount is $276,615.00. (Resolution #787-24). The intersection is located in south Broussard, Louisiana.
After awarding the bid, Broussard Mayor Ray Bourque or his designee may proceed with the project, signing any and all contracts, agreements, and other documents he deems necessary for its completion.
According to a letter from Daniel Hutchinson with Comeaux Engineering and Consulting to Bourque, Preferred Electric, Inc. was the only company that responded to the Advertisement for Bids. Although the letter does not state where Preferred Electric, Inc. is located, an internet search shows the business in New Iberia, Louisiana.
The West Fairfield Drive and North Larriviere Road Signalization project was discussed by the Council at its October 10, 2023 meeting. (Ordinance #23-783). Three options were provided: Option 1 would have lights streamed across the road; Option 2 would have a black mast arm with caution lights; Option 3 would have a black mast arm with full signal lights. City Engineer Walter Comeaux of Comeaux Engineering and Consulting advised that if the city didn’t do the full signal, the signal would probably have to be upgraded in five years due to the growth in that area. Councilman Jesse Regan recommended the city do it right the first time by accepting Option 3 for road signalization. The council unanimously approved the ordinance, accepting Option 3.
Comeaux also advised the Council during the October 10, 2023, meeting that the City does not have the capacity to put a roundabout at the West Fairfield Drive and North Larriviere intersection.
Bourque posted on Facebook on May 15, 2024 (view post), regarding awarding the road signalization project to Preferred Electric, Inc. Comments were made in support and opposition of the traffic lights. Some commentators in support of the traffic lights state that the intersection is dangerous and accidents have happened there. Some of those against the traffic lights are concerned about traffic being backed up due to traffic lights and want to see a roundabout put at the intersection instead.
