BELLE CHASSE, La. — Complaints over traffic delays in Belle Chasse have been taking over some neighborhood Facebook groups. Plaquemines Parish held a special council meeting on Thursday night where the public could discuss their concerns.
After facing extreme traffic delay for months, drivers in Belle Chasse are ready for something to be done.
“We need something fast,” a local business owner said.
The frustration in Plaquemines Parish goes beyond waiting behind the wheel. A barber shop owner in Belle Chasse says it’s affecting local businesses.
“We all know our businesses are being hurt by this,” she said.
Safety is also a concern. Some people said that first responders have a difficult time getting through traffic, especially during rush hour.
Several factors are contributing to the traffic. Most of the congestion is coming from the liquid natural gas export plant construction, a project which has added 7,000 cars on the road.
Parish councilman Chris Shulz says they’re actively working with DOTD, the plant, and other city officials to find a solution.
“That’s part of the purpose of this meeting, to say we’re working with six different agencies basically,” Councilman Chris Shulz said.
One resident suggested a carpool system that could bring plant workers in on buses to reduce the number of drivers.
The parish council says a carpool system is something on the table, but they are exploring their options.
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