Johnston street

Route Description
Johnston street is a seven mile segment of US 167 which bypasses the Central Business District of Lafayette. Its northern terminus is Evangeline Thruway (US 90) where it becomes concurrent with said route. A major interchange is planned at the street when I-49 is routed through Downtown Lafayette. Its southern terminus is the Lafayette/Vermillion parish line where it becomes known as Maurice Avenue and then Park Avenue until US 167's terminus at Louisiana State Highway 14 in Abbeville. The road is a five-lane arterial until its junction with Ambassador Caffery Parkway (Louisiana State Highway 3073), where it becomes a four lane divided expressway.

Traffic
The traffic on Johnston Street has grown significantly because of Lafayette's urban sprawl. There are not many options available to alleviate this because of the right of way. A boulevard has been suggested but heavily opposed because it is believed to worsen the traffic. The only feasible option for traffic calming is the construction of an accessed controlled road, but due to the 120' right of way, a below grade alternative is the only available options. However, this could cost upwards of $500,000,000.

Future
Currently, the Lafayette Metropolitan Planning Organization is proposing the removal of the turn lane and the conversion of the street to a four-lane boulevard. As part of the financing package, a one percent tax would be levied upon the businesses along the corridor. A citizen group has been created, called Save Johnston Street, which heavily opposes the construction of the boulevard, which is expected to cost $400,000,000. The issue is not going to be settled anytime soon.

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