Update on Road Improvements Planned Across Abbeville

Project Update – June 2026

Since the City announced these roadway improvement projects in March, work has continued behind the scenes as the projects move through the planning and engineering phase.

Most recently, the City contracted for camera inspections of the sewer and stormwater systems beneath Old Kaplan Highway and Washington Street. These inspections provide a detailed look at underground infrastructure and help identify any issues that may need to be addressed before roadway improvements begin.

While resurfacing roads is an important investment, addressing potential underground utility and drainage issues beforehand helps protect taxpayer dollars and reduces the likelihood of future repairs requiring newly improved roadways to be excavated. This same approach was utilized during the Downtown Revival street improvement project.

Like many communities, portions of Abbeville’s infrastructure have been in place for decades. While some concerns may not be visible from the surface, camera inspections allow engineers and staff to identify potential issues early and incorporate any necessary repairs into the planning process.

The City remains committed to making informed decisions that maximize the value of public investments while delivering long-term improvements to our transportation infrastructure. Additional updates will be provided as engineering and project planning continue.

March 2026 – Investing in Our Streets

The City of Abbeville is continuing to move forward with roadway improvements in multiple areas of the city through the City’s Road Improvement Fund, including funding provided through the State of Louisiana Capital Outlay Program.

This funding will allow the City to address roadway conditions in several areas while also planning for additional improvements as engineering work continues. Streets currently identified for improvements include Old Kaplan Highway, Wildcat Drive, Washington Street, and North Lyman Street. Additional streets may be added as planning and engineering progress.

Before construction can begin, each roadway must go through an engineering phase. During this phase, engineers evaluate the condition of the road, identify drainage needs, and determine the scope of work required to ensure long-term improvements rather than temporary fixes. Once engineering is completed, the projects will move forward to the public bid process. After bids are received and a contractor is selected, construction will begin.

Roadway improvements are a process that includes planning, engineering, bidding, and construction, and each step is necessary to ensure that the work is done correctly and that public funds are used responsibly. The City will continue to share updates as these projects move forward.

Read more here Press Release

For additional updates, residents are encouraged to follow the City’s official social media channels.