President Mike Cooper has ceremoniously opened the Tammany Trace Tunnel on LA 59 in Mandeville.
Cooper said the tunnel provides improved safety and efficiency for bicyclists, walkers and all Trace users. He added that he looks forward to the citizens’ and tourists’ enjoyment of the scenic Tammany Trace.
The $3.5 million project, which was completed by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, developed the tunnel and straightened LA 59, allowing safer travel for drivers.
Previously, Trace users had to cross LA 59 to continue along the trail. Now, they can continue to travel the Trace without stopping for vehicles or worrying about crossing traffic.
Originally a railroad corridor, the Tammany Trace connects Slidell to Covington through a 31-mile asphalted bike trail, as Louisiana’s first rails-to-trails conversion.
