PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteSome links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
DOTD is working with LSU and the City of Baton Rouge on pedestrian-safety measures for Nicholson Drive after LSU student Leah Fonte and her fiancé, Shane Hirstius, were killed while walking home. The October 19, 2026 announcement covers the corridor from Bob Petit Boulevard to Lee Drive, but it does not yet approve a specific temporary package, installation date or detour.
A separate MOVEBR project is already rebuilding Nicholson Drive between Brightside Drive and Gourrier Avenue. That approximately $28 million project will widen the road, add bicycle facilities and build a two-way shared-use path, but construction is expected to continue for four to five years. Existing walking conditions remain difficult in the crash area, where reporting found missing sidewalks, limited lighting and pedestrians using the shoulder.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
What changed after the fatal crash on Nicholson Drive?
LSU, DOTD and Baton Rouge announced coordinated work on October 19, 2026, following the deaths of Leah Fonte and Shane Hirstius. LSU President Wade Rousse said, “All students, whether they live on campus or nearby are part of the LSU family, and their safety is our number one priority.” DOTD Secretary Glenn Ledet said the agency is evaluating solutions with LSU and the city, with full details to be released after a plan is finalized.
The announced safety discussion runs from Bob Petit Boulevard to Lee Drive. That geography is broader than the active MOVEBR construction segment, which runs from Brightside Drive to Gourrier Avenue.
Popular on Amazon
- Sturdy and Durable-- Slow Pedestrian Crossing Sign is made of Rust-Free Aluminum material. This Crossing Sign can be easily used outdoors for 7 years.
- Clear and Conspicuous-- Pedestrian Sign features a perfect design of 18 x 12 inches. The clearly visible design will certainly attract the attention of as many people as possible. Let people know that pedestrians are passing by and need to slow down.
- Weatherproof--Crosswalk Sign graphics have undergone waterproof and lamination treatment. The Sturdy Aluminum Sign can withstand sun rain and extreme weather conditions without fading and preserve a fresh appearance.
- Easy to Install--The rounded corners and burr free corners of Pedestrian Crossing Sign have been safely treated. 2 Pre-drilled Holes, for Easy Mounting is Standard. Suitable for House, Driveways, Yards, Sidewalks, Roads and Other Areas.
- Specialized Design--A Perfect sized Signs is to make sure that the important message can be easily seen. Ideal for both neighbor yard use and for professional businesses. The Metal Signs are carefully designed to look sleek, authoritative, and easy to read.
Is Nicholson Drive safe to walk right now?
Conditions are still unsettled, and the available information does not establish that a new temporary safety system is operating. Reporting from the crash area described no sidewalks, little lighting and people walking on the shoulder despite substantial foot traffic near apartments, bars and convenience stores.
Construction adds changing access conditions. The project page reported a closure of the northbound sidewalk on the railroad side, with reopening expected after October 23, and intermittent closures of the southbound sidewalk as work advances. Those dates and closures are time-sensitive; a notice from earlier in the month may not describe conditions on a particular day.
Recommended Free Tools
Until agencies publish a finalized interim plan, pedestrians should treat work-zone access as changeable, follow posted signs and use an open sidewalk or path when one is available rather than assuming the shoulder is protected space.
What construction is underway on Nicholson Drive?
MOVEBR Segment 1 is a permanent roadway project, not the temporary response announced after the crash. East Baton Rouge Parish and MOVEBR describe the work as follows:
| Project detail | Published information |
|---|---|
| Limits | Brightside Drive to Gourrier Avenue |
| Estimated cost | Approximately $28 million |
| Anticipated construction period | Four to five years |
| Roadway change | Widening from two lanes to four |
| Median design | Median with U-turns and bulb-outs |
| Bicycle facilities | Bicycle lanes on both sides of the road |
| Pedestrian facility | A side path for two-way pedestrian traffic on the roadside opposite the railroad |
| Work reported underway | Clearing and grubbing, utility relocation and roadway construction |
The project broke ground in August 2026. Its cost and duration describe the full Segment 1 build; they are not a budget or schedule for any interim measures between Bob Petit Boulevard and Lee Drive.
Also popular on Amazon
- DURABLE ALUMINUM: 'Pedestrian Crossing' signs are made of 63 mil thick heavy-duty rustproof reflective aluminum that easily lasts 10 years outside and meets DOT road and traffic requirements.
- EASY INSTALLATION: All signs come with rounded, burr-free corners and 3/8 inch punched and pre-cleared holes. Signs mount to U-channel posts, square or round galvanized posts, wooden posts, and chain-link fences.
- LAMINATED PROTECTION: With lamination, graphics are protected from weather and abuse to preserve a fresh look. Graffiti can be cleaned off too. Clear UV laminate resists chemicals, UV rays, water, and abrasion.
- 3M AUTHORIZED: Signs use official 3M Reflective Engineer Grade film and are printed with 3M screen printing or 3M outdoor digital inks designed specifically for outdoor traffic and property signs - providing ultimate quality and assurance.
- PACK CONTENTS: One 18 x 12 inch black, silver and yellow aluminum sign.
What permanent pedestrian improvements are planned?
The completed design is intended to replace shoulder walking with separated facilities. Mayor-President Sid Edwards said it includes a 10-foot-wide shared-use path, additional roadway lighting and improved pedestrian crossings at Gourrier Avenue and Bob Petit Boulevard.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsThe shared-use path is planned for two-way pedestrian traffic on the side opposite the railroad. The same project also adds bicycle lanes, a median with U-turns and bulb-outs, and a four-lane roadway. These elements are part of the permanent capital project and should not be read as evidence that all of them are already open.
Which Nicholson Drive sidewalks are closed?
The project page identified the northbound railroad-side sidewalk as closed during active work and said it was expected to reopen after October 23. It also warned of intermittent southbound sidewalk closures as construction moved forward.
Because the reported reopening date has passed and work phases change, travelers should rely on current field signs and agency notices. The published information does not establish that every sidewalk is open, nor does it identify a single long-term detour.
What interim safety measures has DOTD approved?
No complete interim package had been finalized publicly by October 26, 2026. DOTD, LSU and Baton Rouge had announced coordination and a meeting to identify measures, but the available announcement did not provide an implementation date or a complete list of interventions.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Also popular on Amazon
- Ideal for High-Traffic Areas: Perfect for school zones, crosswalks, parking lots, and pedestrian crossings
- Portable & Easy to Set Up: Lightweight design allows for quick installation and repositioning as needed
- Double-Sided Messaging: Ensures drivers approaching from both directions see the safety message
- 48" tall frame with recessed panels, snapping into a 37 lb recycled rubber base for visibility and stability
- Retro-reflective fluorescent yellow-green background provides maximum visibility
That means claims that specific extra lights, police patrols, temporary barriers or an official detour have already been approved go beyond the announced information. The agencies have said details will follow once their plan is finalized.
When will the new sidewalks be finished?
No separate opening date for the shared-use path has been published. The only public schedule figure is the overall anticipated construction period for MOVEBR Segment 1, while utility relocation, roadway work and other phases continue.
A path can therefore be designed and funded without being immediately usable. Residents who need a day-to-day route should distinguish the eventual permanent facility from temporary pedestrian access during each construction phase.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is H.011098 the same Nicholson Drive project?
No. H.011098 is a separate DOTD LA 30 project running from South Boulevard to West Chimes Street. Its described work includes drainage, resurfacing, sidewalks and a change involving the I-10/Oklahoma Street ramp.
It should not be combined with MOVEBR Segment 1’s Brightside-to-Gourrier widening, cost or schedule, or with the emergency safety discussion between Bob Petit Boulevard and Lee Drive.
Also popular on Amazon
- DURABLE ALUMINUM: 'Pedestrian Crossing' signs are made of 80 mil thick heavy-duty rustproof reflective and laminated aluminum that easily lasts 10 years outside and meets DOT road and traffic requirements.
- EASY INSTALLATION: All signs come with rounded, burr-free corners and pre-punched and pre-cleared holes for quick installation. Signs mount to U-channel posts, square or round galvanized posts, wooden posts, and chain-link fences.
- 3M AUTHORIZED: Signs use official 3M Reflective Engineer Grade film and are printed with 3M screen printing or 3M outdoor digital inks designed specifically for outdoor traffic and property signs - providing ultimate quality and assurance.
- LAMINATED PROTECTION: With lamination, graphics are protected from weather and abuse to preserve a fresh look. Graffiti can be cleaned off too. Clear UV laminate resists chemicals, UV rays, water, and abrasion.
- PACK CONTENTS: One 24 x 24 inch black and yellow aluminum sign.
What are officials saying about the response?
DOTD Secretary Glenn Ledet said, “Safety has been and always will be our top priority at LA DOTD, and that includes ensuring pedestrians and other types of road users can travel safely.” Baton Rouge Transportation and Drainage Director Fred Raiford said, “The goal and objective is to have complete sidewalks and bike lanes.” Edwards added, “These tragedies underscore the importance of improving pedestrian safety throughout our parish.”
Those statements set the policy direction, while the engineering choices, funding and timing for temporary measures remain to be announced.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did DOTD and LSU announce the Nicholson Drive safety review?
The joint announcement was issued October 19, 2026. It followed the deaths of LSU student Leah Fonte and Shane Hirstius while they were walking home on Nicholson Drive.
How should pedestrians check whether a sidewalk is open?
Use the signs and barricades present at the work zone and check the latest project notice before starting a trip. Construction phases can change the status of the railroad-side and southbound sidewalks.
Does the planned shared-use path serve bicycles as well as walkers?
Yes. The permanent design pairs the two-way path with bicycle lanes on both sides of the rebuilt roadway. The path is planned on the roadside opposite the railroad.
Has Baton Rouge announced a date for temporary lights or barriers?
No implementation date or complete list of temporary interventions had been made public by October 26, 2026. The agencies said details would be shared after their plan was finalized.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →
