Infrastructure Updates – Roundabout Project at Ham Reid and Big Lake Road
Road construction projects are never fun for drivers trying to navigate them. But they don't have to be a complete unknown. The roundabout project connecting Ham Reid Road, Graywood Parkway and Big Lake Road in District 8 is a great, forward-thinking infrastructure project that will improve traffic flow in the area for years to come.
The estimated timeline on the project is about two years. Throughout the project, I will regularly update this blog post so you've always got the most updated information, including when the timeline has been delayed by weather, when traffic may be impacted by lane closures, and more. And remember, if you don't have to drive through the construction zone, easy North-South detours are available by using Elliott or Nelson roads.
Please note: the below roundabout updates begin with the most recent.
Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026
The diversion road is paved and striped. The contractor aims for cars to begin using it
this Wednesday, Oct. 14, weather permitting.
Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026
A portion of Big Lake Road just north of Graywood Parkway will be CLOSED beginning at 6 pm Friday, Sept. 11. Crews will be laying a pipe as part of the roundabout project. The road should reopen Sunday, Sept. 13.
Vincent Road and Ham Reid will remain open and accessible through the weekend. Detours are also available by taking Elliott Road south to Gauthier to get back to Big Lake Road for traffic heading south.
Friday, July 17, 2026
Currently, Entergy is installing new utility poles along Big Lake Road. Although the recent rain caused a slight delay to the timeline, our contractor is scheduled to begin drainage installation on the east side of the road on Monday, July 20.
Entergy’s current projected completion date for their project is Aug. 7, weather permitting. Once that work is complete, the contractor will begin constructing the temporary traffic diversion road, which will allow traffic to be shifted over so construction of the new roundabout can continue.
Friday, May 1, 2026
Join us for the groundbreaking of Phase 2 of the Ham Reid Road Extension Project! It will take place Friday, May 8 at 1 p.m. near the end of Ham Reid, across from Graywood.
Monday, Feb. 2, 2026
Crews are actively doing utility work around the future roundabout site near the corner of Big Lake Road and Graywood Parkway, which will result in some daily road closures on Vincent Road, Broussard Lane and Mark Road this month.
Closures will only occur between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. We'll keep you posted if the
work experiences weather impacts or of any other changes!
2025
Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025
The Calcasieu Parish Police Jury received bids last Wednesday, July 30, and we are planning to award the contract at the upcoming Police Jury Meeting on Thursday, Aug. 7.
Once that's done, we'll schedule a pre-construction meeting with the contractor to determine the official start date.
The Calcasieu Parish Police Jury offers periodic notifications on the status of the Ham Reid and Big Lake Road roundabout. Click here to opt in: https://engage.zencity.io/.../groundbreaking-ceremony-zxg.
