MONROE, La. (AP) Officials said construction on a long-awaited $11.2 million interstate frontage road project in Monroe could begin as early as next year.

The engineer for the Interstate 20 Economic Development District has confirmed that district officials are nearing completion on the design of a frontage road and are about to begin right of way acquisition and permitting for the project.

A significant portion of the project also will include the addition of “slip ramps” on both sides of the interstate.

The ramps would allow vehicles to enter and exit the interstate in front of the Pecanland Commons retail center.

For years, the only way to access the shopping areas was Garrett Road or the interstate overpass at Pecanland Mall.

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