Baton Rouge Launches Comprehensive Cleanup Initiative for Busy Intersections
BATON ROUGE, La. — To enhance the city’s visual appeal and environmental health, Baton Rouge officials have rolled out a new corridor cleanup program targeting 54 busy intersections as part of the broader 'Brighten Up Baton Rouge' initiative.
The move comes in response to a study by Keep Louisiana Beautiful, revealing that the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development spends $13 million annually on litter abatement. Alarmingly, 92% of residents agree that littering is a significant issue.
Under this program, contracted crews will conduct weekly cleanups at designated intersections for the next 50 weeks. Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome emphasized the importance of community involvement in tackling the litter problem.
“By proactively addressing litter and debris, we are not only enhancing the visual appeal of our neighborhoods, but also protecting our natural resources and drainage systems,” said Mayor Weston Broome.
City officials have acknowledged that education, as well as state and federal support, will be crucial in enforcing litter laws and regulating single-use plastics.
Jennifer Richardson, founder of the community cleanup group Keep Tiger Town Beautiful (KTTB), which boasts over 100 volunteers, has been a long-time advocate against littering. Her group conducts daily cleanups and has worked to place additional trash bins around the city.
“I mean, if you just look at our Facebook page, you’ll see the filth that is all over our city,” Richardson said. While she supports the new initiative, she stressed the importance of maintaining the newly placed trash cans.
“Having new trash cans that the city is putting out is fantastic, as long as they are maintained. They have to be maintained,” she added.
Richardson also echoed the city’s call for stricter enforcement of litter laws and potential bans on single-use plastics.
Intersections Targeted for Cleanup:
- Choctaw Drive: @ Plank, @ N Acadian, @ N Foster, @ Ardenwood, @ Lobdell/Greenwell Springs, @ N Airway, @ Oak Villa, @ Monterrey
- Plank Road: @ Chippewa, @ Winbourne, @ Prescott, @ Evangeline, @ Hollywood
- N Foster Drive: @ Hollywood, @ Evangeline, @ Prescott, @ Winbourne
- N Acadian Thruway: @ Winbourne, @ Mohican, @ Florida, @ North St, @ Gus Young, @ Fairfields
- Scenic Highway: @ 72nd, @ 77th, @ Swan, @ Central
- Highland Road: @ Aster, @ Lee, @ Kenilworth, @ Staring, @ Bluebonnet, @ Terrace, @ E Washington
- Perkins Road: @ College, @ Congress, @ Kenilworth, @ Essen, @ Bluebonnet
- Burbank Drive: @ Lee, @ Gardere, @ Bluebonnet
- Gardere Lane: @ Innovation/GSRI
- Terrace Avenue: @ Thomas Delpit
- Government Street: @ Park/S 19th, @ Lobdell
- North Street: @ N 22nd
- S Acadian Thruway: @ Government
- S Foster Drive: @ Claycut, @ Government
- Foster Drive: @ Florida
- Wooddale Boulevard: @ Tom
This initiative is set to significantly improve the cleanliness and aesthetic appeal of Baton Rouge, contributing to a healthier, more attractive city environment.
For more updates on the 'Brighten Up Baton Rouge' initiative and other city efforts, follow us on social media and visit our website.
