AJBert wrote:
According to the "experts" in LA the problem is not the roads but the "soil". They've been saying that since they first laid down asphalt. Funny thing is that MS and TX don't seem to have those problems. Amazing how the road improves as soon as you cross the state lines.
Actually the stretch for I-10 in Texas from the Louisiana state line/Orange, TX to Beaumont, TX used to be real bad for the same reason - the soil. They have improved most of it. Concrete went over some. Now they are completing the last stretch through Orange. It is no pleasure to drive through under construction with narrow lanes, but I notice they are bringing in dirt from somewhere else and raising the entire road bed and driving piles at bayou crossings. It may have a dual purpose of providing an emergency and evacuation route in case of hurricanes.
However, I do agree. In general, the roads improve suddenly when you enter Texas from just about any direction, especially Louisiana. It is very notable on secondary highways. It has been that way for as long as I remember.
Example: US-79 at the state line in Bethany TX/LA. Louisiana is in the foreground, the intersection itself is in Texas. No sign marking the state line. No need for one.
