Land
High-capacity, modern highways are the lifelines of the region. US Highways 90, 190, and 167 were the main connectors through south Louisiana until the 1950s. Interstates 10, 210, 55, and 49 now play the major role in transportation. US and state highways also cross the region.
Rail transport through the area is limited by the difficult terrain and the sheer number of bridges required to build over numerous streams and bayous. A robust railroad system was being built at the time of the American Civil War, but much of it was destroyed during the conflict. By the end of the war, river transport via paddlewheeler had taken over as the preferred mode of travel. The major railway in operation through the region is the Southern Pacific Railroad, now part of the Union Pacific Railroad.
As of late 2009, there has been a push among the local municipalities, notably the city of Opelousas, to research and develop a regional bus (and possibly train) transportation network. Currently incorporated Lafayette and Lake Charles are the only areas to see regular public transportation service. The cities of Abbeville and New Iberia have also expressed interest in the creation of such a system, both beginning research into their own city's public transportation futures. It is hoped that this system can be incorporated into the state's LA Swift commuter bus system. The "Swift" currently only serves Baton Rouge, Kenner and New Orleans along with their respective suburbs.
Read more about this topic: Acadiana, Transportation
Famous quotes containing the word land:
“You shall not withhold the wages of poor and needy laborers, whether other Israelites or aliens who reside in your land in one of your towns. You shall pay them their wages daily before sunset, because they are poor and their livelihood depends on them; otherwise they might cry to the LORD against you, and you would incur guilt.”
—Bible: Hebrew, Deuteronomy 24:14,15.
“For six years you shall sow your land and gather in its yield; but the seventh year you shall let it rest and lie fallow, so that the poor of your people may eat; and what they leave the wild animals may eat. You shall do the same with your vineyard, and with your olive orchard.”
—Bible: Hebrew, Exodus 23:10,11.
“He was buried in a valley in the land of Moab, opposite Beth-peor, but no one knows his burial place to this day.”
—Bible: Hebrew, Deuteronomy 34:6.