Edenborne Extension built by Donaldsonville company

A large group of officials was on hand to watch President Kenny Matassa cut the ribbon October 2 on the new Edenborne Parkway Extension, officially opening Ascension Parish’s newest road.

Kevin Hatcher of Donaldsonville's On-Grade Construction, and Lee Barber of Barber Brothers, whose companies laid the ground work and asphalt on the road, were also on hand. The project lasted for three months.

"We did all the dirt, stone and ditches," Hatcher said. "It was a rainy season when we built it, and it was through the swamp, but I think it came out real good. We're appreciative that we were working in our parish, right here at home."

Matassa, who spearheaded the first new road built in the parish in decades, cut the ribbon.

“I am very excited to have Edenborne Extension open, just in time for Flambeau Fest,” Matassa said. "The locals had some traffic trouble for the balloon fest, so this is a big game-changer. Now it just has to be striped."

Flambeau Fest, a large, two-day music festival, will be held at Lamar-Dixon Expo Center this weekend, October 7 & 8, and will feature nationally known musicals acts including Sam Hunt, Hank Williams, Jr., and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

“Fifty thousand people attended the Ascension Hot Air Balloon Festival, and we are expecting even more for Flambeau Fest,” said Matassa. “The opening of Edenborne will allow a better traffic flow, with shorter wait times.”

According to Matassa, the road will also relieve work traffic for area industry and business employees.

Matassa credited the contractor, Barber Brothers Construction, and subcontractor On Grade Construction, with completing the project on a timely basis, despite the addition of 45 rain-delay days to the schedule.

La. Senator Ed Price also attended the ceremony. Price mentioned the project has been in the works for about two years. They had some problems with heirs to the property that needed to be sorted out.

"I think this is going to be a great thing for Ascension Parish," Sen. Price said. "With this new avenue, it'll relieve a lot of that traffic directly to 44 to the interstate. It's a big business thing for the parish. I really appreciate the parish and them getting behind this project to make it happen for the citizens of Ascension."

Lastly, Gonzales Mayor Barney Arceneaux added that a land developer from Dallas, Texas is currently looking to purchase the land for residential developments in the near future.