More than 600 crashes have occurred in construction zones on Interstate 10 since work began in May 2017 between Lafayette and the Atchafalaya Basin.

The interstate is being widened to allow for better traffic flow. The highway will expand to three travel lanes in each direction in some areas. Other areas are being repaved. The work is expected to be complete in summer 2020.

According to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, there were 137 crashes on I-10 between May 2017 and December 2018 in the construction zone between La. 347 in St. Martin Parish and the base of the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge.

None of these crashes resulted in fatalities. Authorities determined that 30 were caused by distracted driving/inattentiveness, and three were the result of impaired driving.

From May 2017 to December 2018, there were 477 crashes in the construction area on I-10 between Interstate 48 and Breaux Bridge. These crashes resulted in two fatalities, both in 2017. Of these, 215 were caused by distracted driving/inattentiveness, and 10 were caused by impaired driving.

Together, the projects cost more than $180 million and cover a little more than 10 miles.

The DOTD offered these tips for drivers when traveling in construction zones: