LSU & Department of Transportation Discussing Student Safety Solutions Along Nicholson Drive

BATON ROUGE, La. – Responding to emergent concerns about pedestrian safety along Nicholson Drive, President Wade Rousse and Department of Transportation and Development Secretary Glenn Ledet announced they are jointly working on potential enhancements from Bob Petit to Lee Drive. LSU student, Leah Fonte and her fiancé died over the weekend walking home after being hit by a car on Nicholson Drive near Lee.    

“All students, whether they live on campus or nearby are part of the LSU family, and their safety is our number one priority,” said President Wade Rousse. “After this weekend’s tragedy, we reached out to our local and state partners to immediately address pedestrians walking along Nicholson Drive. They all immediately answered the call and jumped in to assist LSU, and for that, we are grateful.”

“Safety has been and always will be our top priority at LA DOTD, and that includes ensuring pedestrians and other types of road users can travel safely,” said Secretary Ledet. “We are working collaboratively with LSU and the City of Baton Rouge to identify and evaluate potential solutions to improve roadway safety and help prevent similar tragedies in the future.”

Full details will be shared with students and the public as soon as a plan is finalized.