By JIM BUTLER

A public meeting November 11 to discuss a SugarHouse Road extension in South Alexandria is but a hint of things to come.

The meeting, set for 4-7 p.m. at the Frank O. Hunter Park gymnasium, will feature proposed design and route plans for the eventual link between I-49 and LA 1.

It is Phase 2 of an arterial inner loop that will allow traffic to bypass the high-density urban area and provide industrial and commercial access to acreage now inaccessible.

Updated cost estimates are in the range of $15 million or more.

That’s but a footnote to what state and local planners have as the ultimate goal – an outer loop beginning in the Ball area, crossing Red River, sweeping by England Air Park, continuing south, then turning back eventually re-crossing the Red in vicinity of Williams Lake Road, and heading toward its origin.

Looping both Alexandria and Pineville, it would link LA 28 East and West (envisioned as eventually part of future I-14 West Texas to East Georgia).

The route favored by the Central Louisiana Regional Beltway Commission is about 46 miles.

How complex is it? Consider – 11 interchanges, 2 river crossings, 7 rail overpasses, 4 bridge crossings, 4 road overpasses.

DOTD classifies the loop as a Priority A mega project, meaning it’s high priority, large scale and requires special funding.

Cost estimates are difficult due to the 20-30 years expected to pass from start to finish. The most recent number is $2 billion.