LAFAYETTE, La. (AP) — A portion of Bertrand Drive in Lafayette one day may be a spot for leisurely strolls, bicycle rides and sidewalk cafés.

The Advocate reports the proposed city-parish budget for next year includes $700,000 for a streetscape project that would reduce a portion of the four-lane road to two or three lanes, add sidewalks and possibly include landscaping and on-street parking.

The goal is to make Bertrand between Johnston Street and College Drive a friendly corridor for foot and bike traffic and to spur business development.

The streetscape project is still three to four years out, but the state Department of Transportation and Development is expected to restripe the road later this year, reducing the road to three lanes and using the reworked space for bike lanes.

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