Groom Road Corridor Upgrade Moves Forward as Construction Intensifies in Baker
Construction has begun on Groom Road in Baker as part of the MoveBR project, bringing long-term road and drainage improvements expected to continue through 2026.
BAKER, La. — Construction is progressing on the Groom Road Corridor Upgrade, a major infrastructure initiative funded through the MoveBR Enhancement Program, as crews advance deeper into active work along one of Baker’s most traveled roadways.
Contract workers have begun street milling at the intersection of Plank Road and Groom Road, moving west toward the Baker Fire Station. The milling phase is preparing the corridor for the next stage of construction, which will focus on subsurface drainage improvements aimed at addressing long-standing water management and roadway deterioration issues.
City officials say the project is advancing as planned and is expected to continue through 2026 due to its scope. Additional phases will include further roadway reconstruction and infrastructure enhancements designed to improve safety, traffic flow, and durability along the corridor.
Mayor Darnell Waites said the project reflects a commitment to turning promises into tangible results for residents.
“Groom Road represents more than pavement and pipes — it represents progress,” Waites said. “This project is about keeping our word to the people of Baker by building roads that last, fixing drainage that protects homes, and investing in infrastructure that moves our city forward. We are not talking about change anymore — we are putting it in the ground. Baker is rising, and this is what forward looks like.”
The project is funded through the voter-approved MoveBR tax, which supports transportation and infrastructure improvements across East Baton Rouge Parish. City leaders credited the residents of Baker for backing the initiative, noting that local support made the long-term investment possible.
The effort is a coordinated partnership involving the City of Baker, the Baker City Council, District 2 Metro Councilman Anthony B. Kenney, and East Baton Rouge City-Parish government. Officials say the Groom Road upgrade aligns with Mayor Waites’ broader vision to improve roads and drainage citywide while strengthening Baker’s infrastructure for future growth.
Motorists are advised to expect intermittent traffic disruptions and to use caution while traveling through construction zones. Residents with questions or concerns related to the project may contact project representative Keith Stantec at (985) 966-6631.
City officials say additional updates will be released as work continues, describing the Groom Road project as a key milestone in the city’s ongoing effort to “Move Baker Forward.”
