BATON ROUGE — Ongoing construction along I-10 is changing how some Baton Rouge drivers get around, with congestion and lane changes frustrating motorists and LSU students.

For some drivers, the construction has become enough of a headache that they have changed their daily routes.

“I’m gonna be honest with you, it intimidates the ‘beejeebers’ out of me, so I just avoid the entire area. It’s just easier that way,”  Baton Rouge resident Karen Babb said.

The disruption is also affecting people driving around LSU’s campus, where students say getting to class has become more difficult.

“Yeah, I mean it’s been crazy just because on campus trying to get to classes, it’s a nightmare. So it’s tough,” Will, an LSU student, said.

Transportation officials say the construction and the congestion that comes with it are part of a much larger plan to widen and rebuild this stretch of I-10.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development says the next major phase of the widening project is scheduled to begin in October. That’s when crews are expected to start work on the westbound flyover.

The work will include installing new columns and supports—the concrete structures that will hold up the elevated roadway.

The Perkins Road on-ramps have also been extended by 300 feet. Once completed, officials say the longer on-ramps will give drivers more room to merge onto I-10.

While the construction may be frustrating for motorists now, some say the finished project could make the disruption worthwhile.

“I’m sure with any project, it’s the transition that’s hard because it’s gonna be wonderful, I’m sure,” Babb said.

For LSU students, the finished project can’t come soon enough.

“I think it’ll be a lot easier when it’s done. In the meantime, it’s just not been great,” Will said.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development says LSU football fans can expect a break for home football games. Crews will not work on the project during those games.