Plank Road: A Struggle for Revival in North Baton Rouge

Once a thriving hub in North Baton Rouge, Plank Road now bears the scars of decades of neglect. Cracked pavement, uneven sidewalks, and empty storefronts tell the story of a community fighting to reclaim its vitality. Yet amid the decay, efforts are underway to reverse the decline and restore hope to this historic corridor.

A Community in Decline

Plank Road, located near Interstate 110 and the ExxonMobil plant, was once a vibrant artery of commerce and culture. However, the exodus of white residents in the 1990s triggered a long downturn. As families and businesses left, the population dwindled. By 2020, fewer than 3,500 people remained, down from over 8,500 in the 1960s.

Census data illustrates the shift: the 70805 ZIP code, encompassing Plank Road, saw its Black population grow to 93% by 2020, while economic disparities widened. With a median income of just $27,556—less than half the state average—many residents struggle to make ends meet, and nearly half live below the poverty line.

Father Tat Hoang, pastor of St. Gerard Majella Catholic Church, witnesses the community's challenges firsthand. “People misunderstand this area,” he said. “The families here are resilient and generous, but they’ve been overlooked for too long.”

The Road to Recovery

In response to decades of disinvestment, the city-parish launched the Plank Road Restoration Project, a $46 million initiative aimed at revitalizing the 5.3-mile stretch from I-110 to Airline Highway. The project includes repaving, upgraded sidewalks, enhanced lighting, and improved traffic management.

Local leaders hope these changes will attract businesses and foster economic growth. “Fixing Plank Road isn’t just about infrastructure—it’s about opportunity,” said Laci Sherman, president of the North Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce. She believes better roads will encourage small businesses to invest in the area, keeping money and resources local.

Sherman highlighted how poor road conditions create cascading hardships for residents. “Potholes don’t just damage cars—they disrupt lives. Missed work and school lead to cycles of financial strain,” she said.

Balancing Progress and Equity

Despite the optimism, concerns remain about whether the benefits will reach the area’s predominantly Black and low-income residents. Metropolitan Councilman Cleve Dunn Jr. warned that without intentional efforts, projects like this could bypass those who need them most.

“We often fight for good roads and schools, but the wealth created by these projects rarely stays in our communities,” Dunn said. He advocates for expanded support for Black-owned businesses and greater access to government grants.

Programs like Build Baton Rouge aim to assist small businesses, but Dunn fears the process may deter those unfamiliar with navigating bureaucratic systems. He hopes to see more targeted outreach to ensure equitable participation.

Signs of Hope

The restoration project, slated for completion by mid-2026, has already brought visible changes. Bare stretches of asphalt and construction crews signal a tangible commitment to the area’s renewal.

Similar efforts in other parts of Baton Rouge—like the Perkins Road expansion and upgrades to North Sherwood Forest Drive—have demonstrated the potential for revitalization. Still, many acknowledge that rebuilding Plank Road will require a sustained focus on equity and community involvement.

For residents like Hoang, even modest improvements are a step in the right direction. “This area doesn’t have much to lose, but every small win matters,” he said.

As Plank Road undergoes its transformation, it remains a symbol of both the challenges and the resilience of North Baton Rouge. With hope and perseverance, the community is determined to turn blight into progress and reclaim its place in the city’s future.