A project to turn the Interstate 10 exit at University Avenue into a gateway for the University of Louisiana at Lafayette is blooming.
Last week, UL Lafayette President Joseph Savoie and City-Parish President Joey Durel joined representatives from Apache Corporation and Upper Lafayette Economic Development Authority for the planting of 100 red and white Crepe Myrtle trees along the gateway.
The trees are part of a collaborative effort among the groups to create a gateway at the exit and revitalize the area.
Apache Corporation donated a total of 200 trees to the university as part of the company’s efforts to protect and preserve the environment. The remaining Crepe Myrtles will be placed along University Avenue leading to UL Lafayette.
The trees are a second phase to the exit’s beautification. Last year, artist Robert Dafford painted two murals of the university’s logo on the interstate’s concrete embankment.