Louisiana Highway 123

LA 123 is an undivided two-lane highway for its entire length.[2] The highway is classified by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (La DOTD) as a rural major collector from its western terminus through Dry Prong. The remainder of the route east of Dry Prong is classified as a rural minor collector. Daily traffic volume in 2013 averaged between 570 and 870 vehicles over most of the route. The lowest figure reported was 230 vehicles through the eastern portion near Breezy Hill.[6] The posted speed limit is generally 55 mph (90 km/h), reduced to 35 mph (55 km/h) through Dry Prong.[2]

In the original Louisiana Highway system in use between 1921 and 1955, the modern LA 123 was designated as State Route 617. It was an addition to the state highway system enacted by the state legislature in 1930.[8]

Route 617. Commencing at a point seven miles east of Colfax, Louisiana, at the intersection of the Colfax and Pollock Highway, thence proceeding in a northeasterly direction to Fuller's filling Station thence across the Louisiana & Arkansas Railroad, continuing in the same general direction to its intersection with the Pelican Highway, at Futrell's filling station, commonly known as the Colfax and Rochelle road.

— 1930 legislative route description[8]

The entirety of Route 617 was graveled by the early 1930s[9] and paved during the early 1950s.[10][11] The only significant difference between the pre-1955 route and the current LA 123 is the eastern terminus, which was originally located at an intersection with the present LA 524 at Breezy Hill.[12] This was the original alignment of the pre-1955 State Route 14, which became part of US 165 when the numbered U.S. Highway system was implemented in 1926. In 1949, US 165 was placed onto a new and straighter alignment bypassing Breezy Hill.[13][14] The old alignment was retained in the state highway system as State Route C-2115 and served to connect Route 617 with the new section of highway.[7]

LA 123 was created in 1955 as a direct renumbering of former State Route 617.[11][15]

La 123—From a junction with La 8 northeast of Colfax through or near Dry Prong and Breezy Hill to a junction with La-US 165.

— 1955 legislative route description[15]

The old alignment of US 165 remained in the state highway system as LA 524, continuing to provide a state-maintained connection between Breezy Hill and the current alignment. However, an existing gravel local road was also taken into the system to provide a more direct connection. LA 123 therefore extends slightly further to the east compared to the pre-1955 route.[16] This extension was paved by 1960.[17] Since the 1955 renumbering, the route of LA 123 has remained virtually the same. Minor improvements include a sharp curve at Fire Tower Road between LA 8 and Dry Prong that has been bypassed, as well as a zigzag at Breezy Hill that has been smoothed out.[4][16]