DOTD announces installation of temporary dams on LA 70 in Assumption and lower St. Martin parishes
Friday, May 24, 2019 at 10:27:04 AM
Baton Rouge, LA – Today, the Department of Transportation and Development began deploying sand sacks along the flooded portion of LA 70 in lower St. Martin Parish. These 100-foot long sand sacks are located along LA 70 between mile posts 7.6 and 8.1, which is approximately two miles north of the LA 70/Stephensville Road intersection. Sand sacks are being used here as they are better equipped for the conditions at this location than water-retention dams. The department is working with local law enforcement to ensure that motorists drive through the area in a safe manner. Message boards, lights, and barricades have been installed to aid motorists in staying in their respective lanes and driving at a reduced speed. DOTD initially installed portable water-filled dams in this location to hold back the rising water, but the wakes created by vehicles traveling through the high water caused the dams to move out of place and rendered them ineffective.

In an effort to provide a permanent solution for flooding along this corridor, DOTD has initiated engineering and survey work to elevate portions of LA 70, which will minimize future flooding. There is no official timeframe for this project, as funding has not been secured.

High levels of the Mississippi and Atchafalaya rivers are causing flooding because the surrounding smaller tributaries have nowhere to drain.

Additionally, DOTD announced that today it will begin deploying approximately 6,000 feet of aqua dams along LA 70 between LA 996 and LA 69 in Assumption Parish. The dams will help to manage rising water on the roadway and to keep the highway open for travel as long as possible. Aqua dams were used successfully on Airline Highway (U.S. 61) in Baton Rouge during the 2016 flood event. Installation of the dams is estimated to be a two to three day operation. The Assumption Parish Sheriff’s Office will be assisting with police presence during the installation in order to reduce traffic speeds through the work zone. Installation will be completed more quickly if there is less wake action from the passing motorists.

DOTD has contacted businesses in the flooded area regarding how their driveways will be affected during this operation, and the businesses have been supportive of the department’s efforts. The water-retention dams will be installed so that the main entrances to Dow and Shell will remain open.

Motorists are encouraged to check the status of road conditions prior to beginning commutes to impacted areas by utilizing the following resources for the latest information regarding road conditions:
  • MyDOTD: Motorists can receive automatic and up-to-date information on local projects, lane and road closures, and other DOTD activity by signing up for MyDOTD at www.dotd.la.gov.
  • 511 Traveler Information: Travelers can also find information regarding road closures by visiting the 511 Traveler Information website at www.511la.org or by dialing 511 from their telephone and saying the route or region about which they are seeking information. Out-of-state travelers can access the system by calling 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511).
  • Social media: Additional information can be found on DOTD’s Facebook and Twitter pages.