UPDATE - REOPENED: I-49 NB & SB lanes in Alexandria, Rapides Parish
Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 8:47:08 AM

UPDATE - REOPENED: I-49 NB & SB lanes in Alexandria, Rapides Parish


(UPDATE 2/22/2025 8:45am): DOTD advises motorists that the southbound lanes of I-49 are now open. ALL lanes are currently open to travel.
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(UPDATE 2/21/2025 7:45pm): DOTD advises motorists that the northbound lanes of I-49 have been reopened. The southbound lanes remain closed at this time as the clean-up process is ongoing.
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(Original notification 2/21/2025 12:30pm):

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development advises motorists that, effectively immediately, both the northbound and southbound lanes of I-49 in Alexandria, Rapides Parish are closed due to a crash involving a tanker truck that has spilled oil onto the interstate.

The closure is in place from Exit 86 (US 71/MacArthur Drive) to Exit 80 (US 71 S), and will remain in place for an undetermined amount of time until hazmat operations can clean the interstate.

DOTD will issue an update when the interstate has been reopened and is once again safe for travel.

Motorists are advised to utilize US 71 or other alternate routes.

Restrictions/Permits: Full interstate closure. All vehicles will need to utilize an alternate route.

Alternate Route: US 71

Safety reminder:

DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution through the construction site and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment. Remember to leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Area residents should exercise caution when driving, walking, or biking near an active construction zone.

Additional information:

Call 511, visit www.511la.org, or download the Louisiana 511 mobile app for additional travel information. Out-of-state travelers may call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511). Motorists may also monitor the LA DOTD website at www.dotd.la.gov, by selecting MyDOTD, or by visiting the DOTD Facebook and X (Twitter) pages.

Contact Information:

Erin Buchanan
Public Information Officer
Alexandria District
(318) 549-8402
erin.buchanan@la.gov