BATON ROUGE, LA – As winter weather continues to impact regions across the state, DOTD urges motorists to use caution when traveling on roads and bridges in affected areas.
Forecasts call for possible freezing road conditions overnight and during the early morning hours in the northern, central and southwestern regions of Louisiana. Motorists are encouraged to check the status of road conditions prior to beginning commutes to impacted areas.
In an effort to keep roadways open, DOTD is actively continuing salting and de-icing operations. In addition, supply inventories and equipment have been checked, and crews are addressing any affected bridges and roadways. However, if roads are impassable or unsafe they will be closed for the safety of the traveling public. ?
DOTD will also do everything it can to keep Louisiana’s interstate system and highways open in the event of freezing rain, sleet or snow by prioritizing the maintenance and opening of routes based on traffic volumes.
At this time, roadway closures are as follows:
Ouachita Parish
• I-20 EB on-ramp from Layton Ave.
• I-20 EB on-ramp from La. 34
• I-20 WB on-ramp from Calypso St.
• I-20 EB off-ramp at Pecanland Mall Fly Ramp
• La. 3280 – Endom Bridge (DeSiard Street Bridge)
• I-20 WB on-ramp from St. John St.
• I-20 EB on-ramp at 5th St.
• I-20 WB on-ramp at 5th St.
• I-20 EB off-ramp at Hall St.
• I-20 WB off-ramp at Layton/S. 2nd St.
• I-20 EB off-ramp at Layton Ave. /Civic Center (The fork to the right to Jackson Street remains open.)
• La. 546 overpass over KCS railroad
• La. 546 overpass over I-20
• U.S. 165 Business overpass (Lea Joyner Expressway)
Caddo Parish
• I-49 is closed between La. 1 and the Arkansas State line. Alternate route is U.S. 71.
• I-49 North is closed between La. 526 and I-20
• I-49 South is closed between I-20 and La. 3132
• I-220 is entirely closed
Bossier Parish
• La. 3 at the KCS overpass
• La. 154 Bridge over Lake Bistenau
For the most up-to-date and accurate road status information, DOTD advises motorists to use the 511 Traveler Information website at www.511la.org or via phone by dialing 511.
As conditions continue to deteriorate, DOTD urges motorists to use extra caution when traveling on roadways during hazardous weather conditions and stay off the roads whenever possible.
During winter weather conditions, motorists should drive using the following safety tips:
• Drive slowly and carefully
• Avoid driving while distracted
• Always allow for extra driving time
• Reduce speeds when visibility is low
• Make sure there is plenty of room between vehicles
• Watch for salt trucks, local and state responders, and other equipment on the road
Also, beware of black ice--a thin, transparent layer of ice accumulation that can be visually hard to detect on bridges, overpasses, off-ramps and in shady spots. As always, DOTD reminds motorists to buckle up and refrain from drinking and driving.