Motorists urged to use extreme caution during winter weather
Tuesday, February 24, 2015 at 12:41:00 AM
DOTD urges motorists to use extreme caution as winter weather continues

BATON ROUGE, La. – As winter weather continues to heavily impact regions across the state, DOTD urges motorists to use extreme 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. Due to these unfavorable driving conditions, 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.

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:

Rapides Parish
• LA 8 Bridge (Richard Thompson) over the Red River

Ouachita Parish
• I-20 EB Off Ramp at Hall Street.
• I-20 WB Off Ramp Layton/S. 2nd Street
• I-20 EB Off Ramp Layton Ave./Civic Center (fork to the left).
• I-20 EB On Ramp from Layton Ave.
• 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 from LA 34 (Stella Mill Fly ramp).
• LA 546 Overpass over KCS Railroad.
• LA 546 Overpass over I-20.
• US 165 Business Overpass (Lea Joyner Expressway).
• I-20 EB Off Ramp at 5th Street.
• I-20 EB On Ramp at 5th Street.
• I-20 WB Off Ramp at 5th Street.
• I-20 WB On Ramp at 5th Street.

Caddo Parish
• I-49 is closed between LA 1 and the Arkansas State line. Alternate route is US 71.
• I-49 North is closed between LA 526 and I-20.
• I-49 South is closed between I-20 and LA 3132.

Bossier Parish
• I-220 is entirely closed from one end to the other.
• LA 3 at the KCS overpass.
• LA 154 Bridge over Lake Bistineau is closed. There is no designated detour.

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 and to travel only if necessary.

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.