DOTD readies for more winter weather
Wednesday, March 04, 2015 at 1:17:50 PM
BATON ROUGE, La. -- As forecasts indicate wintry weather conditions could impact northern and central Louisiana, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development urges motorists to use caution when traveling on roads and bridges in affected areas.
Currently, forecasts call for possible freezing road conditions overnight and during the early morning hours.
In an effort to keep roadways open, DOTD is prepared for salting and de-icing operations. Current inventories of salt and sand, as well as equipment, are more than adequate to make it through this possible winter weather event.
DOTD will do everything possible 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. Crews will address affected bridges and roadways. However, if roads are impassable or unsafe they will be closed for the safety of the traveling public.
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).
• Way to Geaux smartphone application: The app can be downloaded on any iPhone or Android device by visiting either the iTunes App Store, or Google Play.
During winter weather conditions, motorists should practice the following driving 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.
• Be alert for DOTD and other state and local responders’ equipment, truckers, and workers performing work on the bridges and roadways.
Also, be cautious 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.