DOTD reminds motorists to drive safely during Christmas holiday
Tuesday, December 22, 2015 at 10:43:31 AM
BATON ROUGE, La. – Today, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development reminded motorists to use caution when traveling on the roadways during the Christmas holiday weekend (Friday, Dec. 25 through Monday, Dec. 28).

Secretary Sherri LeBas announced that all oversize and overweight vehicle travel on state highways will be prohibited on Thursday, Dec. 24 through Friday, Dec. 25, 2015 in observance of the Christmas holidays. In observance of the New Year holiday, vehicle movement will be prohibited on Thursday, Dec. 31 through Friday, Jan. 1, 2016. LeBas said the decision was made in conjunction with the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Office of State Police to maximize the safety of motorists traveling during this holiday.
The Department’s Truck Permit Office will also be closed on Thursday, Dec. 24, 2015, Friday, Dec. 25, 2015, Thursday Dec. 31, 2015 and Friday, Jan. 1, 2016.

For traveling convenience, motorists can access up-to-date information about weather-related road conditions, construction activities and other critical incidents by dialing 511 from their telephone. The voice-activated 511 Traveler Information System is available to most wireless and landline telephone users. Out-of-state travelers can access the system by calling 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511). Travelers can also access this information by visiting the 511 Traveler Information System Website at www.511la.org.
Another option is to utilize the “Way to Geaux” smartphone application to receive real-time, around-the-clock travel alerts. The hands-free, eyes-free application can be downloaded on any iPhone or Android device by visiting either the iTunes App Store or Google Play.

DOTD’s Customer Service Center representatives can also answer questions about road closures or any other DOTD-related questions. Please call (225) 379-1232 or 1-877-4LADOTD (1-877-452-3683) with questions. The center’s business hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Customer Service Center will be closed Thursday, Dec. 24 and Friday, Dec. 25, 2015, as well as Thursday, Dec. 31, 2015, and Friday, Jan. 1, 2016. Drivers are encouraged to tune in to local radio stations for current traffic and incident information prior to traveling.