DOTD prepared for possible wintery weather
Friday, January 06, 2017 at 8:15:53 AM
DOTD prepared for possible wintery weather

BATON ROUGE – With the possibility of wintery weather, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has staff, de-icing materials and equipment staged throughout the state to respond in the event of adverse weather. Forecasts call for the possibility of freezing temperatures with some precipitation in isolated areas throughout the state today and Saturday morning.

DOTD will have crews scouting the roadways and bridges and will be prepared to respond, if necessary.

Supply inventories and equipment have been checked, and crews will address any affected bridges and roadways. In addition, DOTD will continue to monitor upcoming weather situations.

For the most up-to-date road status information, DOTD offers motorists various resources:

• 511 Traveler Information: Travelers can 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).

• 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.

DOTD urges motorists to use extra caution when traveling on roadways during hazardous weather conditions and stay off the roads whenever possible. DOTD will do everything it can to keep Louisiana’s highways and interstate system open in the event of freezing rain, sleet or snow and will prioritize the maintenance and opening of routes based on traffic volumes.

During winter weather conditions, motorists should 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.

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.