UPDATE: RE-OPENED: I-49 Ramps; Alexandria; Rapides Parish
Saturday, January 07, 2017 at 11:37:29 AM
1/7/2016
**UPDATE**
Multiple exits and on-ramps along the seven (7) mile urbanized section of I-49 in Alexandria are re-opened.


*ATTENTION*
I-49; Rapides Parish

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), advises all motorists that multiple exits and on-ramps along the seven (7) mile urbanized section of I-49 in Alexandria, have been closed due to extreme winter weather conditions. DOTD's emergency personnel will continue to monitor upcoming weather situations and will scout the area for safety on the roadways. Crews will be mobilized as needed in the event an area is threatened by severe weather conditions. In addition, DOTD crews will apply salt to any affected bridges and roadways, remove fallen trees from the roadway and close roads as needed.

Exit 85 to US 167 Expressway is still open. DOTD will advise when these exits have been re-opened.

Additional Information
Call (318) 561-5100 or (800) 542-3509 or 511 or visit www.511LA.org for additional information. Motorists may also monitor the LA DOTD website @ www.dotd.la.gov, by selecting MYDOTD, the Way to Geaux Application for iPhone or Android devices, the DOTD Facebook page or the LA DOTD Twitter page, @Alex_Traffic for further information and details.

Safety Reminder
DOTD urges motorists to use extra caution when traveling on roadways during hazardous weather conditions and stay off the roads whenever possible. Motorists should drive slowly and carefully, and avoid driving while distracted. Always allow for extra driving time, reduce speeds when visibility is low, and make sure there is plenty of room between vehicles. Also, look out for 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.

Media Contact
Ms. Deidra Druilhet, Public Information Officer
Avoyelles, Rapides, and Vernon Parishes
Phone # 337-262-6133
deidra.druilhet@la.gov

Parish Contact
Troy Roussell, Area Engineer
Avoyelles/Rapides Parish
318-561-5109
troy.roussell@la.gov