DOTD urges caution during possible winter weather event
Monday, January 28, 2019 at 3:47:45 PM

DOTD urges caution during possible winter weather event


The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development advises motorists that the forecasted weather conditions for overnight Monday, January 28, 2019 may result in hazardous driving conditions on state roads and bridges in Central Louisiana.

Motorists should use extreme caution when traveling tonight and tomorrow morning. DOTD will be monitoring the roadways for ice/snow and its forces will be on standby to apply salt over affected bridges, remove fallen trees from the roadway, and close routes as needed.

Routes susceptible to closure in the Alexandria District (District 08), which covers Avoyelles, Grant, Natchitoches, Rapides, Sabine, Vernon and Winn, include:

- Richard Thompson/LA 8 Bridge over the Red River (Boyce Bridge)
- Gillis Long/US 165B Bridge in Alexandria over the Red River
- Urban elevated sections of I-49 in Alexandra, from Exit 80-MacArthur Drive (Jct. US 71/167) to Exit 94-Rapides Station

During winter weather conditions, motorists should adhere to 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 on the lookout for DOTD crews and their equipment. Be particularly aware of slow-moving salt spreader trucks on interstate routes.
• Remember that it’s unlawful and unsafe to drive around a road closed barricade for any reason.

DOTD urges motorists to stay off the roads whenever possible during hazardous conditions. Additionally, drivers should be cautious of black ice - a thin, transparent layer of ice accumulation that can be visually difficult to detect on bridges, overpasses, off-ramps and in shady areas.

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

• 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). The 511 app may also be downloaded on your mobile device.

• Social Media: Find DOTD on social media for updates and information. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Contact Information:

Erin Buchanan
Public Information Officer
District 08
(318) 549-8402
erin.buchanan@la.gov