Railroad Preemptive Flashing Beacon with Sign installed on LA 3170, Rapides Parish
Tuesday, August 06, 2019 at 9:27:44 AM

Railroad Preemptive Flashing Beacon with Sign installed on LA 3170, Rapides Parish


The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development advises the public of a new flashing beacon with sign installed on LA 3170 in the Latanier area of Rapides Parish. The purpose of the beacon is to warn motorists of the presence of trains on the railroad crossing near the LA 1 intersection. The beacon is located about 1.5 miles west of the railroad crossing, giving eastbound traffic notification to detour to LA 457.

The installation of this preemptive flashing beacon and sign will improve the safety of this corridor and railroad crossing by warning motorists that a train is currently on the track thus allowing drivers the option of detouring onto LA 457 around the LA 3170 railroad crossing.

Because the beacon only flashes when a train is present, the estimated 2 minute travel time from the beacon to the railroad crossing cannot be accounted for. This lag time could result in some motorists still encountering a train across the track without seeing the beacon flashing.

Safety Reminder:

DOTD appreciates the motoring public’s patience and reminds drivers to please exercise caution when traveling through work zone areas and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment.

Motorists can access the latest updates on real-time traffic and road conditions using the 511 Traveler Information System by dialing 511 from their telephone and saying the route or region on which they are seeking information. Out-of-state travelers can call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511). Travelers can also access this information by visiting the 511 Traveler Information website at www.511la.org.

Additionally, you can follow the Traffic Management Center on Twitter: (@Alex Traffic). Motorists may also monitor the LA DOTD website at www.dotd.la.gov and the DOTD Facebook and Twitter pages.

Contact information:

Erin Buchanan
Public Information Officer
District 08: Avoyelles, Grant, Natchitoches, Rapides, Sabine, Vernon, and Winn Parishes
Phone: (318) 549-8402
erin.buchanan@la.gov