MAURICE, La -- The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announced today beginning Monday, February 27, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. the J-Turn at the intersection of US 167 and La 699, in Vermilion Parish, will be in full operation.

Work on the construction of the safety measure, known as the J-Turn, officially began the week of January 9, 2012. The J-turn design will safely and efficiently manage traffic and eliminate left-turn and through movements from side roads and driveways into crossovers. All vehicles will be forced to turn right and then U-turn at a median opening down the road.

By constructing the J-Turn at the intersection of US 167 and La 699, it will assist in reducing the risk of crashes and specifically the risk of severe crashes such as side-collisions or T-bone type accidents.

The J-Turn was part of the larger $3.5 million project along U.S. 167 from 0.6 miles north of the La. 14 Bypass to the Lafayette Parish line. This project resurfaced a 9.3 mile stretch of U.S. 167 that runs between Abbeville and Maurice.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) is committed to delivering transportation and public works systems that enhance the quality of life. In addition to more than 16,600 miles of roadway, including over 890 miles of interstate, DOTD supports the development of the state's aviation, marine and rail infrastructures. Through this work, we are able to facilitate economic development, create job opportunities, improve vital evacuation routes, and make critical freight corridors safer and more efficient.

For more information, please visit www.dotd.la.gov, email dotdcs@la.gov, or call DOTD's Customer Service Center at (225) 379-1232 or 1-877-4LADOTD (1-877-452-3683). Business hours are 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Motorists can access up-to-date travel information by dialing 511 or by visiting www.511la.org. Out-of-state travelers can call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511).