BATON ROUGE, La. – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announces its preparations for the 2012 hurricane season, which begins today. Prior to the start of hurricane season, DOTD personnel conducted statewide hurricane readiness and response exercises, and met to review and discuss evacuation and contraflow operations.
Evacuation and Contraflow
DOTD and Louisiana State Police have contraflow plans ready in the New Orleans area. During contraflow operations, DOTD district personnel assemble needed materials, including barricades, cones, variable message board signs and any other signage required to implement a contraflow evacuation.
Additionally, DOTD managers remain in frequent contact with parish emergency operation directors throughout the impacted regions, assessing local needs and immediately responding with buses.
DOTD works with contractors to open lanes as appropriate and secure construction sites to expedite the evacuation process. However, motorists should practice safe driving by being patient, staying alert and avoiding driving while distracted, and maintaining safe distances between vehicles. As always, DOTD reminds motorists to buckle up and refrain from drinking and driving.
For more information on hurricane preparedness and to receive the latest hurricane evacuation guide, please visit www.getagameplan.org.
Information on Traffic and Road Conditions
During any severe weather event, DOTD works in conjunction with law enforcement and the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security to issue information to the public regarding road closures and alternate routes. Citizens can access this information on real-time traffic and road conditions by using the 511 Traveler Information System simply by dialing 511 from their telephone and saying the route or region about 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 Web site at www.511la.org.
Motorists can also obtain information regarding road closures by contacting DOTD’s Customer Service Center at 1-877-4LA-DOTD (1-877-452-3683). The center is open 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
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.
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www.dotd.la.gov
Amber Leach
Public Information Officer
Department of Transportation and Development
225-379-1266
For additional DOTD services, visit: DOTD A-Z
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