BATON ROUGE, La. – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) is continuously working, in conjunction with the City of Baton Rouge, to return signals to their normal operation on major routes throughout the greater Baton Rouge area.

Yesterday, the signals were adjusted to accommodate the increased surface street traffic as a result of the closure on I-10 in Baton Rouge, due to a truck leaking hazardous materials.

The routes in order of signal adjustment priority are as follows.

Airline Hwy. (US 61)

Perkins Road (LA 427)

Jefferson Hwy. (LA 73)

Florida Blvd. (US 190)

Burbank Dr. (LA 42)

Nicholson Dr. (LA 30)

College Dr.

Essen Lane (LA 3064)

Bluebonnet Blvd. (LA 1248)

Siegen Lane (LA 3246)/ Sherwood Forest Blvd.

DOTD asks drivers remain patient as they work through this process. Motorists are encouraged to stay alert, avoid driving while distracted, and maintain a safe distance between vehicles. As always, DOTD reminds motorists to buckle up and refrain from drinking and driving.

Citizens are encouraged to get the latest updates 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.

Initial reports, following the I-10 closure, affirm the use of the 511 Travel Information System as an important tool to help drivers stay informed and better plan their routes. During the event, the 511 website received 5,200 total hits yesterday in comparison to a daily average of 800 hits. Additionally, the mobile site received 1,100 total hits yesterday in comparison to a daily average of 125 hits.

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.

www.dotd.la.gov