BATON ROUGE, La. – Today, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) issued a list of recommended routes for drivers during the current closure of I-10 due to a truck leaking hazardous materials. Additionally, a map illustrating the official detour route and alternate routes is attached.
DOTD is continuously working with the City of Baton Rouge to synchronize traffic signals along these routes in order to keep traffic moving as smoothly as possible. However, motorists should expect significant delays. The routes in order of 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.
In order to help alleviate rush-hour traffic due to the prolonged closure of I-10 at Essen Lane, Louisiana State Police had recommended that nonessential State employees who drive home South from downtown Baton Rouge should be released today in a staggered manner. DOTD would also like to encourage individuals to work a staggered or flex schedule if at possible during the closure in order to lessen the amount of traffic on the road during peak travel times.
DOTD has brought in additional resources including additional dynamic messaging signs and Motorist Assistance Patrols (MAP) to monitor the roadway. Also, MAP trucks will begin 24-hour operations. DOTD has reached out to the railroad companies requesting that they alter schedules to avoid causing additional delays.
Motorists should also 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.
DOTD suggests that traffic go north to avoid this area. Additionally, I-10 eastbound is being diverted to I-12 eastbound at the 10/12 split and then back to I-10 via Airline Highway South and Siegen Lane. I-10 westbound is being diverted off of I-10 both at Highland Road and Siegen Lane to Airline Highway North. Also, drivers should consider using Florida Blvd. to I-110 to the old bridge north of the city and use US 190 to go west. Motorists traveling I-10 westbound in New Orleans are encouraged to use I-55 north to I-12.
Additionally, DOTD encourages truck traffic to avoid Baton Rouge if at all possible and use more northern routes across the Mississippi, such as US 84 (Natchez) and I-20 (Vicksburg).
Citizens can 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.
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.
I-10_Detour.pdf