New Orleans – The Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) continues recovery activities related to Hurricane Isaac in Plaquemines Parish, along highways 39 and 3137. DOTD has added more assets to remove debris caused by the storm as other areas are now cleared. To date, DOTD has gathered approximately 175,000 cubic yards of debris.

“Plaquemines Parish and the immediate surrounding areas were hit particularly hard,” said Rhett Desselle, Assistant Secretary for DOTD Operations. “We take pride in our response efforts, but know it will be a long, tedious process to clean up the entire area. We will continue working to clear all right-of-ways as soon as possible.”

DOTD now has over 100 pieces of equipment on the ground to assist in the effort, including an assortment of track hoes, dump trucks, and skid steers. Clean up crews are currently focused on marsh grass and items that were washed out of homes onto the roadway during the storm, such as building materials and lumber. A minimal amount of other goods, such as refrigerators, washers, dryers and stoves remain scattered about the parish awaiting pick up.

DOTD appreciates residents for their continued patience and encourages them to set out any debris they may have for pickup as instructed by the parish. It estimates it will clear approximately 300,000-400,000 cubic yards of debris once the operation wraps up.

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