DOTD has cleared debris
from all state roadways

^{Current closures related to down power lines,
flood waters and flood protection efforts}

BATON ROUGE -- The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) has cleared debris from all state roadways. The remaining closures are related to down power lines, flood waters and flood protection efforts.

DOTD crews continue to work diligently to clear and reopen roadways as flood waters subside along Interstate 10 and some of its interchanges, while monitoring areas still affected by flood waters.

"We will continue to prioritize our storm response efforts with all available resources including personnel, equipment and maintenance," said DOTD Secretary Sherri H. LeBas. "Our crews are working with the highest sense of urgency to assist all affected parishes."

DOTD has 596 staff and 321 trucks and equipment deployed assisting with hurricane response efforts. More than 133 miles have been cleared. Any roadways that are not open are closed due to flood protection efforts, downed power lines or water on the roadway. To date, DOTD crews have picked up 1,391 cubic yards of debris and repaired 117 traffic signals across the affected areas.

To date, DOTD has provided 1,144 yards of sand; 6,850 sandbags and 750 linear feet of Hesco baskets in support of the parishes recovering from Hurricane Isaac flooding. Additionally, DOTD has transported more than 424 cubic yards of sand to assist in flood protection efforts and coordinated the mobilization of 276 coaches, 24 para-transit and handicap accessible vehicles, 68 school buses and over a dozen pet transport vehicles to assist in the evacuation of people from the path of Hurricane Isaac and the subsequent flooding.

Within 6 hours of daybreak and hurricane winds subsiding, DOTD opened all state routes in East Baton Rouge Parish, East Feliciana Parish and Pointe Coupee Parish.

DOTD is working in conjunction with law enforcement and the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness 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 visiting www.511la.org or 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).

DOTD urges motorists to use extra caution when traveling on roadways during hazardous weather conditions and stay off the roads whenever possible. Motorists should drive slowly and carefully, and avoid driving while distracted. Always allow for extra driving time, reduce speeds when visibility is low, and make sure there is plenty of room between vehicles. As always, DOTD reminds motorists to buckle up and refrain from drinking and driving.

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 typically open from 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday, but has extended its hours during the storm.

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.

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Governor's Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness | 7667 Independence Blvd. | Baton Rouge, LA 70806 | 225.925.7500