BATON ROUGE, La. – In anticipation of heavy traffic flow through Baton Rouge on November 3 for the LSU-Alabama home game, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announced that it will provide additional support to monitor traffic from the Traffic Management Center (TMC), located in Baton Rouge, between the hours of 4 p.m. and midnight.
The supplementary coverage in the TMC will expedite incident-reporting, and allow for prompt communication of reliable commute times and suggested detour routes to the public. DOTD will utilize dynamic message signs (DMS) to post these real-time traffic announcements on the interstate.
Additionally, Motorist Assistance Patrol coverage will be extended on game-day evening from 7:30 p.m. to midnight. MAP vehicles patrol the interstate system in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Lake Charles and the Shreveport-Bossier City area, providing services to stranded motorists. The program improves traffic flow and reduces congestion caused by stalled vehicles.
DOTD advises drivers that all major routes throughout the Baton Rouge area will be open this weekend. This includes no planned lane closures on I-10 and I-12 in East Baton Rouge and Livingston parishes and no closures within the construction zone on Florida Boulevard between Foster Drive and Airline Highway. However, drivers should adhere to the reduce speed limits within these zones.
DOTD reminds motorists to drive carefully, avoid driving while distracted, 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 get the latest updates on real-time traffic and road conditions by using the 511 Traveler Information System.
The voice-activated 511 Traveler Information Service is available to most wireless and landline telephone users. The service allows callers to access up-to-date information about weather-related road conditions, construction activities and other critical incidents 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 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 dotdcs@la.gov, 1-877-4LA-DOTD (1-877-452-3683) or (225) 379-1232. Business hours are 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.
-30-
www.dotd.la.gov