BATON ROUGE, La. – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announced today that crews have completed work to clear and reopen roadways that were closed following the severe weather event during the Christmas holiday.

During the severe weather event, DOTD crews supported their communities by repairing more than 23 traffic signals, removing 51 limbs and other debris from state roadways, and closing and reopening more than 64 highways across Louisiana. Work to reopen all affected roadways finished yesterday.

With the possibility of snow, rain and sleet over the next few months in Louisiana, DOTD personnel will continually monitor weather forecasts and are prepared to place crews on stand-by in the event the state is threatened by severe weather conditions.

DOTD urges motorists to use extra caution when traveling on roadways during hazardous weather conditions and stay off the roads whenever possible. DOTD will do everything possible to keep Louisiana’s highways and interstate system open in the event of snow and will prioritize the maintenance and opening of routes based on traffic volumes.

During severe weather conditions, 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.

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.