DOTD Secretary urges travelers to be cautious, stay informed during heavy rains
Friday, October 04, 2013 at 10:30:54 AM

BATON ROUGE -- Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development Secretary Sherri H. LeBas reminds citizens impacted by Tropical Storm Karen to be aware of roadway conditions while traveling.

For road closures traffic information, dial 511 or visit www.511la.org. Out-of-state travelers can call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511).

"With the weather forecast for coastal Louisiana as unpredictable as it currently is because of the tropical activity, it is important for travelers to be aware of their surroundings. Heavy rains could cause flooding in areas that are not usually prone to such activity," LeBas said. "We have addressed problem areas from past weather events, but if conditions are unsafe, it is best not to travel. If you must drive, be careful and stay vigilant."

According to LeBas, these are some areas that have been, or may be impacted by the weather:

  • La 1077 (Lake Road) in Madisonville is closed.
  • The I-55 Service Road at the Ruddock Interchange in St. John Parish is still passable but may need to be closed later today.
  • Plaquemines Parish: Little or no impacts are expected west of Mississippi River including on La. 23.
  • Grand Isle: There is the potential for flooding on La. 1.
  • Lower St. Bernard and eastern Plaquemines: There is the potential of some roadway flooding outside the levee system on La. 624, La. 625, La. 46, La. 300 and La. 39.
  • Orleans Parish: Flooding on I-10, US 11 and US 90 is not anticipated under the current forecast.
  • St. Tammany Parish: Under the current forecast, these sections of road have the potential for flooding: US 90 from the Rigolets to the Mississippi State Line. La. 433 (Salt Bayou Road), La. 433 (Bayou Liberty Road), US 190 from US 190 Bus. to US 90 in Slidell, US 11 in Slidell, La. 1077 (Lake Road in Madisonville), I-10 interchange at Oak Harbor.
  • St. John Parish: In LaPlace, I-55 interchange at US 51 and the I-10 interchange at La. 3188 (Belle Terre) may see some water on the ramps, but should remain passable.
  • Tangipahoa and Livingston Parishes: No issues are anticipated.
  • Cameron Parish: An approximate 2-foot surge would likely overtop portions of La 82 between Holly Beach and Cameron. Also, a sustained 4-foot surge which resonates a significant distance up the Calcasieu River would possibly overtop an approximate 2-mile section of La, 27 between Hackberry and Kelso Bayou.

Areas from past events that have been addressed:

  • The portion of I-10 near LaPlace in St. John Parish that flooded, keeping the interstate closed during Hurricane Isaac was raised. The project was completed in early September, and it raised the grade of approximately 1,200 feet of I-10 to eliminate a low point in the roadway, adding 4 to 15 inches of asphalt.
  • Southbound lanes were raised on La. 23 near Myrtle Grove and traffic has been returned to those lanes.
  • The US 90 overpass and floodwall near the Jefferson/St. Charles parish line has been completed, this is the location that required HESCO baskets during Isaac.