DOTD clarifies misinformation on New Orleans area road closures; continues response to winter weather conditions
Friday, January 24, 2014 at 1:50:12 PM

NEW ORLEANS, La. – Reports of road closures due to inclement weather in the Greater New Orleans area have been erroneous and the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development would like to clarify the misinformation. There are currently no road/bridge closures in effect and no planned closures for DOTD roadways or bridges in the Metro area.

DOTD emergency personnel are monitoring weather forecasts and crews are continuing to respond to roads impacted by severe weather conditions across the state. While closure predictions cannot be made, any DOTD roadway will be closed if it is deemed unsafe for travel.

Motorists are reminded to use extra caution when traveling 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, and prioritize the maintenance and opening of routes based on traffic volumes.

The following roads have been closed due to impacts from winter weather conditions. Please keep in mind that none of these road closures affect the New Orleans Metro area and closures are subject to change quickly.

Current road closures due to Winter Weather Event

Allen Parish:

·         All bridges in Allen Parish

Acadia Parish:

·         The John N. John overpass (US 90) in Crowley

Jefferson Davis Parish:

·         All bridges in Jefferson Davis Parish

·         Lake Arthur Bridge over the Merementau River on LA. 14

Beauregard Parish:

·         All bridges in Beauregard Parish

St. Martin Parish:

·         I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge

West Baton Rouge Parish:

·         LA 1 entrance and exit ramps from I-10 East and West

·         US 190 West at LA-415 (Lobdell)

·         I-10 East at LA 415

Lafayette Parish:

·         The Billeaud Overpass in Broussard

·         US 90 Westbound at Ambassador Caffery

Iberia Parish:

·         US 90 overpass over LA 88 near Coteau 

Iberville Parish:

·         I-10 East and West at the Atchafalaya Basin

East Baton Rouge Parish:

  • I-110 North and South closed between I-10/I-110 and US 61 (Scenic Hwy.)
  • I-10 East between the Mississippi River Bridge and Essen on I-10
  • I-10 West between Highland and the Mississippi River Bridge
  • I-12 West between O’Neal and the I-10/I-12 Merge
  • I-12 East from the I-10/I-12 Split and Amite River
  • US 190 East Mississippi River Bridge

Calcasieu Parish:

  • I-10 East and West between Mile Marker 25 to Mile Marker 34 with intermittent closures.
  • All bridges in Calcasieu Parish
  • I-210 East and West between Mile Marker 1 to Mile Marker 4 with intermittent closures
  • I-10 East and West from the state line to MP 3 with intermittent closures.
  • I-10 East at MP 27 overpass being diverted onto I-210
  • Traffic passing in one lane on I-10 West at MP 62 overpass.
  • I-10 East and West at the Calcasieu River Bridge 

St. Landry Parish:

  • I-49 North and South is closed from US 190 (Mile Marker 20) to LA 29 (Mile Marker 40).

Grant Parish:

  • Boyce Bridge (LA 8)

Rapides Parish:

  • I-49 North and South from Exit 80 to Exit 94
  • Jackson St. Bridge (US 165B)
  • Richard Thompson LA 8 Boyce Bridge

West Feliciana Parish:

  • LA 10 from US 61 in West Feliciana Parish to LA 10 Business in Pointe Coupee Parish.  This closure includes the John James Audubon Bridge.
  • LA 10 East and West at Audubon Bridge

Pointe Coupee Parish:

  • LA 10 from LA 10 Business in Pointe Coupee Parish to US 61 in West Feliciana Parish.  This closure includes the John James Audubon Bridge.

Livingston Parish:

·         I-12 East and West from LA 3003 (Range Avenue) to the EBR Parish Line

St. James Parish:
LA 70 East and West at the Sunshine Bridge
Ascension Parish:
•         I-10 East between LA 73 and LA 641
•         I-10 West between US 61 and LA 73
St. John Parish:
•         I-55 Northbound at I-10 West
•         LA 3213 North and South at the Veteran's Memorial Bridge
Tangipahoa Parish:
•         I-55 South at US 51B

During winter weather conditions, motorists should follow these five safety tips:

  • Drive slowly, carefully, and avoid driving while distracted 
  • Allow for extra driving time
  • Reduce speeds when visibility is low
  • Make sure there is plenty of room between vehicles
  • Look out for black ice---a thin, transparent layer of ice accumulation that can be visually hard to detect on bridges, overpasses, off-ramps and in shady spots. 

As always, DOTD reminds motorists to buckle up and refrain from drinking and driving. In addition, motorists need to be on the look-out for DOTD work vehicles applying de-icing material to area bridges and overpasses.

Motorists can access the latest updates on real-time traffic and road conditions using the 511 Traveler Information System 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 http://www.511la.org/.