UPDATE: I-220 in Bossier/Caddo Parishes OPEN
Thursday, February 26, 2015 at 6:12:19 PM
BOSSIER CITY -- The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announces an immediate reopening of I-220 in Bossier and Caddo Parishes. Still, several roads in northern Louisiana remain closed because of winter conditions. Remaining roads will be opened when they are deemed safe for travel.

Because of wintry conditions and below-freezing temperatures, some roadways and bridges remain frozen, or covered in ice. Even as temperatures rise above freezing, it will take some areas, especially the elevated portions, more time to thaw and the ice to melt.

With temperatures projected to fall below freezing this evening, crews in the Shreveport area will continue salting operations as needed.

As of now, the following closures are still in effect:

Bossier Parish
o La. 3 at the KCS overpass.

Caddo Parish
o I-49 is closed between La. 1 and the Arkansas State line. Alternate route is U.S. 71 **Will not reopen today.
o I-49 North is closed between La. 526 and I-20 **Will not reopen today.
o I-49 South is closed between I-20 and La. 3132 **Will not reopen today.

Ouachita Parish
o I-20 EB Off Ramp at Hall Street
o I-20 EB Off Ramp Layton Ave./Civic Center (fork to the left)
o I-20 EB On Ramp from Layton Avenue
o I-20 EB Off Ramp at Pecanland Mall Fly Ramp
o I-20 EB On Ramp from La. 34 (Stella Mill fly over ramp)
o I-20 EB Off Ramp at 5th Street
o I-20 EB On Ramp at 5th Street
o I-20 WB Off Ramp Layton/S. 2cd Street
o I-20 WB On Ramp from Calypso Street
o I-20 WB On Ramp from St. John Street
o I-20 WB Off Ramp at 5th Street
o I-20 WB On Ramp at 5th Street
o LA 3280 – Endom Bridge (Desiard Street Bridge)
o La. 546 Overpass over KCS Railroad
o La. 546 Overpass over I-20
o U.S. 165 Business Overpass (Lea Joyner Expressway)

As roads begin to open, 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 on 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.

If you must drive, even on roads that are open, use extra caution. 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.
• Be alert for workers on the roadway.

Additionally, motorists can utilize the new "Way to Geaux" application to receive real-time, around the clock travel alerts. The hands-free, eyes-free “smart phone” application can be downloaded on any iPhone or Android device by visiting either the iTunes App Store, or Google Play.