DOTD reminds motorists to use caution during winter weather
Thursday, March 05, 2015 at 9:00:35 AM
BATON ROUGE, LA – As winter weather continues to impact the northern and central regions of Louisiana, DOTD reminds motorists to use caution when traveling on roads and bridges in affected areas.

During winter weather conditions, motorists should drive using the following safety tips:
  • Drive slowly and carefully
  • Avoid driving while distracted
  • Always allow for extra driving time
  • Reduce speeds when visibility is low
  • Make sure there is plenty of room between vehicles
  • Be alert for DOTD and other state and local responders’ equipment, truckers, and workers performing work on the bridges and roadways.

Also, be cautious of 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.

Motorists are encouraged to check the status of road conditions prior to beginning commutes to impacted areas by utilizing the following resources for the latest information regarding road conditions: 

  • MyDOTD: Motorists can receive automatic and up-to-date information on local projects, lane and road closures, and other DOTD activity by signing up for MyDOTD at www.dotd.la.gov.
  • 511 Traveler Information: Travelers can also find information regarding road closures by visiting the 511 Traveler Information website at www.511la.org or by dialing 511 from their telephone and saying the route or region about which they are seeking information. Out-of-state travelers can access the system by calling 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511).
  • Way to Geaux smartphone application: The app can be downloaded on any iPhone or Android device by visiting either the iTunes App Store, or Google Play.

At this time, roadway closures are as follows:

Ouachita Parish

  • I-20 EB on-ramp from Layton Ave.
  • I-20 WB on-ramp from Calypso St.
  • I-20 EB off-ramp at Pecanland Mall Fly Ramp
  • La. 3280 – Endom Bridge (DeSiard Street Bridge)
  • I-20 WB on-ramp from St. John St.

Caddo Parish

  • I-49 North is closed between La. 1 and the Arkansas State line.
  • I-49 North is closed between La. 526 and I-20
  • I-49 South is closed between I-20 and La. 3132
  • I-220 is entirely closed

Bossier Parish

  • La. 3 at the Benton Road overpass
  • La. 154 Bridge over Lake Bistineau