Due to wet road conditions and the likelihood of freezing temperatures overnight, closures along I-49, I-220, Benton Road Overpass and the Lake Bistineau Bridge in Bienville Parish will remain in effect overnight as the accumulation of ice on the bridges remains a significant safety hazard to motorists.   

District personnel will continue to work 24 hours a day to monitor road and weather-related conditions to determine any additional closures and when roadways will be reopened. 

More than 200 DOTD staff members across the district have responded to weather-related work within the seven parishes of Northwest Louisiana, utilizing more than 35 trucks, 280 barricades, and more than 200,000 pounds of salt.  Additionally, crews are preparing to remove fallen trees and debris from roadways as conditions persist.

During winter weather conditions, motorists should:

-           reduce speed

-           plan for additional travel time

-           avoid distracted driving

-           provide additional spacing between vehicles to allow for longer stopping distances

Motorists should be aware that ice will form on bridges and overpasses before the roadway.  Icing of bridges, overpasses, and elevated surfaces can begin to occur when the temperatures near 35 degrees.  

Travelers should also be on the lookout for black ice---a thin, transparent layer of ice accumulation that can be visually hard to detect on bridges, overpasses, ramps, and in shady spots. 

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.