Gillis Long Bridge Rapides Parish
Wednesday, January 16, 2013 at 10:04:00 AM
DOTD TRANSPORTATION BULLETIN
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – UPDATE
Wednesday, January 16, 2013- 8:35a.m.
WINTER WEATHER UPDATE AND PLANNED ROAD/BRIDGE
The Department of Transportation and Development, District 08 Office in Alexandria, advises the public that the Gillis Long Bridge [Jackson Street Bridge] and the LA 8 Bridge over the Red River at Boyce and the I-49 overpass bridge at Broadway Avenue are NOW OPEN TO TRAFFIC.
DOTD has advised that the urban, elevated sections of I-49 in Alexandria, from Exit 80-MacArthur Drive (Jct. US 71/167) to Exit 94-Rapides Station (Jct. Parish Road 23) remains closed throughout Alexandria.
All motorists are advised to avoid travel until the weather allows the roadways and bridges to thaw and become free of ice. Motorists who must travel are advised to use extreme caution when traversing all bridges because bridge decks are subject to ice formation with the onset of freezing temperatures and this may contribute to drivers losing control of their vehicles. Additionally, with the low predicted temperatures, isolated icing of roadways is also possible, so again, extreme caution is urged when traveling.
The Department of Transportation and Development District 08 Office in Alexandria is continuing to monitor the weather conditions for road closures and additional information will be released shortly.
Call (318) 561-5100 or (800) 542-3509 for more information during freezing conditions. For more information on road closures and conditions please visit www.dotd.la.gov, email dotdcs@la.gov, or call DOTD's Customer Service Center at (225) 379-1232 or 1-877-4LADOTD (1-877-452-3683). Business hours are 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Motorists can access up-to-date travel information by dialing 511 or by visiting www.511la.org. Out-of-state travelers can call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511).
DOTD appreciates your patience and cooperation through these unusual weather conditions.