DOTD reminds motorists to use travel information resources, drive safely during Mardi Gras holiday
Friday, February 05, 2016 at 1:38:34 PM
BATON ROUGE, La. – Today, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development reminded motorists to use traveler resources and practice extra caution when traveling on the roadways during the Mardi Gras holiday (Saturday, Feb. 6, through Tuesday, Feb. 9).

Secretary Shawn Wilson, Ph.D. announced that all oversize and overweight vehicle travel on state highways will be prohibited in New Orleans, Lafayette, Houma and New Roads on Saturday, Feb. 6, through Tuesday, Feb. 9, including:

• Orleans, Jefferson and St. Bernard parishes (including the interstates)

• Lafayette city limits, with the exception of I-10

• New Roads city limits and surrounding areas

• Houma city limits and surrounding areas

• Lake Charles city limits and surrounding areas, with the exception of I-10 and I-210

Wilson said the decision was made in conjunction with the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Office of State Police to maximize the safety of motorists traveling during this holiday season.

The Department’s Truck Permit Office will remain open on Monday, Feb. 8 and Tuesday, Feb. 9 for the issuance of permits outside of the designated areas.

For traveling convenience, motorists can access up-to-date information about weather-related road conditions, construction activities and other critical incidents by dialing 511 from their telephone. The voice-activated 511 Traveler Information System is available to most wireless and landline telephone users. Out-of-state travelers can access the system by calling 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511). Travelers can also access this information by visiting the 511 Traveler Information System Web site at www.511la.org. Another option is to utilize the “Way to Geaux” application to receive real-time, around the clock travel alerts. The hands-free, eyes-free smartphone application can be downloaded on any iPhone or Android device by visiting either the iTunes App Store, or Google Play.

DOTD’s Customer Service Center representatives can answer questions about road closures not listed above or any other DOTD-related questions. Please call (225) 379-1232 or 1-877-4LADOTD (1-877-452-3683) with questions. The center’s business hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Customer Service Center will be closed Tuesday, Feb. 9. Drivers are encouraged to tune in to local radio stations for current traffic and incident information prior to traveling.

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