DOTD announces installation of new cameras, message boards on US 71 in Alexandria
Monday, January 25, 2021 at 11:02:40 AM
DOTD announces installation of new cameras, message boards on US 71 in Alexandria
ALEXANDRIA – Planning your commute and checking real-time traffic conditions along the busy corridor of US 71 (MacArthur Drive) in the Alexandria area of Rapides Parish is now just a click away.
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announces the installation of new traffic cameras and Dynamic Message Signs (DMS) that are now available live to the traveling public via the 511LA website and Louisiana 511 mobile app.
“Technology like these cameras and message boards is an increasingly important element in how we manage our transportation system, as well as how motorists navigate our roadways,” said DOTD Secretary Shawn D. Wilson, Ph.D. “We consider issuing timely and relevant information one of DOTD’s top priorities, so we encourage everyone to take advantage of these new cameras and message boards to map out their commutes.”
The $1.9 million project involved adding nine live-stream cameras and two DMS at the following locations on US 71 at the South Circle, as well as north and south of that area:
- US 71 at LA 1 (Bolton Ave.) - camera
- US 71 NB between Donna Ln. & Louise St. - DMS
- US 71 at LA 28 (Monroe St.) - camera
- LA 28 at John Eskew Drive - camera
- US 71 at LA 1208-3 (Jackson St) - camera
- US 71 at South Circle, northwest approach – camera
- US 71 at South Circle, southwest approach - camera
- US 71 at South Circle, southeast approach - camera
- US 71 at US 167 Business (Lee St./Horseshoe Dr.) – camera
- US 71 at LA 3250 (Sugarhouse Road) – camera
- US 71 northbound, south of Gene Ball Rd. – DMS
The traffic cameras, which are already available at other locations in the Alexandria area such as along I-49, are monitored in real-time by operators in the Traffic Management Center. This allows the TMC to post traffic and emergency messages on the DMS, tweet incidents on the regional DOTD traffic Twitter accounts, and update www.511la.org with the latest road conditions.
Louisiana 511 mobile app users are able to create a profile and receive customized alerts for traffic conditions on their routes, as well as access the live-stream cameras.
Contact information:
Erin Buchanan
Public Information Officer
Alexandria District
(318) 549-8402
Erin.buchanan@la.gov
Still image from one of the new traffic cameras along US 71 in Alexandria, accessible via www.511la.org