UPDATE - DOTD crews working as weather continues to create hazardous conditions
Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at 10:12:16 AM
UPDATE - DOTD crews working as weather continues to create hazardous conditions
BATON ROUGE – Severe storms continue to impact the state, and the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development would like to remind people to only travel if it’s absolutely necessary.
Fallen trees, limbs, and power lines, among other debris on state and local highways across Louisiana continue to create hazardous driving conditions. Flash flooding is also a possibility, as there are numerous roadways currently affected by high water.
The weather forecast is calling for more severe weather throughout the day, and DOTD crews will continue to work to clear roadways and post warning signs as long as necessary.
The following scenarios have been dealt with overnight and into this morning by DOTD crews:
Cleared trees for the below routes:
- Bienville Parish: LA 795, LA 9, LA 4, LA 147, LA 154
- Bossier Parish: LA 157, LA 527, LA 2
- Caddo Parish: LA 525, LA 789, LA 169, LA 1
- Caldwell Parish: LA 850, LA 126, LA 506, LA 547, LA 559
- DeSoto Parish: LA 172, LA 765, LA 3015
- East Carroll Parish: LA 580
- Franklin Parish: LA 132, LA 860, LA 562, LA 135
- Grant Parish: LA 8, LA 122
- Jackson Parish: Various Routes
- LaSalle Parish: LA 127 North
- Lincoln Parish: Various Routes
- Madison Parish: LA 577, US 80, LA 603
- Morehouse Parish: LA 134, US 425, LA 139
- Ouachita Parish: LA 546, LA 139, US 80, LA 144
- Red River Parish: US 71, US 371, LA 155, LA 788
- Richland Parish: US 425, LA 133, LA 622, LA 576
- Sabine Parish: LA 191, LA 473 (both included down power lines)
- Union Parish: Various Routes
- Vernon Parish: LA 392, LA 464
- West Carroll Parish: LA 577, LA 17, LA 134
Cleared roadway flooding from the below routes:
- Bienville Parish: LA 147 @ Culver Rd
- Caldwell Parish: LA 4 & LA 165
- Franklin Parish: LA 135, LA 857 & LA 578
- Lincoln Parish: Various Routes
- Ouachita Parish: LA 546, US 80, US 165, LA 2 & LA 34
- Union Parish: Various Routes
High water remains on the below routes:
- Bossier Parish: US 71, LA 162, LA 160, LA 157, LA 154
- DeSoto Parish: LA 3015, LA 5, US 84, LA 175
- Morehouse Parish: LA 139 @ Railroad Overpass & US 165 East of Courthouse in Bastrop
- Sabine Parish: US 171 N., US 171 southbound in Converse, LA 174, US 171 N.
- St. Martin Parish: LA 347 (Cecilia High School Rd.) from Four Corners to its junction with LA 328
- Vernon Parish: US 171 N (Underpass in Leesville), US 171 ½ mile South of LA 8, US 171 and LA 10, LA 111
- West Carroll Parish: LA 582 @ LA 17
Down trees remain on the below routes:
- St. Martin Parish: Both lanes of LA 328 at Hammocks Subdivision, I-10 eastbound @ mile marker 125 (on shoulder), I-10 westbound @ mile marker 123
Downed Power Line:
Construction Debris:
- Ouachita Parish: I-20 at LA 151 overpass - High winds caused panels and equipment to hang over traffic lanes below, and lightning delayed clean-up efforts. Traffic was diverted onto the interstate ramps to bypass around the issue. The diversion put in place on Tuesday (4/9) night, and reopened just before 7:00 a.m. Wednesday (4/10) morning.
High water continues to impact numerous routes across the northern portions of the state. Warning signs are put into place where appropriate, and while water can recede quickly, DOTD strongly urges motorists to NEVER drive through water that is covering the roadway, no matter how shallow it may appear to be.
During inclement weather, drivers should be aware be aware of and adhere to the following tips:
- Do not drive, unless you must.
- Do not drive through standing water. “Turn around, don’t drown.”
- Avoid driving through areas with downed power lines or other debris.
- Never use cruise control when visibility is low or the road is wet.
- Plan for more travel time.
- Leave extra room between vehicles.
- Always use headlights when windshield wipers are on. This is a law.
- Never move or drive around any road closed signs/barricades for any reason. This is unlawful and extremely unsafe.
In the event flooding occurs, personnel will make the appropriate decisions to close roadways when safe to do so and resources are available, close moveable bridges, and suspend or reduce the ferry services for the safety of the traveling public.
Motorists are encouraged to check the status of road conditions prior to beginning their commutes by utilizing the following resources:
- 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. You can also download the Louisiana 511 mobile app.
- 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 here. You can also visit the DOTD website at www.dotd.la.gov.
- Social Media: Motorists can find additional information on the DOTD Facebook and X (Twitter) pages.