**ROAD REOPENED**; Elevated sections of I-49 from Exit 80 (Macarthur Dr.) to Exit 94 (Rapides Station Rd.); Exit 86 Open
Monday, January 26, 2026 at 7:45:05 AM
1/26/2025 Alexandria, Rapides Parish
The Exit 86 Off-Ramp from I-49 Northbound onto South MacArthur Drive is now opened.
1/25/2026 Alexandria, Rapides Parish
I-49 Urban Elevated Sections Re-Opened. The Exit 86 Off-Ramp from I-49 Northbound onto South MacArthur Drive will remain closed.
**ROAD CLOSURE**; Elevated sections of I-49 from Exit 80 (Macarthur Dr.) to Exit 94 (Rapides Station Rd.) Rapides Parish
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), advises the public that beginning on Saturday, January 24, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., I-49 though Alexandria will be closed from Exit 80 (the southern junction of MacArthur Dr.) to Exit 94 (Rapides Station Rd.), due to winter conditions. This closure will remain in effect until any frozen precipitation accumulation has been cleared. This closure includes all entry and exit ramps between these exits.
Permit/Detour Section
Northbound traffic will be detoured to Exit 80, to US 71 NB (MacArthur Dr.) to NB LA 1, to EB Rapides Station Rd., to NB I-49.
Southbound traffic will be detoured to Exit 94, to WB Rapides Station Rd., to SB LA 1, to SB US 71 (MacArthur Dr.), to SB I-49.
Additional Information
The DOTD District 08 Office in Alexandria advises that the forecasted weather conditions may result in hazardous driving conditions on state roads and bridges in Central Louisiana. At this time, motorists should only travel for emergencies and if they must travel, will need to use EXTREME caution. DOTD will be monitoring the bridges and elevated structures for ice and its forces will be ready to apply salt over affected bridges, remove fallen trees from the roadway, and close routes as needed.
DOTD urges motorists to continue to use extra caution when traveling on roadways. Motorists should drive slowly and carefully, and avoid driving while distracted. Make an effort to be aware of your surroundings and be watchful of DOTD personnel and equipment dispensing deicing/anti-icing material.
Motorists can access the latest updates on real-time traffic and road conditions using the 511 Traveler Information System by dialing 511 from their telephone and saying the route or region on 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. Additionally, you can follow the Traffic Management Center on Twitter: (@Alex Traffic). Motorists may also monitor the LA DOTD website @ www.dotd.la.gov and the DOTD Facebook page.
Contact
District 08 Emergency Operation Center
(318) 561-5233
Media Contact
Ms. Erin Buchanan
Public Information Officer
District 08: Avoyelles, Grant, Natchitoches, Rapides, Sabine, Vernon, and Winn Parishes
Phone: (318) 549-8402
[email protected]
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