DOTD announces preemptive roadway pretreatment in New Orleans and Northshore areas
Sunday, January 25, 2026 at 1:09:25 PM
New Orleans / Northshore, La. — The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announces that crews are already on the roadways pre-treating overpasses and bridges in the New Orleans and Northshore areas as a precaution against potential black ice due to falling temperatures following rainfall.
DOTD crews are pretreating priority routes, including U.S. 90, U.S. 61, LA 3152, U.S. 190, LA 21, LA 22, I-10, I-55 and I-12. Crews will continue working overnight and will reapply salt as necessary based on roadway conditions.
While the most significant winter weather impacts have occurred in central and northern portions of the state, DOTD remains proactive in southeast Louisiana. Crews will continue to scout bridges and overpasses, which are typically the first surfaces to freeze, as weather conditions evolve.
DOTD personnel statewide are closely monitoring the forecast and remain in coordination with the National Weather Service. If conditions warrant, DOTD is prepared to close certain bridges or overpasses that become unsafe for travel or are identified as preemptive emergency closures as part of each region’s snow and ice plan.
Motorists are urged to avoid unnecessary travel during winter weather conditions. If travel is essential, drivers should:
• Drive slowly and carefully.
• Avoid distractions.
• Allow extra travel time.
• Avoid using cruise control.
• Reduce speeds when visibility is low.
• Maintain safe following distances.
• Always wear a seatbelt.
• Be alert for DOTD crews and emergency responders.
• Never drive around a barricade closing a roadway.
For the most up-to-date road status information, motorists may use the following resources:
• 511 Traveler Information: Download the Louisiana 511 mobile app or visit www.511la.org for real-time road conditions and traffic camera feeds.
• MyDOTD: Sign up for local DOTD updates, including lane and road closures, at www.dotd.la.gov.
• Social Media: Follow DOTD on Facebook, Instagram and X for additional updates.
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