Statewide Winter Weather Advisory and Road Closure Noon Update
As freezing temperatures are expected to remain across several areas of the state for an extended period of time, medical Troopers continue to monitor interstate systems and area roadways for ice patches and unsafe driving conditions. Currently, pills icy conditions have formed on numerous overpasses, bridges, and roadway surfaces requiring closures and traffic to be detoured. The Louisiana State Police has utilized extra patrols nearly doubling the amount of Troopers on duty while working closely with local agencies to provide the safest environment possible for motorists and citizens across the state.
Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development representatives remain active utilizing salt, sand, and de-icing agents on bridges, overpasses, and roadways where needed. Motorists are urged to keep abreast of the latest weather and travel conditions before deciding whether a trip is necessary.
Troopers are currently monitoring the following road closures:
LSP Troop A (Baton Rouge region):
· Interstate 10 east & westbound from LA 415 to Atchafalaya Basin / I-49
· Interstate 12 (reduced to two lanes between O’Neal Lane and Range Ave.)
· LA-10 Audubon Bridge
· LA-10 (elevated portion of US 61 to Point Coupee Business District)
· Interstate 110 north and southbound closed.
· U.S. 61 from LA 421 to Mississippi state line closed
· Central thruway
· Morganza Spillway
LSP Troop B (Metro New Orleans Area):
· The left lane on I-310 north and southbound between LA 48 and LA 18 is closed
LSP Troop C (Houma region):
· Valentine bridge in Lafourche is closed
LSP Troop D (Lake Charles region):
· Interstate 210 is closed in Calcasieu Parish.
LSP Troop E (Alexandria region):
· I-49 from Exit 80 to exit 94 (elevated portions of I-49 in Alexandria)
· Boyce Bridge on LA 8
· Jackson Street Bridge from Alexandria to Main Street Pineville
· One lane on both the northbound and the southbound lanes of the Purple Heart Bridge along with Broadway Overpass (Rapides)
LSP Troop F (Monroe region):
· Columbia Hill Overpass on US 165 currently closed due to ice
LSP Troop G (Shreveport region):
· No road closures at this time
LSP Troop I (Lafayette region):
· LA 3184 @ US 90 is closed (Lafayette Parish)
· I-10 @ I-49 closed for detour from Basin Bridge
· I-10 Basin Bridge (St. Martin Parish)
· US 90 @ Mermentau Bridge (Acadia Parish)
· US 90 between Rayne and Crowley (Acadia Parish)
· I-49 from LA 29 (MP 40) to LA 106 (MP 46) in St. Landry Parish, Evangeline Parish, and Avoyelles Parish closed
LSP Troop L:
· No road closures at this time
For real time updates on roadway closures, crash locations, and pertinent safety information, stay tuned to the Louisiana State Police Facebook page, follow the LSP Twitter feed @LAStatePolice, or access the DOTD travel information database by calling 511 or logging onto 511la.org.
Citizens and visitors are also encouraged to enroll and receive Nixle Alerts. To enroll for this free service, visit www.nixle.com, complete the required information, and select Louisiana State Police as your agency.
Motorists are reminded to drive responsibly and be prepared for uncertain driving conditions. If traveling today is a necessity, the Louisiana State Police urges you to follow these winter weather driving tips:
· Check Facebook and Nixle for road closures along your route
· Check vehicle fluids (anti-freeze), tire pressure, battery windshield wipers, etc.
· Reduce speed
· Allow extra time to reach your destination
· Allow extra space between vehicles
· Do not drive using cruise control in icy conditions
· Anticipate stops (such as stop signs and traffic signals) and brake gently while stopping
· If you encounter a skid, do not panic, take your foot off the accelerator, and steer into the skid till you regain control
· Use low beam headlights if it is raining/sleeting
· Ensure all vehicle occupants are properly restrained
If you should have vehicle problems, be sure to stay in your vehicle, as freezing temperatures can be life-threatening and the safest place is in the vehicle. Have a survival kit: emergency first aid kit, blankets, jumper cables, high-energy or dehydrated foods, flashlight with extra batteries, extra (charged) cell phone battery, emergency flares, and bottled water.
If you experience difficulties or witness hazardous situations while on the highway, notify your local State Police Troop office by dialing *LSP (*577) from your cell phone or contact your local law enforcement agency.
