DOTD issues travel advisory for the holidays

With the possibility of a light rain and sleet mixture reaching southwest and central Louisiana, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announced today that it is prepared to deal with winter weather and icy road conditions.

"At this time we do not anticipate any winter weather impacts to our transportation infrastructure," said DOTD Assistant Secretary of Operations Rhett Desselle. "However, DOTD emergency personnel will continue to monitor weather forecasts and are prepared to mobilize crews as needed in the event the state is threatened by severe weather conditions."

In addition, DOTD crews have checked supply inventories and are prepared to address any affected bridges and roadways, remove fallen trees from the roadway, and close any roads as needed.

DOTD urges motorists to use extra caution when traveling on roadways during hazardous weather conditions and stay off the roads whenever possible. DOTD will do everything possible to keep Louisiana's highways and interstate system open in the event of freezing rain, sleet or snow and will prioritize the maintenance and opening of routes based on traffic volumes.

During winter weather conditions, motorists should drive slowly and carefully, and avoid driving while distracted. Always allow for extra driving time, reduce speeds when visibility is low, and make sure there is plenty of room between vehicles. Also, look out for black ice---a thin, transparent layer of ice accumulation that can be visually hard to detect on bridges, overpasses, off-ramps and in shady spots. As always, DOTD reminds motorists to buckle up and refrain from drinking and driving.

Motorists can obtain information regarding road closures by visiting the 511 Traveler Information Web site at www.511la.org or by dialing 511 from their telephone and saying the route or region about which they are seeking information. Real-time traffic and road condition updates are also available at DOTD's "Way to Geaux" smartphone application. Information regarding road closures is also available by contacting DOTD's Customer Service Center at 1-877-4LA-DOTD (1-877-452-3683). The center is open 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday.