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Source: http://lsp.org/news_detail.html?id=6578

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6578 2015-02-23 Statewide LSP Winter Weather Advisory and Road Closure Update

HEADQUARTERS NEWS RELEASE

February 23, 2015 (5:30 p.m.)


LSP Winter Weather Advisory and Road Closure Update

Troopers across North, Central, and Southwest Louisiana are continuing to monitor winter weather conditions that may worsen this evening. As conditions dictate, Troopers along with our DOTD and local partners will keep close watch over overpasses, bridges, and roadway surfaces that may become too hazardous for travel requiring closures and traffic to be detoured. The Louisiana State Police is utilizing extra patrols in affected areas to provide the safest environment possible for motorists and citizens across our state.

Louisiana DOTD crews remain active and ready to deploy salt, sand, and de-icing agents on bridges, overpasses, and roadways where needed. Drivers should be mindful that ice forms on bridges and overpasses before surface roadways. Motorists are urged to use caution in the affected regions and keep abreast of the latest weather conditions.

Troopers are currently monitoring the following road closures:

LSP Troop D (Lake Charles region):


    · No closures at this time

LSP Troop E (Alexandria region):

    · No closures at this time

LSP Troop F (Monroe region):

    · I-20 WB On Ramp at 5th Street

    · I-20 EB On Ramp at 5th Street

    · US 165 Business Overpass (Lea Joyner Expressway)

    · I-20 EB Off Ramp at 5th Street

    · I-20 WB Off Ramp at 5th Street

    · LA 546 Overpass over KCS Railroad

    · LA 546 Overpass over I-20

    · I-20 EB On Ramp from LA 34 (Stella Mill Fly ramp)

    · I-20 EB On Ramp from Layton Ave..

    · I-20 WB On Ramp from Calypso St.

    · I-20 EB Off Ramp at Pecanland Mall Fly Ramp

    · LA 3280 – Endom Bridge (DeSiard Street Bridge)

    · I-20 WB On Ramp from St. John St



LSP Troop G (Shreveport region):

    · I-220 Shreveport/Bossier

    · I-49 North of Shreveport to the Arkansas line

    · I-49 Urban – Shreveport north of MP 199

    · LA 3/Benton Road Overpass, Bossier City

    · Lake Bistineau Bridge on LA 154 in Bossier Parish


LSP Troop I (Lafayette region):

    · No road closures at this time

Additional road closures are possible.

In Southwest Louisiana, icy conditions are possible late tonight into tomorrow morning. If ice forms, elevated structures along and north of U.S. Highway190 are the most likely locations for ice formation with light patches of ice possible along and north of Interstate 10.

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.

Additionally, motorists can utilize the DOTD "Way to Geaux" application to receive real-time, around the clock travel alerts. The hands-free, eyes-free smartphone application can be downloaded on any iPhone or Android device by visiting either the iTunes App Store, or Google Play.

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, the Louisiana State Police recommends the following 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.

    Contact Information:
    Sgt. James Anderson
    Louisiana State Police Or Your Local LSP PIO
    Public Affairs Section
    James.L.Anderson@la.gov
    www.LSP.org
    www.facebook.com/LouisianaStatePolice

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