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Source: http://lsp.org/news_detail.html?id=6867

id cleanReleaseDate troopName title
6867 2014-01-25 Statewide Updated Statewide Winter Weather Advisory and Road Closure Update

HEADQUARTERS NEWS RELEASE

January 25, 2014


Statewide Winter Weather Advisory and Road Closure Update

As freezing temperatures are expected to remain across several areas of the state until early afternoon, Troopers continue to monitor interstate systems and area roadways for unsafe driving conditions. Currently, icy conditions remain on numerous overpasses, bridges, and roadway surfaces requiring closures and traffic to be detoured. Throughout the winter weather event, 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.

As of this morning, the majority of overnight road and bridge closures remain in effect until conditions improve. Troopers are currently monitoring and reporting the following closures:

LSP Troop A:


    · I-10 is currently open in both directions from College Dr. to milepost 187.

    · I-10 @ Atchafalaya Basin (east & westbound) remains closed.

    · I-10 @ New Mississippi River Bridge is now open eastbound only. Westbound remains closed.

    · I-12 east and westbound from I-10/I-12 split through Baton Rouge city limits remains closed.

    · I-12 east and westbound through Livingston Parish is open.


LSP Troop B

    · All roadways in the Troop B area are reported open for travel.

LSP Troop C:

    · All roadways in the Troop C area are reported open for travel.

LSP Troop D:

    · The I-210 Bridge in Calcasieu Parish is open eastbound only. Westbound remains closed.

LSP Troop E:

    · I-49 milepost 80 to 94 (elevated portion in Alexandria) remains closed.

    · LA 8 @ Boyce Bridge remains closed.

    · Gillis Long Bridge (Alexandria to Pineville) remains closed.


LSP Troop F:

    · No road closures at this time.

LSP Troop G:

    · No road closures at this time.

LSP Troop I:

    · Atchafalaya Basin Bridge remains closed.

LSP Troop L:

    · All roadways in the Troop L area are reported open for travel.

For real time updates on roadway closures, crash locations, and pertinent safety information, visit and like the Louisiana State Police Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/LouisianaStatePolice . 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.


    Contact Information:
    TFC Jared L. Sandifer Or your local Troop PIO
    Louisiana State Police
    Public Affairs Section – Troop A
    Office: (225) 754-8524
    jared.sandifer@la.gov
    www.LSP.org
    www.facebook.com/LouisianaStatePolice

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