Aggrostats

Louisiana State Police - Troop I is paying close attention to the movement and development of Tropical Storm Gustav. We are working very closely with DOTD, local law enforcement and speaking with resources that can assist in the storm preparation.

Captain Troy Meche, Commander of Troop I, stated that troopers will be making sure the evacuation routes are clear from abandoned vehicles and other hazards that would hamper the smooth flow of traffic on these routes. Captain Meche stated that Troop I is ready to do what it takes to keep our citizens safe during these trying times.

Louisiana State Police reminds everyone that having a plan in place will save you time and possibly your life, from a potentially dangerous storm such as Gustav. It will take a combined effort by everyone in the community to assure that this evacuation will go smoothly. Once Contra - Flow goes into effect, local residents are urged to stay off evacuation routes, so that it may alleviate unnecessary traffic. Local motorists using I-49 during Contra -Flow will find that many exits are closed, thus forcing them to travel several miles north before being able to exit the interstate.

For information regarding items to include in your Emergency Preparedness Kit, go to www.getagameplan.org. State Police ask that you refrain from calling Troop I for traffic information. We ask that you visit our website or call 511 for traffic and evacuation routes. Safety is paramount and your Louisiana State Police Troop I troopers will keep the community informed as more information becomes available.

August 30, 2008 (5:00 pm Update)

Contra Flow will be implemented at 4:00 am on Sunday, August 31, 2008. Contra Flow will turn all lanes of-49 northbound from I-10 to the LA 10 exit in St. Landry Parish. Local motorist are urged not to use I-49 and other evacuation routes. We encourage them to use the parish roads and city streets to get from point A to point B. Prior to getting on the evacuation routes, please have enough fuel to get where you are going. Phase three of the Lafayette Parish Consolidated Government Traffic Management has been activated, closing all US 90 crossovers in Lafayette Parish and only leaving the following major intersections open: S. Morgan Street @ US90 westbound (Broussard), Pinhook Road @ US 90 westbound, Johnston Street @ US 90 westbound, Mudd Ave. @ US 90 northbound and Willow Street @ US 90 northbound. By closing these crossovers, this will allow traffic to flow at a steady pace on US 90 westbound from Broussard to I-10.

Troop I is working very closely with local law enforcement and government agencies to assure the safety of the public during Contra Flow.

Troop I will have more updates as they become available.