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Source: http://lsp.org/news_detail.html?id=8672

id cleanReleaseDate troopName title
8672 2012-04-12 Troop L Traffic Advisory for Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival
TROOP L NEWS RELEASE
April 12th, 2012
Traffic Advisory for Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival

The annual Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival, which will take place this weekend April 13th through April 15th, is expected to bring over 300,000 visitors to the downtown Ponchatoula area. This increased traffic volume quickly overloads the surrounding interstate system causing dangerous backups from heavily congested off ramps and forcing intermittent closures of interstate exits. In an effort to improve the flow of traffic and ensure that everyone has a safe festival weekend, Troop L urges motorists to follow the following alternate route advisories when entering and leaving the Ponchatoula area.

From Baton Rouge: Exit Interstate 12 Eastbound at Pumpkin Center exit #35, proceed south to LA 22, then continue east on LA 22 into Ponchatoula.

From Covington / Slidell: Exit Interstate 12 Westbound at LA 445 exit #47, proceed south to LA 22, then continue west on LA 22 into Ponchatoula.

From Mandeville: Take LA 22 west into Ponchatoula avoiding Interstate 12.

From New Orleans area: Exit Interstate 55 Northbound at Manchac exit #15, proceed north on U.S. 51 into Ponchatoula.

Throughout the festival weekend, Louisiana State Police will be working in conjunction with local law enforcement agencies to get impaired drivers off of the roads and remind motorists that Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving. Troopers will be focusing on motorists not wearing seat belts, unrestrained children in vehicles, and any aggressive driving behaviors such as speeding, following too close, and especially driving while intoxicated.

Following these guidelines, motorists can enjoy festival activities without jeopardizing their life and the lives of others who may be on the road:

  • Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin;
  • Before drinking, please designate a sober driver and give that person your keys;
  • If you’re impaired, call a taxi, a sober friend, or a family member for a safe ride home;
  • If you encounter a suspected impaired driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact your local law enforcement;
  • If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.

While troopers will remain vigilant throughout the Ponchatoula and Troop L region, responsible decisions, behavior, and precautionary measures will ensure a safe and enjoyable festival experience for everyone.

To report impaired drivers or unsafe roadway conditions, dial *LSP (*577) from your cellular phone to reach the State Police office closest to you.

Citizens and visitors are also urged to enroll in Nixle Alerts for free real time updates on roadway closures, crash locations, and pertinent safety information for their region of the state. To enroll visit www.nixle.com, complete the required information, and select Louisiana State Police as your agency.


Contact Information:
TFC Nick Manale
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Unit
Office: (985) 893-6250 Ext:628
Nicholas.Manale@dps.la.gov
www.LSP.org

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