Highway department: Labor Day drivers face few construction hold-ups

All interstate highways and most other federal and state roadways will be open for travel on Labor Day weekend (Saturday, September  3 through Monday, September 5), the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) advises.

In East Baton Rouge and Livingston parishes, all lanes of I-10 and I-12 will remain open.

Drivers on I-10 and I-12 in East Baton Rouge and Livingston parishes will, however, face reduced speed limits in construction zones.

Travelers can access up-to-date information about weather-related road conditions, construction activities and other critical incidents by dialing 511 from their telephone.

The voice-activated 511 Traveler Information System is available to most wireless and landline telephone users. Out-of-state travelers can access the system by calling 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511). Travelers can also access this information by visiting the 511 Traveler Information System Web site at www.511la.org.

Traffic cameras for the Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Hammond/Northshore, Houma, Lake Charles, Monroe/West Monroe, New Orleans, Shreveport/Bossier and surrounding areas also may be viewed from the 511 site.

DOTD’s Customer Service Center representatives can answer questions about road closures not listed above or any other DOTD-related questions at (225) 379-1232 or 1-877-4LADOTD (1-877-452-3683). The center’s business usual hours are 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, but it will be closed Monday for the holiday.

Drivers who notice road hazards, such as potholes or debris in the road, are urged to call DOTD’s statewide, toll-free Highway Safety Hot Line at 1-800-259-HWAY (4929). The automated system operates 24 hours a day and routes callers to the appropriate field office to report hazardous conditions.