Travel route info for New Orleans - KNOE 8 News; KNOE-TV; KNOE.com |

BATON ROUGE, La., (KNOE 8 News) - While driving down to New Orleans this soon after a major weather event isn't the best idea, it might be necessary for some. So the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) today announced open routes for drivers returning to the New Orleans area following Hurricane Isaac.

DOTD crews are working diligently to reopen roadways closed during the storm. Currently, the most direct open routes into the city include:

Traveling to New Orleans from the east:  

• Take I-10 west to I-610 west. I-610 will then reconnect with I-10 just west of the city.

Traveling to New Orleans from the west:  

• Take I-10 east to U.S. 61 (exit 187) toward Gramercy. Turn right onto La. 641. La. 641 will turn into La. 3213 near the Mississippi River. Travel on La. 3213 and take a left on La. 3127. Keep straight on La. 3127 and take I-310 to New Orleans until it connects with I-10 east. I-10 east will take you into the city.

DOTD urges motorists to use extra caution when traveling on roadways during hazardous weather conditions and stay off the roads whenever possible. Motorists should drive slowly and carefully, and avoid driving while distracted. Always allow for extra driving time, reduce speeds when visibility is low, and make sure there is plenty of room between vehicles. As always, DOTD reminds motorists to buckle up and refrain from drinking and driving.

DOTD is working in conjunction with law enforcement and the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness to issue information to the public regarding road closures and alternate routes. Citizens can access this information on real-time traffic and road conditions by using the 511 Traveler Information System simply by dialing 511 from their telephone and saying the route or region about which they are seeking information. Out-of-state travelers can call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511). Travelers can also access this information by visiting the 511 Traveler Information Web site at www.511la.org.

Motorists can also obtain information regarding road closures by contacting DOTD's Customer Service Center at 1-877-4LA-DOTD (1-877-452-3683). The center is typically open from 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday, but has extended its hours during the storm.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) is committed to delivering transportation and public works systems that enhance the quality of life. In addition to more than 16,600 miles of roadway, including over 890 miles of interstate, DOTD supports the development of the state's aviation, marine and rail infrastructures. Through this work, we are able to facilitate economic development, create job opportunities, improve vital evacuation routes, and make critical freight corridors safer and more efficient.  

BATON ROUGE -- As forecasted weather conditions may result in state road and bridge closures throughout south Louisiana, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) has developed a list of priority routes which they will strive to maintain. The list can be viewed here: http://www.dotd.la.gov/pressreleases/release.aspx?key=2048a.