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Published on January 21, 2025
Louisiana DOTD Heralds Aid from Arkansas in Winter Weather Emergency as Interstate Support Highlights Regional CooperationSource: Arkansas Dept. of Transportation

In a show of interstate cooperation, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) received assistance from the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ArDOT) during a winter storm.

In a recent Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development press release, DOTD Secretary Joe Donahue expressed gratitude for the support, stating, "Our DOTD crews and support staff have been working tirelessly to pre-treat bridges on major routes across the state. But welcoming ArDOT’s teams means that our mission can become that much more impactful as we navigate this winter storm. Similar to when Tennessee sent crews to help Louisiana after Hurricane Laura and we sent teams to assist Florida late last year in the wake of Hurricane Milton, this is another example of state DOTs working together in the best interest of citizens. I am extremely grateful to Governor Sanders and ArDOT Director Wiley for their support."

Yesterday, around 60 ArDOT personnel arrived with equipment such as salt brine tankers, snow plows, mechanic trucks, and support vehicles to assist in pre-treating additional roadways. The critical routes targeted for treatment included I-10, I-49, US 190, and I-12, among others, as weather conditions dictated.

This partnership highlights the benefits of states working together during emergencies, as shared resources and knowledge can improve response times and safety. The collaboration also enhanced strategies for future emergency responses.