Attention motorists: an alert from the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has announced that due to upcoming winter storms, a stretch of I-49 will be temporarily closed. Starting Monday, January 20, at 8:00 p.m., the section from Exit 80 (Macarthur Dr.) to Exit 94 (Rapides Station Rd.) will be off-limits for travelers in Rapides Parish. The measure is cautionary, given that weather alerts predict hazardous conditions which may impede the safe transit along these routes, according to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development.
The road closure is anticipated to stay in place until Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development can confidently declare the area safe for vehicular activity. This includes affected entry and exit ramps between the stated exits. While the closure is active, northbound traffic is being rerouted at Exit 80 onto US 71 NB (MacArthur Dr.), then to NB LA 1, and onto EB Rapides Station Rd., returning to I-49 northbound. Conversely, motorists heading south will detour at Exit 94 following the road to WB Rapides Station Rd., then continue to SB LA 1, to SB US 71 (MacArthur Dr.), and rejoin SB I-49.
Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has emphasized the need for extreme caution should travel be indispensable during the weather event. Roads and bridges throughout various regions of Louisiana, suspect to the icy fingers of winter, may quickly become hazardous. As part of their ongoing efforts, Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development will monitor bridges and elevated structures, readying themselves to salt, clear debris, and undertake necessary closures.
They also call for drivers to be vigilant of their surroundings and of Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development personnel and equipment as they work on the dispensing of de-icing and anti-icing material. With the landscapes expected to be draped in a thick blanket of cold, this vigilance is crucial. For ongoing updates and travel information, the public is urged to use resources like the Louisiana 511 mobile app, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development website, or their social media pages on Facebook and X. Alternatively, the 511 helpline is available for within-state travelers or the 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511) number for those coming from out of state.
