Commuters on I-59 Northbound in St. Tammany Parish may need to schedule some extra time into their commutes, or even find alternate routes, due to roadwork that began in late April. According to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, bridge rail repairs on this stretch of the interstate are expected to go through until July 3, as outlined on their website. Weather permitting, construction activity will cause a partial closure of the left lane. Drivers are being warned of possible slight delays.
The repairs, which started on April 21, at 6:00 AM, are at the crux of what some may consider peak summer travel times. While the DOTD has indicated that motorists may experience "a slight delay," anyone familiar with construction knows that delays can often exceed initial estimations. Those with wide loads will need to be extra cautious; restrictions are in place limiting width to 12 feet. Emergency vehicles, however, will maintain access throughout the construction period.
Travelers seeking to avoid potential backups have options: DOTD recommends using alternative routes to circumvent the zone of construction. A detour isn't specified, but savvy drivers familiar with the area likely know the shortcuts and back roads that can serve as a time-saving detour. As with any construction project, patience and planning will go a long way toward a smoother ride.
