Emergency Lane/Ramp Work Next Week on I-49 and 3132

This summer's heat has already caused a number of hazardous driving conditions in the Shreveport area.

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Of course, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has worked diligently to fix the concrete "blow ups" caused by the heat on I-220 West near the Cross Lake Bridge. Anyone who passed over those buckles near Lakeshore and Jefferson Paige can attest to the fact that, though the traffic during the repairs was merciless, they have made the bypass less of an obstacle course.

And now, in another announcement from DOTD, we learn that this coming Monday, July 21 and Tuesday, July 22, the two inside (left) lanes of I-49 southbound between the LA 3132 and the LA 526 (Bert Kouns Industrial Loop) interchanges will be closed for emergency roadway repair.

Additionally, on Wednesday, July 23rd and Thursday, July 24th, the outside (right) lane of I-49 southbound at the same location, as well as the LA 3132 eastbound and westbound ramps to I-49 southbound will be closed.

On each of these four days, the lane/ramp closures will be from approximately 8:00 am until 4:00 pm. This work will be done "Weather Permitting" so inclement weather could delay, extend or alter in other ways the scheduled work day/hours.

DOTD explains that road repairs of this nature are necessary when periods of extreme heat cause concrete pavement to expand, resulting in buckling at the roadway joints that can occur quickly and without warning, and can prove extremely dangerous to drivers.

DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution through the construction site and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment. Remember to leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Area residents should exercise caution when driving, walking, or biking near an active construction zone.

Call 511, visit www.511la.org, or download the Louisiana 511 mobile app for additional travel information. Out-of-state travelers may call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511).

Motorists may also monitor the LA DOTD website at www.dotd.la.gov, by selecting MyDOTD, or by visiting the DOTD Facebook and X (Twitter) pages.