I-10 lanes to close through March

WELSH - The state is extending alternating lane closures on I-10 in Jeff Davis Parish through the end of March.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) recently announced that the eastbound and westbound lanes from milepost 54 in Welsh to milepost 65 will see closures through March 30, according to DOTD Public Information Officer Tammy York.

The closures will take place mostly overnight, York said. The closures are on Mondays through Thursdays from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m.; Fridays from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.; Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Sundays.

“These closures are necessary to replace the roadway surfacing and striping,” she said. “DOTD appreciates your patience. Also, DOTD reminds the public to please drive with caution through work zones and be on the lookout for crew and equipment.”

The work on this portion of the interstate was originally scheduled to be completed by Feb. 15, however, weather and construction delays have pushed that date to the end of March.

Jeff Davis Sheriff’s Office will continue to monitor the interstate for unsafe drivers throughout construction.

“Drivers should always be mindful of traffic laws and roadway conditions, however, if you commit a traffic violation inside a construction zone, the fines double what you would typically pay during standard conditions,” said Jeff Davis Sheriff Ivy Woods. “We encourage drivers to slow down and drive safely in construction areas.”

Louisiana law includes increased penalties for speeding violations within work zones known as Work Zone Enhancements, according to the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission. Workers must be present but road work signs do not have to be in place in order for the law to be enforced. The increase amounts to double the original fine.

Motorists who regularly utilize I-10 can monitor real-time road conditions from a computer at 511la.org, or download the free Louisiana 511 app for iPhone and Android.