Special to
L’Observateur

LAPLACE — The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development wants motorists to use traveler resources and practice extra caution when traveling on the roadways during the Mardi Gras holidays.

For traveling convenience, motorists can access up-to-date information about weather-related road conditions, construction activities and other critical incidents by dialing 511 from their telephone.

The voice-activated 511 Traveler Information System is available to most wireless and landline telephone users.

Travelers can also access this information by visiting the 511 Traveler Information System Web site at 511la.org.

Another option is to utilize the new “Way to Geaux” application to receive real-time, around the clock travel alerts.

The hands-free, eyes-free smartphone application can be downloaded on any iPhone or Android device by visiting either the iTunes App Store, or Google Play.

DOTD’s Customer Service Center representatives can answer questions about road closures not listed above or any other DOTD-related questions. They can be reached at 225-379-1232 or 1-877-4LADOTD (1-877-452-3683).

The center’s business hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Customer Service Center will be closed Tuesday.

All oversize and overweight vehicle movement on all state highways is prohibited in New Orleans, Lafayette, Houma and New Roads today through Tuesday, including:

• Orleans, Jefferson and St. Bernard parishes (including the interstates)

• Lafayette city limits, with the exception of I-10

• New Roads city limits and surrounding areas

• Houma city limits and surrounding areas

• Lake Charles city limits and surrounding areas, with the exception of I-10 and I-210.

The Department’s Truck Permit Office will remain open on Monday and Tuesday for the issuance of permits outside of the designated areas.