DOTD reminds residents to keep hurricane debris out of the roadways

Published 11:27 am Tuesday, September 14, 2021

Baton Rouge- As the southeast portion of the state continues to recover from Hurricane Ida, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development would like to remind residents to keep hurricane debris out of the roadway and out of line of sight for motorists. Do not put debris in ditches because this could lead to flooding during rain events or on street corners because of line-of-sight issues.

Due to the large amount of debris, crews will need to make more than one pass. Residents are asked to not obstruct the right of way with additional debris they may be seeking to remove from their property.

Residents are encouraged to follow the below tips to assist in the debris removal process:

• State contractors are only able to remove debris from state right-of-way.
• Do not push debris into the roadway. Multiple sweeps will allow debris that cannot fit at one time to be removed.
• Please don’t put debris on power lines, fire hydrants, utility stub-outs, or anything that would hinder the claw that grabs the debris. Multiple sweeps will pick up what may not fit initially.
• Construction and demolition debris, as well as vegetative debris, are some of the items traditionally picked up first.
• Debris on commercial, agricultural, and undeveloped properties will not be removed.
• Dark-colored bagged debris will not be removed.
• Certain debris, such as refrigerators and freezers, engines, and other materials that have to be disposed of in a different manner may be picked up at a separate time and/or sweep.

Citizens are asked to be patient as crews pick up more than 10,000 miles of debris in the impacted areas. More information on the latest statistical information, debris routes where there has been a pass, and where planned debris pickup is scheduled can be found at www.511la.org.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) is committed to delivering transportation and public works systems that enhance the quality of life. In addition to more than 16,600 miles of roadway, including over 890 miles of interstate, DOTD supports the development of the state’s aviation, marine and rail infrastructures. Through this work, we are able to facilitate economic development, create job opportunities, improve vital evacuation routes, and make critical freight corridors safer and more efficient.

For more information, please visit www.dotd.la.gov, email dotdcs@la.gov, or call DOTD’s Customer Service Center at (225) 379-1232 or 1-877-4LADOTD (1-877-452-3683). Business hours are 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please let us know how we may better serve you: Customer Service Survey.