UPDATE: DOTD set to make final pass for debris removal in multiple parishes

Published 6:57 am Saturday, October 30, 2021

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) advises that the final pass of Hurricane Ida debris removal in St. Helena, Tangipahoa, Washington, Livingston, St. Tammany, and St. John the Baptist Parishes will begin on Wednesday, November 3. Debris removal operations from state highways will be complete in St. Helena, Tangipahoa, Washington, Livingston, St. Tammany, and St. John the Baptist Parishes after this pass.

As a reminder, residents should keep hurricane debris out of the roadway and out of the line of sight for motorists. Debris should not be placed in ditches because this could lead to flooding during rain, nor should it be placed on street corners because this could cause line-of-sight issues.

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.

DOTD would also like to remind citizens that debris removal progress can be seen at www.511la.org. The page is updated daily at 6:00 am to reflect data from the previous day following disposal of debris material.

Crews continue to work swiftly throughout southeast Louisiana to repair damaged signs and signals, as well as clear debris off state routes. Motorists are encouraged to drive with caution, be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment, and refrain from driving around “road closed” barricades, as crews are near the road and oncoming traffic. Don’t drive distracted or impaired, and be extra cautious.

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.