New Orleans, La - Mardi Gras traffic can be mind boggling, storm evacuations a real stressor and the rush hours, unavoidable headaches. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development is working to ease congestion and traffic tie-ups in Orleans and Jefferson parishes.
Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development Secretary Sherri LeBas announced plans Wednesday for 24 additional cameras and eight additional dynamic message signs. The signs will outfit the I-10 Corridor from Kenner to the CBD, I-610 and US 90 Business.
"It's all about communication, communication, communication," said LeBas.
The cameras and signs will go up in the coming year, bringing the total number of cameras to 117 and the total number of signs to 36. "These are going to be placed at very major decision points for motorists as you travel along our highways," said LeBas.
The New Orleans Traffic Management Center keeps an eye on the DOTD cameras 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
"They're looking for any kind of back up or anything that might indicate a lane blockage," explains TMC Supervisor Rachel Anderson.
When monitors at the Traffic Management Center spot something that could be trouble, they either send help or notify authorities. They also send alerts to the message signs, and they tweet and update the DOTD's 511 phone and web traffic information. They do all of that in three minutes or less to keep drivers informed.
As the cameras go online, you will be able to access them at 511la.org. You can also call 5-1-1 for traffic updates.
