Emergency highway closure: I-49 southbound closed due to heat related buckling

CADDO PARISH (KTAL/KMSS) – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LaDOTD) is shutting down I-49 southbound due to heat-related damage on the highway.

The department reports that all southbound lanes of I-49 just north of the LA 3194 (MLK Drive) interchange in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, are closed.

They share, this emergency road closure is due to heat-related roadway buckling.

Periods of extreme heat can cause concrete pavement to expand, resulting in buckling at the roadway joints that can occur quickly and without warning. DOTD crews are prepared to address these ‘blow-ups’, as they’re commonly referred to.

DOTD crews are currently on site conducting repairs to the roadway to I-49.

The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office (CPSO) is assisting with traffic control. Vehicles are currently being detoured off I-49 at LA 1 (North Market Street) while DOTD crews conduct these emergency repairs.

Drivers should anticipate delays in the area and are encouraged to seek alternate routes if possible.

The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office says they will continue to assist with traffic control until the roadway is reopened.

For the most current information on road condition and updates from the LaDOTD. Call 511, visit www.511la.org, or download the Louisiana 511 mobile app for further travel details.

We will update when the southbound lanes have been reopened.

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