DOTD Working On Interstate Lighting And More

Department of Transportation and Development Public Information Officer for the Acadiana Parishes, Deidra Druilhet joined 'Mornings With Ken and Bernie' today to discuss:

• Lighting at the intersection of Interstate 10 and Interstate 49
• speed limits
• overlay projects
• hurricane evacuation

Seemingly every month KPEL is questioned about what can be done about the lack of lighting at the intersection of I-10 and I-49 and Druilhet said,

Next month we'll be letting that project so about early fall you'll see that project going into full effect...It's on schedule.

According to Druilhet overlays are being completed in many areas in Acadiana and in conjunction with overlays other enhancements are being made.

One of the main things you notice if traveling Highway 90 between Broussard and New Iberia is the installation of 'J-turns' to facilitate safer crossing of the highway or safer 'U-turns'.  "J-turns help to prevent rear end collisions for people making U-turns or left turns and of course they help prevent side impact collisions for cars crossing the highway.

In discussing how speed limits are set, Druilet said,

Anyone can call the office at 337-262-6100 and request a speed study if they feel a speed limit should be raised or lowered in a particular area and we can set that in motion to determine if a change is warranted.

With hurricane season starting up Druilet said,

Hurricane evacuation routes are being evaluated and repaired in case they are needed.  Many of those same routes are also utilized in case of emergency situations like the Geismar plant explosion.

Listen to the interview: