ROAD CLOSURE: Part of Ambassador Will Be Closed This Weekend

LAFAYETTE, La. (KPEL News) - A maintenance project on a bridge in a high-traffic area of Lafayette could cause some traffic issues on Sunday.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LaDOTD) announced Monday that on Sunday, May 19, there would be a temporary closure of the Vermilion River bridge on Ambassador Caffery in Lafayette.

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The closure is scheduled from 8-10 a.m. on Sunday, LaDOTD announced, assuming the weather cooperates.

"This closure is necessary to allow crews to perform routine bridge maintenance repairs," the agency said in a statement. "Emergency vehicles will not have access to the area."

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Tips for Driving Through Construction Zones

Driving in construction zones requires extra caution to ensure the safety of both drivers and workers. Here are some simple tips to follow:

1. Slow down: Reduce your speed when entering a construction zone. Speed limits are often lower in these areas to account for changes in road conditions and the presence of workers and equipment.

2. Pay attention to signs: Look out for signs indicating lane closures, detours, or changes in traffic patterns. Follow the instructions on these signs to navigate the construction zone safely.

3. Stay in your lane: Avoid changing lanes unless necessary. Construction zones may have narrower lanes or temporary barriers, making it challenging to maneuver. Stay in your lane to avoid collisions with other vehicles.

4. Keep a safe distance: Maintain a safe following distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. Construction zones often have reduced visibility and sudden stops, so leaving extra space can help prevent rear-end collisions.

5. Watch for workers and equipment: Be on the lookout for construction workers, flaggers, and heavy machinery. Stay alert and prepared to stop if necessary to allow workers to safely perform their tasks.

6. Merge early: If you see signs indicating lane closures ahead, merge into the appropriate lane well before reaching the closure point. This helps maintain a smooth flow of traffic and prevents last-minute lane changes that can cause congestion and accidents.

7. Be patient: Construction zones can be frustrating due to delays and traffic congestion. Remember to remain patient and avoid aggressive driving behavior. Plan ahead for potential delays and allow extra time for your journey.

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By following these simple tips, you can navigate construction zones safely and help prevent accidents and injuries for yourself and others on the road.

A Guide to Louisiana Slang You Should Know Before Visiting the Bayou State

You don't need to know French to visit Louisiana. Truthfully, not many of the people that live here do. But if you plan to take a trip to the Bayou State and don't understand the slang, you'll likely hear "pauvre bete" and a few terms that sound strange. Here's a handy guide that may help you cut through the confusion of the Cajun vernacular.

Gallery Credit: Tracy Wirtz