Ice left behind by last weekend’s winter storm is finally beginning to melt as temperatures rise above freezing, but hazardous travel conditions remain in parts of northwest Louisiana, especially along Interstate 20 between Minden and Monroe.
The storm brought sleet, freezing rain and temperatures in the teens and 20s, leaving many roads coated in ice. While sunny, well-traveled roadways cleared relatively quickly over the past several days, shaded roads and areas with little traffic may still have lingering icy patches.
A stretch of I-20 between Minden and Monroe has been especially problematic, with multiple reports of semi-trucks stalled on icy hills, creating extended traffic backups. Motorists in the area have described the interstate at times as resembling a parking lot as crews worked to address conditions.
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has issued numerous updates over the past two days as ramps, overpasses and connectors gradually reopened across the region.
“DOTD is continuing to urge motorists to exercise caution while on the roads. While many roads have reopened and traffic is flowing once again, travelers should be extremely careful since ice may remain on certain spots of the roadways. Motorists should also be alert and be on the lookout for any crews working on or near the roads. Crews continue to work diligently around the clock to make any remaining closed roads safe for travel once again,” the agency said in a statement.
In Ouachita Parish, DOTD announced Thursday evening that multiple I-20 ramps in Monroe and West Monroe had reopened, including Exit 117D westbound to Layton/S. 2nd Street, the westbound on-ramp from 5th Street, Exit 117A eastbound to Hall Street, and the eastbound on-ramp from 5th Street. The LA 546 overpass over I-20 in West Monroe and the eastbound on-ramp from LA 34, also known as the Stella/Mill Street fly ramp, were also reopened.
Earlier Thursday, DOTD reported the reopening of Exit 120 eastbound, the Pecanland Mall fly ramp, and Exit 116B eastbound to the Civic Center in Monroe, along with the I-20 westbound on-ramp from St. John Street.
In Caddo Parish, the I-49 southbound on-ramp to I-220 eastbound and the I-220 eastbound ramp to I-49 northbound in Shreveport were also reopened Thursday afternoon.
Despite the progress, some facilities remain affected. As of Thursday morning, the Greenwood Rest Area on I-20 eastbound near mile marker 2 in Caddo Parish remained closed due to winter weather conditions.
“DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution through areas that may be affected by accumulations of ice on the roadways, especially on elevated surfaces. Please be on the lookout for crews and their equipment,” the agency said in multiple updates.
DOTD officials continue to encourage motorists to monitor road conditions before traveling. The department provides updates through the Louisiana 511 Traveler Information system, the MyDOTD email alert system and its social media channels.