The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LaDOTD) is attempting to prevent deadly crashes along a stretch of Interstate 10.
The area on I-10 between Grosse Tete and the Mississippi River Bridge, known as the "Devil's Triangle", has had a high rate of vehicle crashes. Many of the crashes come from distracted drivers, unaware that traffic has stopped ahead of them.
LaDOTD is starting the approximately $8 million project that would install a new "queue warning system" along 16 miles of I-10 between Iberville and EBR parishes. Drivers can expect to see nine new cameras, vehicle detectors, flashing beacons, and a message sign.
According to a press release from the LaDOTD, spokesperson Rodney Mallett said:
"The purpose of this queue warning system is to warn motorists of queues ahead on I-10 from LA 77 to LA 1 in the West Baton Rouge area, and improve safety on this stretch of I-10. The detectors detect vehicles as the drive by without stopping or slowing down, meaning no queue has been formed ahead, and in this situation the queue warning system will not be activated. However, if the detectors detect that the vehicles are stopped on the road, or moving very slowly, or in a slow move and stop situation, then there is a queue formed or forming ahead. This will activate the queue warning system – The TMC will be alerted, a warning message on the queue ahead will be posted on the DMS sign, the flashing beacons will start flashing to warn motorists about the queue ahead and be ready/ or to slow down. Once the queue is no longer there, the system will deactivate."
Although there hasn't been an established timeline yet, LaDOTD is preparing to meet with a contractor in order to discuss the project.
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Source: LaDOTD
