As area spillways are opened in an effort to relieve pressure on levee systems, state officials today (May 9) cautioned residents that state law prohibits driving on levees and parking on shoulders of roadways.
In addition to motorists exposing themselves to hazardous conditions from rising water levels, vehicles driven on top of levees can cause damage to levee infrastructures and obstruct official vehicles, according to a Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries news release.
“By driving on our levees, citizens are undermining the stability of our levee system and interfering with flood prevention work. Additionally, given the height and speed of the water, it is extremely dangerous to be so close to the river,” Department of Transportation and Development Secretary Sherri H. LeBas warns in the release.
Louisiana State Police and LDWF will be patrolling affected areas throughout the state for potentially dangerous situations and motorists and/or boaters creating a hazard.
“As the rivers continue to rise and flood waters are expected in certain areas we urge everyone to put safety first, high river levels and flood waters can be extremely dangerous, please exercise extreme caution,” LDWF Lt. Col. Jeff Mayne said.
If members of the public observe unsafe drivers or situations, they are urged to call *LSP (*577) and report this activity to the nearest State Police office. For information on road construction or detours, please use the motorist information system and dial “511” or visit www.lsp.org.
