DOTD Secretary Gives Post-Ida Update on Roads, Infrastructure

Right now, Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development officials are assessing the damage caused by Hurricane Ida to roads and bridges in Southeastern Louisiana.

DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says Wednesday is the first day his agency will set foot on Grand Isle. Before they can begin any assessments there, crews will have to clear the sand covering the roads. According to Wilson, the island is covered in two to three feet of damage.

And that's just the start of the problems for DOTD as it continues its recovery efforts

Dr. Wilson discussed the challenges facing DOTD in the coming weeks during an extended interview on Acadiana's Morning News. He discussed gas shortages, road and bridge damage, and tools people can use to plan their routes to avoid storm-affected areas. The interview--in two parts--is included below. Click the icons to listen.

LOOK: The most expensive weather and climate disasters in recent decades

Stacker ranked the most expensive climate disasters by the billions since 1980 by the total cost of all damages, adjusted for inflation, based on 2021 data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The list starts with Hurricane Sally, which caused $7.3 billion in damages in 2020, and ends with a devastating 2005 hurricane that caused $170 billion in damage and killed at least 1,833 people. Keep reading to discover the 50 of the most expensive climate disasters in recent decades in the U.S.