Overturned 18-Wheeler Creates Major I-10 Delays For Louisiana Travelers
Louisiana drivers traveling through Baton Rouge are being urged to prepare for significant delays Wednesday morning after an overturned 18-wheeler blocked Interstate 10 in both directions.
UPDATE: 10:45AM:
ORIGINAL STORY:
The crash was reported around 4 a.m. Wednesday, September 9, between the Dalrymple Drive and Washington Street exits. The 18-wheeler overturned across I-10 West, with the crash also blocking lanes on the eastbound side of the interstate.
I-10 West was completely closed at Dalrymple Drive, while two right lanes of I-10 East were also closed, according to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. Traffic congestion stretched for miles in both directions.
At least one person was transported to a hospital in serious condition following the crash, according to WBRZ.
Eastbound Drivers Coming Across The Mississippi River Bridge Impacted
The problems are not limited to Baton Rouge's normal morning commuters.
Eastbound traffic coming across the Mississippi River Bridge into Baton Rouge has been heavily impacted, creating problems for drivers traveling the I-10 corridor from Lafayette and other parts of Acadiana toward Baton Rouge and New Orleans.
The congestion was reported to be approaching several miles in both directions Wednesday morning.
That makes this an important traffic situation for anyone traveling through Baton Rouge, even if the Capital City is not their final destination.
I-10 West Closed And Traffic Diverted
Westbound traffic is being forced off I-10 before the crash scene. Authorities reported motorists were being diverted from the interstate at South Acadian Thruway.
The closure and resulting backups are also affecting traffic around LSU, downtown Baton Rouge and surrounding surface streets as drivers attempt to find alternate routes.
Drivers heading west toward Lafayette should expect delays well before reaching the Mississippi River Bridge and Baton Rouge's downtown interstate corridor.
Louisiana Drivers Should Check Traffic Before Leaving
Anyone traveling I-10 through Baton Rouge Wednesday morning should check current traffic conditions before leaving and consider alternate routes when possible.
This includes drivers traveling between Lafayette, Baton Rouge and New Orleans, as well as those commuting into Baton Rouge for work, school or LSU.
Drivers can monitor current interstate conditions through Louisiana 511.
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