Massive Traffic Delays Likely on I-10 This Weekend

Interstate 10, it’s the major artery for goods and services to move via motor vehicles along the southern United States. In Louisiana I-10 is the “energy pipeline” for the nation. It serves as the main thoroughfare for crude oil, refined oil, and products made using petroleum for the country. When there are traffic delays on I-10 a lot of motorists are inconvenienced.

Based on highway department statistics just the stretch of I-10 from the Baton Rouge area through Ascension Parish handles some 95,000 travelers a day. Based on projections that figure is going to rise even more in the coming years. And when you consider the fact that there are two major bridge projects planned for I-10, Baton Rouge and Lake Charles, congestion on the roadway is going to be a necessary evil when those projects get underway.

Where Are The Trouble Spots on I-10 This Weekend?

The good news for motorists traveling on I-10 in Louisiana this weekend construction should not be the cause for any delays. There are some projects that are on going but most of those should create significant delays.

The I-10 Rest Center at Butte LaRose has been undergoing some renovation and repair, actually they had a waterline problem. According to the LaDOTD website the trucker side of the facility is open for professional drivers but regular motorist may find some of the services normally offered not available.

Expect Major Delays if You’re Beach Bound This Weekend

You’re probably aware that just across the Louisiana/Mississippi line they are building a brand-new Buc-ee's travel center. The project is so massive that it requires a new overpass and interchange be constructed at the Menge Avenue Exit in Mississippi. This construction has created delays of several hours for the past several days for traffic in the area.

So do be mindful that about twenty miles into the state of Mississippi there could be construction delays in the eastbound lanes. The same can be said for the westbound lanes of travel around that same location. Delays of 90 minutes to two hours were quite common on Wednesday and Thursday around the construction zone so do plan accordingly.

We have been unable to confirm from MDOT, the Mississippi Department of Transportation, that there might be construction delays for weekend travelers just a few miles east of the Menge Avenue/Buc-ee’s conundrum. From what we understand construction is ongoing at the Lorraine Cowan interchange with County Farm Road. They are doing shoulder work and there could be lane closures that affect traffic in that location too.

If you’d like to see what delays await you on your travels you can find interactive maps for Louisiana right here. You can find a similar traffic map from MDOT in Mississippi right here. And for traffic details for L.A. (Lower Alabama) you may click here. And finally for the Florida panhandle you may get detailed traffic information right here.