Driving from Houston

[gsse2003]

We were planning on driving to WDW from Houston on Sept 24th taking I-10 to Baton Rouge, I-12 around New Orleans, then I-10 from Slidell, LA into Florida. I was wondering if any of you have heard about current road conditions along that route through Louisiana and Mississippi. I haven't had much luck searching various department of transportation websites.

 

[Aristocath]

My friend who lives in Destrehan, Louisiana called AAA to find a route from Florida to thier home in Louisiana. Some of the roads are closed or are open for emergency traffic only. I would call AAA or perhaps try a more northern route.

 

[angey77]

I'm hoping this is outdated for you, particularly I-10 from La to Ala., but there are sites listed with the information for each state's department of transportation.

http://driversmag.com/news/hurricane_katrina_road_interstate_highway_090105/index.html

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Just checked AAA online--their on-line triptik still lists the traditional way...they posted this advisory:

ADVISORY!
New Orleans, Biloxi, and other areas in the Gulf Coast region were hit by Hurricane Katrina on August 29, 2005. Both roads and hospitality infrastructure suffered severe damage. The dimensions and extent of the damage are still being determined. As soon as specific local information becomes available, we will provide it. Travelers are advised to be cautious before traveling to or through the affected areas.

I would guess that planning your trip so that it does not involve southern LA or any of mississippi would be best.

Maybe going up to Dallas and then taking I-20 (not listed as closed on the link above) to Atlanta and then I-75 down to Florida--that's the most direct, but roundabout way using interstates other than I-10.

 

[Rafiki Rafiki Rafiki]

Try these links for the most updated information.

http://www.dotd.state.la.us/

and

http://www.mdot.state.ms.us/

Long and short of it: I don't think you'll have as many problems in Louisiana as you will in Mississippi. The repair crews seem to be moving into the area more quickly because it is a more densly populated area.

 

[ckmommy]

I have had this problem as well. We are leaving for Destin next week Thursday, and going the same route you have planned. I have been checking with the two sites previously mentioned. We have an alternate route planned, just in case. That route is taking I-59 out of Slidell, LA going north to MS Hwy 26 takeing this west to Hwy 98, then taking 98 south to I-65 in Mobile then picking up I-10 again. We are going to try to stay on I-10 as far as wer can. There are several highways on I-10 in MS that go to Hwy 26. I will post when we get home with the details of how the trip (interstates) went.

 

[cajunmommy]

I know it'll be a pain, but PLEASE try to stay North of all of this. Traffic in Baton Rouge on I-10 & I-12 is gridlocked daily because of the influx of people. I'll try and look at a map to offer some tangible suggestions.

They are just allowing residents back into St. Tammany Parish today (Slidell area), so the highways around that area might be restricted to residents & emergency / relief personnel.

Another thought....keep an eye on the Transportation Board. I'd bet the question's been posted already. Hopefully suggestions are there as well.