DOTD launches road safety improvement project across Northeast Louisiana

MONROE, La. (KNOE) – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development is rolling out a new road safety project aimed at improving driving conditions across five parishes in Northeast Louisiana.

Work began this week in Lincoln, Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland and Union Parishes as part of a $1.86 million project to add and update rumble strips and pavement striping on several major roadways.

DOTD spokesperson Erin Buchanan says the upgrades are intended to make roads safer for drivers, especially at night.

“Increase and improve visibility, particularly at night, so when motorists are driving they’re better able to stay in their lanes and avoid run-off-road crashes,” Buchanan said.

Among the areas receiving updates, U.S. Highway 165 is one of the most traveled routes included in the project, with work scheduled in both Morehouse and Ouachita Parishes. Other highways slated for striping and rumble strip work include U.S. 167, U.S. 63, U.S. 425, LA 34, and LA 134.

Construction will take place daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., weather permitting, and is expected to wrap up by mid-Fall 2025.

“It’s not going to be something that has a major impact on traffic,” Buchanan added. “So it won’t be something where you’ll have to worry about a detour route or it really impacting your day-to-day commute.”

The DOTD is encouraging drivers to stay alert and use caution in active construction zones, as crews will be working one lane at a time using slow-moving equipment.

For updates on this project and other traffic advisories, visit http://www.dotd.la.gov or follow DOTD on social media.

Copyright 2025 KNOE. All rights reserved.