Stories From the Louisiana FHWA

Story One

By Bob Mahoney, Louisiana Division

Before Hurricane Katrina arrived, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LDOTD) set a contra flow evacuation plan in motion for the coastal area. Over one million people followed the plan and got out of harm's way. Many levels of Louisiana and Mississippi governments assisted in making it happen. An extensive plan to avoid traffic congestion was in place due to our experience with Hurricane Ivan. After Katrina hit, LDOTD crews from around the State converged to clear roadways and assist where needed. Then came Rita which impacted the already damaged area, plus additional major damage to the West. Many stories of service and assistance are burned in the memories of crews and the people thtey helped. So many dedicated LDOTD crews just did whatever was necessary. The story is not over; the work will continue for a long time. The sense of urgency to repair and rebuild continues.

Story Two

By Colby Guidry, FHWA Area Engineer

The day after Katrina made landfall, I went out with a Bridge Inspection Crew to assess the integrity of bridges in St. Tammany parish. The roads were impassable in many locations due to large amounts of debris and marsh mud washed up on the roadways. We made it out to the area within 24 hours after the storm. A large LDOTD crew from Shreveport had arrived several hours before us. With their own heavy equipment in tow, they cleared roadways for first responders and area residents. After the clearing, Red Cross and National Guard vehicles were able to provide water, food, and assistance. The LDOTD District employees and their families cooked food for working crews and other first responders for weeks after the storm.

Story Three

By Scott Nelson, FHWA Area Engineer

When we traveled US 190 to continue bridge inspections, we came across a LDOTD platoon of vehicles, workers, and equipment busy clearing the roadway. We pulled up to talk to one of the guys, only to learn that the 40-50 workers were from the Shreveport office. I don't know if there were plans to bring these guys down here before the storm, because we had no idea how much damage the storm would leave behind. But there they were! I was impressed that this large crew drove more then five hours to help without knowing where or when they would sleep, eat or return home.