Major Louisiana Highways reopen after more than 3 days, but truckers say they still aren’t moving

Two major Louisiana interstates have reopened following closures due to severely cold weather, but stranded drivers still feel it’s unsafe.

Most of Interstate 10 was shut down Monday morning, and Interstate 12 followed shortly after. But now, Thursday, February 18th, officials say cars and other vehicles are free to travel along these roadways. 

“It’s been a little bit inconvenient, to say the least,” said truck driver Juan Morel, who has been stuck in Baton Rouge for over 24 hours because of the winter weather. 

He says he’s been sleeping in his truck, and has some concerns that he will not get paid since he missed his delivery deadline in Texas due to the weather and road closures. 

“Sometimes when you’re late to drop the load, you get penalties but I hope everybody understands that the situation is just about nature it’s nothing we can do about it,” Morel said to BR proud News.

Truck driver Gabriel Baccera says he can’t wait until it’s safe enough to head out again, as he hasn’t had a good meal in several days. 

“The problem is [there’s no] bathroom, food, and water,” Bacera said.

Although the roadways are technically open, Morel and others say they aren’t ready to risk it yet, as more heavy rain has fallen, keeping the highway slick. 

“There’s nothing I can do, I have to stay safe,” Morel said.