PONCHATOULA, La. (WGNO) — With the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival kicking off on Friday, troopers with the Louisiana State Police have announced traffic routes and safety tips for people planning to drive to this year’s fest.
According to the LSP, additional troopers who are “proactively looking for impaired and aggressive driving” will be on patrol throughout the duration of the festival.
In addition to increased patrols, the LSP offered a list of safety guidelines for drivers to follow and remain safe on the road:
- Do not drive distracted.
- Plan a safe way to get home before the festivities start.
- Before drinking, designate a sober driver.
- If you’re impaired, call a taxi, ride-share service, or a trusted friend or family member.
- If you come across someone who looks to be impaired, contact local law enforcement.
- If you know someone is about to drive impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to their destination safely.
- Always wear your seatbelt.
The LSP also said drivers should expect increased traffic in the area that could lead to intermittent interstate exit closures.
In an effort to ensure safety and improve the flow of traffic, LSP troopers said drivers should follow these alternate routes when entering and leaving the festival:
From Mandeville: Take Louisiana 22 west into Ponchatoula.
From New Orleans: Take the Causeway Bridge into Mandeville and proceed to Louisiana 22 West into Ponchatoula.
From Baton Rouge: Exit Interstate 12 Eastbound at Pumpkin Center exit #35, proceed south to Louisiana 22, then continue east on Louisiana 22 into Ponchatoula.
From Covington and Slidell: Exit Interstate 12 Westbound at Louisiana 445 exit #47, proceed south to Louisiana 22, then continue west on Louisiana 22 into Ponchatoula.
LSP officials said people can report impaired drivers or unsafe roadway conditions by dialing *LSP (*577).
The Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival will take place from April 12 through April 14.
Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter.
