Motorists in Alexandria, Rapides Parish faced disruption on the roads following a major incident involving a tanker truck. The crash forced the shutdown of both northbound and southbound lanes of I-49, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development confirmed. The spill, which distributed oil across the interstate, led to the closure from Exit 86 (US 71/MacArthur Drive) to Exit 80 (US 71 S).

The closure, effective immediately, has plunged travel plans into chaos, with no clear timeline provided for when the interstate will reopen. Motorists have been rerouted to US 71, per the instructions from the state's transportation authorities. This detour will remain the only option until hazardous material operations complete their cleanup. Caught in the midst of a construction zone, area residents have been cautioned to maintain a heightened sense of awareness while driving, walking, or biking near the ongoing cleanup.

Impacted travelers and locals are advised to monitor DOTD updates for when the interstate will once again be deemed safe for travel. They urge drivers to "please drive with caution through the construction site and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment," as per Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development.