Much of the I-10 traffic was rerouted to Highway 190 and through Port Barre on Friday. The detour is frustrating for both drivers and police.
Some passengers were traveling from Texas, trying to return home on the other side of Baton Rouge.
“It will probably take another hour and 45 minutes, which would make the entire trip how long? Six hours on a four-hour drive… at least,” Roy and Bonnie Watley said.
Those living in Port Barre said the detour makes life in town more hectic because they are stuck in traffic with everyone else.
“It’s total chaos, and it happens quite often. [Highway] 190 between Erwinville and Opelousas and [Interstate] 49 – the only red light is right here in Port Barre. It backs up,” Port Barre Police Chief Deon Boudreaux said.
Others said the congestion becomes tough trying to get in and out of town, but they are used to it now.
Some travelers said they were on their way to the Saints game and were afraid they wouldn’t make it. For others, the detour is the first hiccup they’ve had in their recent travels.
