Deadly crash at Washington Street exit brings more safety concerns

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — A fatal crash at the Washington Street exit on Sunday has reignited concerns about one of the most dangerous stretches of interstate in America. Now, state transportation officials are addressing the ongoing risks and whether permanent changes need to be made.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) said the exit has been a safety concern for years due to its design and traffic flow issues.

“We have weaving action right there that causes congestion and poses a safety risk,” said Rodney Mallett, DOTD Public Information Director.

While infrastructure challenges contribute to accidents in the area, Mallett says driver behavior plays a major role in roadway safety.

“Driver behavior causes a lot of crashes in the area, and a lot of it is because people are not paying attention,” he said. “We see a large number of fatalities in Louisiana related to people not wearing their seatbelt. Driving impaired is a big problem as well.”

Earlier this month, state leaders emphasized the need to remove the Washington Street exit altogether.

“This exit has caused so many delays and wrecks that the area leading up to it has been known as the Devil’s Triangle of interstates,” said Louisiana State Representative Dixon McMakin (District 68).

DOTD officials say they are pushing to demolish the exit by the end of the year.

“We have great congressional leadership that also backs this, a governor’s office, a full legislature,” McMakin said. “So, I think by Christmas time, the exit will be shut down.”

For now, officials are urging drivers to stay alert and follow traffic laws while discussions about safety improvements continue.

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