The annual Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival will take place April 12 through April 14.
Over 300,000 visitors are expected in the downtown Ponchatoula area. This increased traffic is likely to overload the surrounding interstate system causing dangerous backups from heavily congested off-ramps. This type of traffic could force intermittent closures of interstate exits. In an effort to improve the flow of traffic and ensure that everyone has a safe festival weekend, Troop L urges motorists to follow the following alternate route advisories when entering and leaving the Ponchatoula area.
From Baton Rouge: Exit Interstate 12 Eastbound at Pumpkin Center exit #35, proceed south to LA 22, then continue east on LA 22 into Ponchatoula. From Covington / Slidell: Exit Interstate 12 Westbound at LA 445 exit #47, proceed south to LA 22, then continue west on LA 22 into Ponchatoula. From Mandeville: Take LA 22 west into Ponchatoula. From New Orleans: Take the Causeway Bridge into Mandeville and proceed to LA 22 west into Ponchatoula.
Louisiana State Police will be working closely with local law enforcement agencies to ensure everyone enjoys the festival and has a safe weekend. There will also be additional troopers on patrol throughout the festival weekend proactively looking for impaired and aggressive drivers in the area. To report impaired drivers or unsafe roadway conditions, dial *LSP (*577) to reach the State Police office closest to you.
For more information about the festival, please visit http://www.lastrawberryfestival.com/.
