I have to drive from Houston to Florida in about a week, leaving on the 15th. The problem is that the I-10/I-12 route will put me eastbound through Baton Rouge during Mardi Gras--the day before it ends, in fact. I'd be hitting the area around the evening rush hour.

Some of the absolute worst traffic jams I've encountered in 40 years of driving have been going through Baton Rouge! In fact, last year we got into yet another one with people going down to New Orleans during Mardi Gras. I had quite a nice chat with the driver of an 18-wheeler also entrapped in the great metal mass. You don't want to ask about the one we hit one rainy, rush-houry night last November!

Can anyone suggest an alternative to the usual path through Baton Rouge, probably detouring to the north? I don't want to go too far off the beaten path, and it would be especially helpful to have something I could bail to after I see that there's going to be a problem.

I hate traffic! It's the one time I wish my MINI truly had wings...

 

My 1st thought - why north? Get off 10 at Port Allen, right before you cross the river. Go south on River Rd. and then break east toward French Settlement (no recommendation since I have not done that). The drive from Fr. Settlmt. thru Maurepas to Springfield is one of the best the area has to offer. Going north from Port Allen, I'd go up River Rd., take the ferry across at St. Francisville, and then meander east to 59 and take that down to 12. I've been in BR rush hour, headed east & you are right, it's awful. Have a good trip.

 

You could go I-20 through Shreveport and head through miss . And head south through miss down to I-10. But if it's still the same as I remember I-20 will beat you to death.

 

I would like to tell you there's a good way to avoid BR, but there's just no getting around it. Let the rush hour time go by -- you can either spend that time in traffic or doing something fun.My advise is enjoy Louisiana and sit down to a good dinner (either Steamboat Bills in Lake Charles or Prejeans in Opelousas).

As long as its not BR in rush hour you'll get through in ok time, and as long as you take I-12 instead of I-10 through New Orleans the traffic will be full because of Mardi Gras but moving at a regular pace.

 

Well my Mini Pal
If the Saints Win the Super Bowl forget about it ! Louisiana will party for a Month ! WHO DAT NATION IS ROCKING & THE ROADS WILL BE JAMMED ! Just stop & have some good eats . From Real WHO DAT from the Bayou EL Tiger

 

Man I was born and raised in Shreveport La. I moved down to south Florida in 93 . It's good to see all of the who dat nation down here. I heard they were boiling crawfish in fort lauderdale . I grew up a saints fan and please god let them stomp the @&$$$ out of the colts. No offence to the mannings.

 

Engine 58
The WHO DATS will party even if they lose the game ! Huge parade on for this coming tuesday win or lose ! Colts don't have a chance too much MOJO on this one ! Enjoy the game ! You should see the Mardi Gras this year WOW !

 

I would go north south LA will be rocking if your looking for a good ride through Louisiana any time soon ! As i said stop and get some good Louisiana food and wait for the Madness to calm down in a Month or two ! Baton Rouge is a mess now with all the traffic = now largest city in LA . because of the storms ! Good Luck & Happy Motoring !

 

Well, I'm not looking for a good time--I'm looking for a quick transit! The date's set. It's a 2 day trip, and I need to get to the midpoint by Monday night (15th), which is more or less Mobile. I suggested north, just because of the traffic closer to New Orleans. We bailed south during the last nightmare, in November, and it was even worse!

It sounds as if any time I'd save by getting clearer roads north or south of the city would be eaten up by the time I'd spend getting to them. Right? Guess I'll have to put another audio book on the stack...

 

Ok, new question--what about bailing from I-10 onto LA415 to US190 to cross the river, then down I-110 to rejoin at the I-12/I-10 intersection? Or would city traffic be more of a problem than this is likely to bypass? Google says that way is about 20 miles, vs. 10 miles direct. I'd only be doing this if I started running into a problem about a mile west of 415, because if I get past that point I'll probably be okay (or could bail to LA1).

 

Just a follow up--no problems whatever, either way! The last time, it took us 2 hours, which is kind of amazing, given the size of the town!