[a/s] Louisiana I-10, I-12 status report REAL CONDITIONS

[Doug & Judy Stracener <ka5ysy@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi all;

Contrary to popular belief, I-10 from Mississippi to Texas is not in
terrible condition. Much of if has been refurbished completely.
Currently the only existing construction anywhere is in the area of
Lafayette for about 2 miles total, and I-12 at Denham Springs, just
east of Baton Rouge.

Logistics:  If you are going to run either east or west between Texas
and Mississippi, you do not have to run I-10 through New Orleans at
all. At Slidell on the Mississippi side, I-10 becomes I-12 between
Slidell and Baton Rouge on the direct route. I-10 at Slidell drops
southbound into and through New Orleans in a 90 mile detour that
rejoins I-12 again in the middle of Baton Rouge. Construction in Baton
Rouge is totally complete with no delays except during rush hours
morning and evening. I emphatically do not recommend anybody
attempting to take an Airstream into New Orleans, period. The drivers
there are crazy and combative on good days, and are "interesting" for
those of us who live here. Good traffic manners do not generally
exist, and the speedlimits are generally ignored, as are the traffic
signals. I do not like to go to New Orleans unless necessary for
business because of this, as well as the prices being the highest in
the state for most things, courtesy a lousy local government and mayor
that has not found a tax it did not like. Restaurants, however, are
the best in the country, and in some instances in the world ! In other
words, a nice place to visit without a trailer, but not to live in.
NEVER venture into the city at night.

Great trailer parks run by the state are Fountainbleu State Park on
the east side of Mandeville, on the north side of Lake Ponchartrain,
and Fairview Riverside State Park on the West side of Mandeville. If
anyone is interested, the Director of State Parks is a friend of mine
and can assist in reservations.

Doug