Click here for up-to-date information on road closures in the Baton Rouge area.BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First News) — The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) has been working around the clock to clear snow and ice from major roadways after Tuesday's winter storm caused widespread closures. Despite their efforts, many interstates remain closed as re-freezing is anticipated Wednesday night. “The goal today is to salt, plow, and chip away at the ice as much as possible,” said DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallet. Baton Rouge Roads: A Key Focus In the Baton Rouge area, DOTD prioritized keeping major routes like Florida Boulevard and Airline Highway open. However, elevated sections of interstates, such as I-10 and I-12, have been particularly challenging due to prolonged freezing temperatures that slow down the thawing process. Some portions of I-12 reopened earlier than the I-10/I-12 split, but Mallet emphasized that multiple factors influence decisions to reopen roadways. “We monitor the roadway for safety and for the travelers. We also keep an eye on the weather. There are certain temperatures where the salt doesn’t work, and others where plowing causes more damage to the plow than to the ice,” Mallet explained. Challenges from Extreme Cold Crews faced delays Wednesday morning as they waited for temperatures to rise into the 20s, a threshold that allows salt and plows to work more effectively. With help from neighboring states, DOTD has ramped up efforts, deploying additional plows and salt trucks to expedite the process. Mallet noted that over 700,000 pounds of salt have been spread on roads to address the icy conditions. Patience Urged as Work Continues DOTD is urging drivers to remain patient and cautious, even after roads begin to reopen, as isolated patches of ice may still linger. No definitive timeline has been provided for reopening specific roadways. For updates on road conditions, visit 511la.org. Latest News Released Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes goes to Capitol campus to meet with GOP lawmakers Trump pardons DC officers convicted in deadly moped pursuit Jan. 6 rioter declines Trump pardon: 'We were wrong that day' Big Game Bound: Previewing Sunday's big NFC, AFC Championship clashes Fire at Lard Oil Company in Denham Springs contained, no injuries reported