Holiday traffic hits hard across South Louisiana. Families travel to visit loved ones. Shoppers fill stores every day. Big trucks move freight and Christmas packages. These factors make many Louisiana roads crowded and risky.
This guide explains which roads get busiest in Baton Rouge, Ascension Parish, Addis, Brusly, Baker, Prairieville, Oak Hills Place, Gardere, Greenwell Springs, Shenandoah, Plaquemine, St. Gabriel, Iberville Parish, Livingston Parish, Shreveport, Bossier City, and Alexandria. It also covers what drivers should watch for to avoid holiday car and truck wrecks.
Why Our Roads Slow Down Every December
More cars travel during the holidays. More trucks carry goods across the state. More people walk near stores, event centers, and churches. Many highways, like I-10 and US-61, carry trucks that make up around 15 percent of traffic. Trucks need more room to stop and turn. Drivers must stay patient and keep a safe distance.
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Heavy traffic and rushed driving raise the risk of rear-end crashes, T-bone crashes, and parking lot wrecks.eed more patience and distance.
I-10 and the Horace Wilkinson Bridge
Baton Rouge’s Most Crowded Holiday Route
The I-10 bridge carries about 126,000 vehicles each day. Traffic slows even more in December after the rush of October. Cars brake suddenly on the steep incline. Trucks move slower going uphill.
Watch for:
- Sudden stops on the bridge.
- Lane changes near the I-10 and I-12 split.
- Trucks needing more room to slow down.
Safety tip: Stay out of truck blind spots and leave plenty of space.
West Baton Rouge and Iberville Parish
Addis, Brusly, Plaquemine, and St. Gabriel
Addis and Brusly
LA-1 stays crowded during the holiday season. Traffic backs up early near the I-10 bridge. Shoppers and family visitors add more cars to the road.
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Plaquemine and Iberville Parish
Plaquemine and nearby towns like White Castle and Sunshine see more holiday travel. Drivers use LA-1, LA-77, and LA-3066 all day. Plants, stores, and family visits create steady movement across the parish.
St. Gabriel
St. Gabriel sits between Baton Rouge and Plaquemine. River Road and LA-30 carry heavy plant traffic. Holiday season adds more commuters and shoppers. Narrow lanes and fast speed changes make driving tricky.
Watch for:
- Fast merges from drivers heading to Baton Rouge or Ascension Parish.
- Heavy traffic near plant shift changes.
- Sudden stops on River Road curves.
Safety tip: Slow down early when approaching plants, curves, or merge points, and leave extra room between you and the vehicle ahead. This gives you more time to react to sudden stops, large trucks entering the road, and fast-moving traffic from Baton Rouge or Ascension Parish.
North Baton Rouge Holiday Routes
Baker and Greenwell Springs
Baker
Holiday drivers use Groom Road and Plank Road (LA-67) to shop, visit, and travel to events. Neighborhoods also see more delivery trucks and family guests.
Greenwell Springs
Greenwell Springs Road (LA-37) connects Baton Rouge, Central, and Livingston Parish. December traffic slows near schools, churches, and busy stores.
Watch for:
- Cars turning without signaling.
- Crowded parking lots near local businesses.
- Pedestrians walking in low-light conditions.
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South Baton Rouge and Suburban Hot Spots
Prairieville, Ascension Parish, Oak Hills Place, Gardere, and Shenandoah
Prairieville and Ascension Parish
Airline Highway, LA-42, and LA-73 fill with shoppers and commuters. Traffic grows tight near Prairieville shops and Tanger Outlets.
Oak Hills Place
Siegen Lane and Bluebonnet Boulevard bring heavy holiday traffic. Drivers often rush and switch lanes quickly.
Gardere
Burbank Drive and Gardere Lane fill with LSU students and families. Holiday events add more cars.
Shenandoah
Shenandoah slows down on Jones Creek Road and O’Neal Lane. Residents travel toward Siegen Lane or Denham Springs to shop.
Watch for:
- Sudden braking near store entrances.
- Delivery trucks blocking narrow lanes.
- Drivers rushing out of neighborhoods.
Livingston Parish Holiday Traffic
Denham Springs, Walker, and I-12
Livingston Parish becomes a major holiday corridor. Juban Crossing and Highway 16 draw large crowds. I-12 slows between Baton Rouge and Hammond due to high travel.
Watch for:
- Stop-and-go traffic on I-12.
- Fast merges at exit ramps.
- Heavy truck traffic during busy evenings.
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Baton Rouge MSA Shopping Corridors
Some of the Busiest Spots in December
Siegen Lane
Stores and restaurants create all-day congestion.
Bluebonnet Boulevard
Traffic near the Mall of Louisiana is heavy early and often.
College Drive
Shoppers, students, and commuters create unpredictable traffic.
Watch for:
- Pedestrians near shops.
- Drivers weaving between lanes.
- Parking lot lines blocking turn lanes.
Related: The Dangers of Head-on Collisions During the Holidays
New Orleans Holiday Traffic
Canal Street, the French Quarter, and I-10
Canal Street fills with tourists and shoppers. Driving speeds drop to around 20 miles per hour on busy weekends. I-10 slows near major exits during holiday events.
Watch for:
- Streetcars stopping often.
- Tourists stepping into crosswalks.
- Delivery trucks blocking lanes.
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Shreveport, Bossier City, and Alexandria
Northern Louisiana Holiday Traffic
Shreveport and Bossier City
Youree Drive, Airline Drive, and the I-20 corridor see heavy traffic. Holiday shoppers crowd big-box stores and malls. Casinos and event centers bring extra visitors.
Alexandria
MacArthur Drive and Jackson Street see steady holiday congestion. Traffic grows near shopping centers and local events.
Watch for:
- Heavy lane switching.
- Crowded parking areas.
- Trucks delivering holiday goods.
How Holiday Traffic Affects Roundabouts, Intersections, Freeways, and Bridges
Roundabouts
Drivers enter too fast or change lanes inside the circle.
Intersections
More red-light running happens in December.
Freeways
I-10, I-12, and I-49 fill with local and out-of-town drivers.
Bridges
Inclines and wind cause sudden speed changes.
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Holiday Driving Safety Tips for Louisiana Roads
- Give large trucks extra room.
- Slow down near shopping areas.
- Avoid quick merges.
- Watch for pedestrians near stores and churches.
- Plan more travel time.
- Use headlights in rain, fog, or early evenings.
Final Word for Drivers Across the Region
From Addis and Brusly, to Plaquemine and St. Gabriel, to Baker and Greenwell Springs, and through Prairieville, Shenandoah, Oak Hills Place, and Gardere, holiday traffic fills every part of the Baton Rouge MSA. It also impacts Iberville Parish, Livingston Parish, Shreveport, Bossier City, and Alexandria.
With patience, extra space, and smart planning, you can stay safe all season long.
If you or someone you love is hurt in a car wreck, Call Corzo at (225) 351-0459 because help, respect, and justice are only one call away.