According to a media release from the City of Lake Charles, "Beginning Tuesday, November 14, the northbound 5th Avenue Bridge over Contraband Bayou will be temporarily closed to vehicular traffic due to safety concerns for construction workers in the area." Southbound traffic along 5th Avenue over the bridge has been suspended for several months while the southbound bridge is being replaced.

The closure is due to several traffic incidents. If weather permits, both bridges are estimated to reopen by January 1, 2018.

Advanced warning signs will be placed along 5th Avenue alerting drivers of the bridge outage ahead. Recommended detours will be posted. During this time all driveways will continue to have access to 5th Avenue. Travelers should exercise caution when driving in this area.

Residents of Valley View Apartments, Whispering Pines Apartments, and parishioners of Christian Baptist Church, South Location should be aware this closure.

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