DOTD Announces More Road Closures for New I-10 Bridge Project

Lake Charles, Louisiana - If you've been making your way around I-10 between Westlake and Lake Charles, you've seen the groundwork being laid and progress being made on the prep work of the new I-10 Bridge Project. The DOTD has announced some major closures that will affect Southwest Louisiana residents over the next few months.

Back in May, Louisiana officials came down to join Westlake Mayor Hal McMillin and Lake Charles Mayor Marshall Simien to officially break ground on the new project.

READ MORE: New Ranking Says Lake Charles Zip Code is One of Best in State

About The New I-10 Bridge Project in Louisiana

The new bridge will feature three lanes in each direction, wider shoulders, safer entrance and exit lanes, and a lower grade than the current bridge. Officials say the project will improve safety for the more than 90,000 drivers who cross the bridge every day.

Construction will continue over the next several years, but DOTD says the current I-10 bridge will remain open while the new bridge is being built.

READ MORE: What The New I-10 Bridge Will Look Like [VIDEO]

New Closures Announced As Part of I-10 Bridge Project

According to NOLA.com, several nighttime road closures will take place in Westlake beginning June 11. These closures are needed so crews can move sections of pipe rack from the Phillips 66 facility as part of the bridge project.

The nighttime closures will affect portions of Sulphur Avenue and Louisiana Highway 378. They will take place between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. on June 11, 13, 14, 20, 25, and 26, as well as July 10, 11, 12, 13, and 17.

A longer closure is also planned later this summer. Horseshoe Boulevard will be closed from August 2 through August 26 between Sampson Street and Mike Hooks Road.

Officials say a large crane will be brought into the area to lift and install major pieces needed for the bridge project. Because of the closure, drivers will be detoured along Louisiana Highway 378, Sulphur Avenue, and Miller Avenue.

DOTD also announced several shoulder closures along Interstate 10 between mile markers 25 and 31 through July 4. Crews will be performing surveys, soil testing, bridge inspections, drainage work, mowing, and other pre-construction activities. Traffic lanes will remain open during this work.

Drivers should also expect overnight lane closures on Interstate 10 in Lake Charles beginning June 15. Crews will be restriping the roadway between Kirkman Street and the I-210 East interchange. The work will take place from 8 p.m. until 5 a.m. and is expected to be completed in July.

Upcoming Closures & Traffic Impacts in Lake Charles & Westlake, Louisiana

• June 11, 13, 14, 20, 25, 26 & July 10, 11, 12, 13, 17 (10 PM-4 AM)
  • Night closures on Sulphur Ave. and LA 378
• June 4 – July 4
  • Shoulder closures on I-10 (MM 25-31)
  • No traffic lane impacts expected
• Starting June 15 (8 PM-5 AM)
  • Overnight lane closures on I-10 between Kirkman St. and I-210
  • Restriping project scheduled through July
• August 2-26
  • Horseshoe Blvd. is closed between Sampson St. and Mike Hooks Rd.
  • Detour via LA 378, Sulphur Ave., and Miller Ave.