Photos Reveal Alarming State of I-10 Bridge in Lake Charles

[KNGT-FM]- If you live in Southwest Louisiana, then you have had to drive over the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge a ton of times in your lifetime. The bridge terrifies folks who are not from the area, but let's face it, the locals don't like going over it either.

You may have never noticed the state of the condition the bridge is in because most of the time when you cross over the bridge, you are going the speed limit of 55 mph or so, and the guardrails and other things on the bridge are just flying by you as you navigate over the 70+ year old structure.

Our question to you is this: Have you ever gotten stuck in traffic and had to go over the bridge slowly? If you have, did you take the time to look to your left and right and see the guardrails on the bridge? The other day, we got stuck in traffic in the rain and did just that.

Read More: Do You Know The Actual Name Of The I-10 Bridge In Lake Charles?

We were shocked by the condition of the guardrails on the bridge. In several spots, the iconic iron gate rails, you know the ones with the pistols on them, were destroyed, with temporary guardrails on them. It was a real eye-opener. We quickly grabbed our camera and snapped a few photos of the sections we nearly passed without noticing. Definitely unsettling stuff.

Read More: The History Behind The Pistols On The I-10 Bridge

We all knew the bridge needed replacing, but seeing the condition of those guardrails up close really drove it home. Now more than ever, we're thankful a new bridge is finally in the works. Sure, the construction and traffic delays will be a headache, but honestly, wouldn’t you rather deal with that than keep driving over the current one?

Read More: See What The New I-10 Bridge Will Look Like Here