Mysterious Truck Magnets Keep Showing Up Tracking Every I-10 Bridge Strike in Westlake

Lake Charles, LA {KNGT-FM]- It is becoming an everyday thing as it seems like every day we see someone posting a picture on social media of a truck that is stuck under the I-10 bridge in Westlake after trying their luck trying to go under the height barricade.

Construction is underway in Westlake, Louisiana, as crews work on one of the first phases of the I-10 bridge replacement project. Right now, they’re focused on relocating pipes that were previously elevated, burying them underground in preparation for the new bridge.

Read More: More Lake Charles News

To do that, they had to close the Westbound exit into Westlake, Louisiana. If you are in the city of Westlake and need to get on I-10 and go Westbound, you have to head Southbound on Sampson Street and go underneath the I-10 bridge and then enter a temporary on-ramp that was made by the DOTD.

Get our free mobile app

The issue with the temporary onramp is that it had to be positioned closer to the bridge’s base, limiting westbound clearance to just 12 feet. The DOTD even installed a metal bar above the ramp, clearly marking the 12-foot height restriction.

Even with the clearance clearly marked, 18-wheelers, box trucks, and bumper-camper vehicles are still attempting to squeeze under the bar, often getting stuck or striking it, resulting in significant damage to their trucks or trailers.

People have been sharing photos of these accidents for weeks, but now something mysterious has appeared. Someone has started placing truck magnets on the barrier pole to mark every truck or trailer that has hit it, creating a running tally of the hits. Honestly, it’s pretty hilarious. As of now, we don't know who is putting up the magnets,  but we are trying to find out.

Have you seen the magnets? We’ve got a picture for you to check out.