I-10 Bridge Expansion Joint Maintenance and Upgrade

UPDATE: Maintenace has been completed on the Eastbound side of the bridge and will now begin on the Westbound side.

Drivers experienced significant traffic congestion in areas West of the bridge, including Sulphur and Westlake, during the maintenance on the Eastbound lanes. On most weekdays traffic was backed up from the I-10 Calcasieu River bridge to Cities Service Hiway in Sulphur over five miles away. On some days traffic was backed up from the I-10 bridge to Ruth Street in Sulphur, an over eight mile stretch. Similar traffic issues should now be expected East of the bridge in Lake Charles.

(Original Article Starts Here)
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) has announced that on March 3, 2018, maintenance will begin on the expansion joints on I-10 of the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge.

The maintenance is to prepare the I-10 bridge to handle the increased traffic volume anticipated during the upcoming I-210 redecking project. The maintenance and upgrades on the I-10 bridge are expected to last approximately 4 months, weather permitting.

Below are some key points to keep in mind during the maintenance and upgrade project:

  • Work will begin in the eastbound lanes of I-10. (Complete) Work will now begin on the Westbound lanes.
  • The outside lane will remain open while construction takes place in the inside lanes.
  • Traffic will move to the new construction while repairs are completed in the closed outside lane.
  • The westbound lanes will follow a similar pattern.
  • Lane closures will be in effect on a 24/7 basis.

Visit these links to see:
Southwest Louisiana Live Traffic Map and List of Congested Intersections
Live Traffic Cameras in Southwest Louisiana
How to Properly Merge in Congested Traffic

Motorists are advised to use I-210 as a detour while work takes place. LADOTD has also provided the detour map below showing alternative routes.