Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana - Calcasieu Parish motorists should prepare for alternating lane closures on LA 27 at the Ellender Bridge near mile marker 72 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, June 16, and Tuesday, June 17, as the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) conducts a routine bridge inspection. Traffic delays are expected throughout both days, especially during peak travel periods.
The Ellender Bridge, a crucial transportation link in Calcasieu Parish, regularly serves local commuters, commercial trucks, and emergency services. DOTD officials emphasize that these scheduled inspections are part of safety protocols designed to maintain the bridge’s structural integrity and ensure reliable passage for all vehicles.
During the closure windows, flaggers will guide traffic across the bridge, allowing one direction to pass at a time. Motorists are advised to anticipate wait times and plan accordingly. While no long-term detours are announced, alternative routes may help drivers avoid the most congested periods.
Routine inspections, such as the one scheduled for the Ellender Bridge, involve checking the bridge’s deck, supporting structure, and movable mechanisms. Inspections help identify and address early signs of wear, corrosion, or mechanical issues before they can impact safety or lead to major repairs, thus keeping critical routes open and operational for the community.
DOTD encourages drivers to exercise caution near the inspection zone, observe posted signage, and reduce speeds to protect both workers and fellow motorists.