Crack in Structural Element on Sunshine Bridge in Louisiana Prompts Lane Closure

Baton Rouge, Louisiana – The Louisiana State Police (LSP) and the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LADOTD) reported on August 18, 2022, that the westbound right lane of the Sunshine Bridge (LA 70) in St. James Parish is closed due to a major crack in one of the 168 vertical structural elements. DOTD personnel spotted the newly formed crack during a routine inspection of the bridge.

According to LADOTD, the bridge is safe for the traveling public to cross. The lane closure is in place as a precautionary measure until the repairs can be done. No permitted loads (trucks requiring a LADOTD permit) will be able to use the bridge until the repairs are completed.

The repair schedule is still being worked on and will be shared as soon as it is complete. Once the materials are in place, the repair should be completed quickly. LADOTD inspectors will continue to monitor this location as the regularly scheduled bridge inspection continues until the repairs are completed. If the bridge becomes dangerous to traffic, it will be closed immediately.

“This is a perfect example of why we inspect our bridges on a regular basis,” said LADOTD Secretary Shawn D. Wilson, Ph.D. “The safety of the traveling public is the department’s No. 1 goal. Lane closures for bridge inspections and closing bridges entirely because of safety reasons can be an inconvenience, I know, but it beats the alternative of having people driving in unsafe conditions.”

LADOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution through construction sites, and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment.