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I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge Reopens in Both Directions After Fire

Published September 22, 2021
Updated September 27, 2021

September 27, 2021 update from LADOTD:

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announced that the left eastbound lane on the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge is open to traffic.

After completing additional testing, DOTD has determined the left eastbound lane is safe for travel. The I-10 eastbound entrance ramp at LA 378 is open as well.

Please use caution as crews work to remove traffic control devices.

DOTD previously announced the right eastbound lane and the westbound lanes are open to traffic.

September 23, 2021, 4:30 pm  update:

Lake Charles, LA – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has announced that the right eastbound lane on the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge is open to traffic following a thorough inspection.

Upon today’s inspection, DOTD has determined additional testing is required before reopening the left eastbound lane. The I-10 eastbound entrance ramp at LA 378 will remain closed as well.

September 23, 2021, 2:30 pm  update:

Lake Charles, LA – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announces the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge westbound is open to traffic following a detailed inspection. DOTD bridge inspectors have completed the inspection of the surface, bridge rails, and the under bridge structures for I-10 westbound.

The PPG Drive entrance ramp has reopened. Traffic traveling I-10 westbound from Westlake will no longer be required to exit at PPG Drive and detour to US 90.

The I-210 westbound to I-10 westbound flyover ramp has returned to one lane for the ongoing construction project.

I-10 eastbound remains closed as inspectors continue evaluating the extent of damage on the eastbound lanes.

“DOTD’s first priority is always safety. In a week where we have had three major fires on bridge structures, I fully understand the inconvenience and disruption this bridge closure is causing, and I am pleased to open the westbound lanes. I appreciate the traveling public’s patience as we work to complete the eastbound inspection, so we can restore safe travels” said Secretary Dr. Shawn D. Wilson, Ph.D.

Please use caution as crews work to remove traffic control devices.

September 23, 2021, 11:20 am  update:

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has temporarily opened two lanes to the I-10 eastbound to I-210 eastbound flyover ramp and two lanes to the I-210 eastbound to I-10 westbound flyover in Sulphur to help mitigate traffic congestion following the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge inspection closure.

Traffic traveling I-10 westbound from Westlake will exit at PPG Drive (Exit 26) to detour to US 90. Additionally, the I-10 westbound entrance ramp at PPG Drive is closed.

Inspections are ongoing on the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge. DOTD must complete a full inspection in order to reopen the bridge. At this time, there is no estimate on when the inspection will be complete.

Motorists are advised severe congestion remains, and all vehicles can continue to detour via I-210.

September 22, 2021, 10:10 pm  update:

Lake Charles, LA. – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announced at 10 pm that the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge will remain closed after a vehicle fire that occurred during the evening on Wednesday, September 22.

DOTD inspectors are investigating to determine if damage has occurred. Crews are on site beginning preliminary inspections. A full inspection will be completed during daylight.

The bridge will remain closed until a thorough and detailed inspection is complete.

Original:

Lake Charles, LA – On September 22, 2021, at approximately 8:05 pm there were reports of a possible wreck and fire near the top of the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge.

At 8:35 the Louisiana Department of Transportation indicated that the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge is closed in both directions due to the fire. Traffic in both directions is being diverted via I-210.

Further reports have indicated that a vehicle hit an 18-wheeler carrying building materials causing the fire. At the time this was published, only minor injuries were reported.

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