LADOTD Update on the LA 1 Southbound Intracoastal Bridge Emergency Repairs

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announces the latest update on the emergency repairs being conducted on the southbound lane of the LA 1 Intracoastal Bridge. The contractor for the heat straightening of the steel, International Straightening, Inc., is scheduled to be on site the beginning of next week to begin the repairs to the damaged girder. Once this is completed, crews can begin installing the cover plates.

Immediately following the March 19, 2019 collision to the bridge, DOTD executed traffic mitigation measures that included:

• Staff to monitor the traffic flow in Port Allen and adjust traffic signals as needed manually during peak hours.
• A temporary signal on LA 1 to work as a ramp meter to give the I-10 off ramp the right of way.
• The right of way given to the I-10 westbound off-ramp to LA 1 while motorists on LA 1 southbound will yield.
• Law enforcement presence located at the I-10/LA 1 southbound merge.

Once repairs are underway, DOTD and the contractor will determine an updated time frame for the closure of the outside travel lane. There are currently no weight restrictions on the bridge, but the width is restricted to 12 feet.

The Plaquemine ferry continues to have two boats running throughout out the week. When two ferries are in operation, they are scheduled to depart every 15 minutes. When there is only one, it leaves every 30 minutes (departs Plaquemine at :00 and :30, Sunshine at :15 and :45).

• Monday through Friday, the first boat will run from 4:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Monday through Friday, the second boat will run from 5:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
• Saturday and Sunday, the first boat will run from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

DOTD 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.