I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge Lane Closures Announced In Lake Charles and Westlake
Lake Charles, Louisiana – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has scheduled a series of lane closures on Interstate 10 in both directions over the Calcasieu River Bridge in Lake Charles in early December 2025.
The closures, which affect the right lane in each direction near the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge, are set to begin Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025, and continue through Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. DOTD states the work is necessary for routine bridge inspection, an important part of ongoing safety and maintenance for the heavily traveled structure.
All work is weather permitting, meaning the schedule could shift if conditions are unsafe for crews or equipment.
Detailed Closure Schedule
Drivers traveling through Lake Charles and Westlake on I-10 should expect daytime lane closures on specific dates and times:
Eastbound I-10 (Right Lane) – First Phase
- Dec. 2–4
- Daily from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Westbound I-10 (Right Lane)
- Dec. 5
- From 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Dec. 6–7
- Daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Dec. 8–9
- Daily from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Eastbound I-10 (Right Lane) – Second Phase
- Dec. 10–12
- Daily from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Only one right lane in the posted direction will be closed at a time, but traffic could slow significantly during the work periods, especially during morning and midday travel.
Purpose Of The Work: Routine Bridge Inspection
According to DOTD, the closures are required for a routine bridge inspection. These inspections are standard procedures conducted at regular intervals to check the bridge’s condition, identify any wear or damage, and plan future maintenance if needed.
Routine inspections typically involve:
- Visual checks of the bridge deck, supports, and structural components
- Use of specialized equipment to access hard-to-reach areas
- Documentation of any changes in the bridge’s condition over time
While the agency did not report any specific structural issues, closing a lane allows inspectors to work safely and reduces the risk of a traffic incident near inspection equipment and personnel.
Detour Option: I-210
During the closure periods, DOTD notes that motorists may use Interstate 210 as a detour route. I-210 loops around the south side of Lake Charles and provides an alternate crossing of the Calcasieu River.
Drivers who do not need to cross at the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge directly through the city center may find I-210 to be:
- A way to avoid potential congestion near the work zone
- A more predictable route during the inspection schedule
Commercial drivers and local commuters planning trips during the closure windows may want to factor in additional time or consider using I-210 when possible.
Restrictions For Wide Loads
DOTD is also placing size limits on wide loads during the work. Wide loads are restricted to 14 feet while these lane closures are in place.
This restriction is important for freight and oversized transport operators who typically plan routes days or weeks ahead. Loads wider than 14 feet may need to:
- Adjust schedules to avoid affected dates and times, or
- Seek alternate permitted routes around Lake Charles and the Calcasieu River Bridge area.
Carriers should review their permits and trip plans to ensure compliance with the temporary restriction.
What Drivers In Lake Charles and Westlake Should Expect
Drivers in and around Lake Charles and Westlake should be prepared for:
- Slower traffic over the Calcasieu River Bridge during the listed dates and times
- Possible short delays approaching the work zone, especially in peak travel periods within the closure windows
- Lane shifts or signage directing traffic into the open lane
To reduce congestion and improve safety near the bridge, motorists can:
- Allow extra travel time
- Use I-210 when feasible
- Follow posted signs and obey work-zone speed limits
- Avoid sudden lane changes near the closure area
The planned schedule keeps the work contained to daytime hours and short-duration windows, which may help lessen impacts on overnight freight movements and late-night travelers.
Key Takeaways For Lake Charles Travelers
- Where: I-10 Eastbound and Westbound, right lane, over the Calcasieu River Bridge at MP 28.7 in Lake Charles
- When:
- EB: Dec. 2–4 and Dec. 10–12, 8 a.m.–2:30 p.m. daily
- WB: Dec. 5 (8 a.m.–2:30 p.m.); Dec. 6–7 (7 a.m.–3 p.m.); Dec. 8–9 (8 a.m.–2:30 p.m. daily)
- Why: Routine bridge inspection
- Detour: I-210 may be used as an alternate route
- Restriction: Wide loads limited to 14 feet
- Note: All work is weather permitting
Drivers who regularly cross the Calcasieu River Bridge on I-10 are encouraged to check the dates carefully, plan routes in advance, and expect changing traffic conditions while inspections are underway.