Lake Charles and Westlake, Louisiana - The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) is warning motorists in the Lake Charles and Westlake areas to expect intermittent nighttime closures on Interstate 10 and nearby local roads on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026.
According to DOTD, alternating closures will take place on:
- I-10 Eastbound at Exit 27 (Sampson Street) in Westlake
- I-10 Westbound at Exit 30B (Ryan Street) in Lake Charles
In addition, a closure will be in place on:
- North Lakeshore Drive at the I-10 West entrance ramp in Lake Charles
The work is scheduled between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. and will be conducted weather permitting, which means the schedule could change if conditions are unsafe for crews or drivers.
Closures Will Be Intermittent, Not Continuous
DOTD states that the closures will occur in 15-minute intervals, followed by a minimum of 30-minute openings. Those openings are intended to allow traffic queues to clear before the next closure.
In practical terms, drivers may be stopped for up to about 15 minutes at a time during the overnight period, then allowed to proceed for at least half an hour before any additional short-term closures resume.
The alternating pattern is designed to balance the need for safety during the work with the need to keep traffic moving on this major interstate corridor through Lake Charles and Westlake.
Purpose Of The Work
The closures are necessary for the inspection of horizontal boring under the roadway, according to DOTD.
Horizontal boring is a construction method that allows workers to install or inspect utilities, pipelines, or conduits beneath a roadway without digging an open trench across it. This technique helps protect the road surface and reduces long-term disruptions to traffic, but it still requires periodic inspection to ensure the integrity and safety of what lies beneath the pavement.
Because this work occurs under or immediately adjacent to travel lanes and ramps, traffic must be temporarily stopped at intervals so crews can safely conduct inspections and use specialized equipment.
Locations Affected
Motorists traveling in Calcasieu Parish, particularly through Lake Charles and Westlake, should pay close attention to the specific locations:
- I-10 Eastbound at Exit 27 (Sampson Street), Westlake
- Affects traffic heading eastbound on I-10 near the Westlake area.
- I-10 Westbound at Exit 30B (Ryan Street), Lake Charles
- Affects westbound interstate traffic near downtown Lake Charles and the Ryan Street exit.
- North Lakeshore Drive at the I-10 West entrance ramp, Lake Charles
- Affects drivers attempting to enter I-10 westbound from North Lakeshore Drive.
These are key access points for local and through traffic in the Lake Charles region, and even short-term closures can cause temporary congestion, especially around shift changes or late-night commercial traffic.
What Drivers Should Expect
Although the work will occur overnight, when traffic is typically lighter, drivers should still allow extra time and be prepared for short delays.
Motorists using I-10 or North Lakeshore Drive in the affected areas between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. on Feb. 4, 2026, should:
- Expect brief stops lasting up to about 15 minutes.
- Anticipate slowdowns and potential backups near the closure points.
- Follow posted signs and obey instructions from law enforcement or flaggers if present.
- Use caution in work zones, where workers and equipment may be close to travel lanes.
No long-term detour routes were announced as part of this notice, and the openings of at least 30 minutes between closures are intended to prevent extended gridlock on I-10 and surrounding roads.
Weather-Dependent Schedule
The notice emphasizes that all work is weather permitting. Heavy rain, lightning, or other hazardous conditions can delay roadway inspections, especially when specialized equipment is used under or around the pavement.
If the weather does not cooperate on Feb. 4, the closures may be rescheduled.