Lake Charles, Louisiana - The City of Lake Charles has announced a series of road and lane closures throughout the downtown area as Entergy crews work to replace portions of underground infrastructure over the next two weeks.

The closures will begin Oct. 31 and continue through Nov. 8, affecting Ryan Street and Pujo Street in multiple phases as the utility company upgrades its systems beneath city streets.

During the first phase from Oct. 31 through Nov. 2, all lanes on Ryan Street will be closed between Pujo Street and Kirby Street. Alternating lane closures will also be implemented on the westbound section of Pujo Street during this period. Motorists should plan alternate routes to avoid this area, as no through traffic will be permitted on Ryan Street during the complete closure.

The second phase, scheduled from Nov. 3 through Nov. 8, will involve single lane closures at various manhole locations along Pujo Street. These intermittent closures will stretch from Lakeshore Drive to Ryan Street, though traffic will continue to flow in a limited capacity, unlike the complete closure of Ryan Street during the first phase.

Entergy, which provides electric service to the Lake Charles area, regularly maintains and upgrades its underground infrastructure to ensure reliable power delivery to customers. The work involves accessing underground vaults and conduits through street-level manholes, which necessitates temporary traffic disruptions.

City officials are encouraging residents and commuters who regularly travel through downtown Lake Charles to plan extra time for their commutes and consider alternative routes during the construction period. The closures will impact both residential and commercial traffic in the heart of the city's business district.