Lake Charles, Louisiana – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has announced a continuous lane closure along North Lakeshore Drive in Lake Charles, affecting traffic for two weeks in early 2026.

According to the agency, the left lane of North Lakeshore Drive will be closed from the merge of Ryan Street and Lakeshore Drive to the point where Lakeshore passes under the Calcasieu River Bridge (Interstate 10). The closure is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, and remain in place through 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026.

The work will take place weather permitting, meaning heavy rain, storms, or unsafe conditions could delay or temporarily halt operations.

Purpose Of The Closure: Directional Drilling In The Median

Transportation officials state the closure is necessary to allow directional drilling in the median between North Lakeshore Drive and I-10.

Directional drilling is a construction method used to install underground utilities, such as pipes or cables, without digging long, open trenches. Instead, crews drill horizontally beneath the ground surface, which can reduce damage to roads, traffic lanes, and nearby property compared with traditional open-cut excavation.

In this case, the work zone will be located in the median area between North Lakeshore Drive and Interstate 10, requiring the left lane of Lakeshore to remain closed the entire time for safety, equipment staging, and work access.

Location Details: From Ryan Street Merge To Under The Calcasieu River Bridge

The closure will affect a key stretch of roadway near downtown Lake Charles and the Calcasieu River Bridge, a heavily traveled section of I-10 in Calcasieu Parish.

The impacted segment:

• Begins where Ryan Street merges into Lakeshore Drive on the north side of downtown Lake Charles.
• Extends north along North Lakeshore Drive.
• Ends at the point where Lakeshore Drive passes under the Calcasieu River Bridge, one of the main corridors for regional and interstate travel along I-10.

This area serves local drivers, commuters, and travelers accessing downtown Lake Charles, the lakefront, and the I-10 corridor.

What Drivers In Lake Charles Should Expect

During the closure period, motorists using North Lakeshore Drive should expect:

• Reduced capacity: With the left lane closed continuously, traffic will be limited to the remaining open lane in the work area.
• Possible slowdowns: Congestion may occur during peak travel times, especially weekday mornings and late afternoons.
• Lane shifts and signage: Drivers should watch for construction signs, lane markings, and potential minor shifts in traffic flow near the work zone.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has not announced any full road closure for this segment, only the continuous left lane closure.

Safety And Travel Tips For The Work Zone

While the agency did not issue specific safety instructions in the announcement, standard work zone practices apply. Drivers in Lake Charles and visitors traveling through Calcasieu Parish should:

• Slow down when approaching the lane closure area.
• Stay alert for workers, equipment, and any changing traffic patterns.
• Avoid distractions, such as mobile phones, while passing through the work zone.
• Allow extra travel time, particularly for commuters using North Lakeshore Drive.

Because the work is weather dependent, conditions on the ground and the exact pace of construction may vary during the two-week period. Travelers should monitor local traffic updates and Louisiana DOTD channels for any schedule changes.

Project Timeline At A Glance

• Location: Left lane of North Lakeshore Drive, from Ryan Street/Lakeshore Drive merge to under the Calcasieu River Bridge (I-10), Lake Charles, Calcasieu Parish
• Type of Work: Directional drilling in the median between North Lakeshore Drive and I-10
• Start Time: 8 a.m., Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026
• End Time: 5 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026
• Conditions: Work to be conducted weather permitting
• Impact: Continuous left lane closure for the duration of the project

Residents, commuters, and commercial drivers who frequently use this corridor in Lake Charles are encouraged to plan ahead, stay informed about current conditions, and use caution through the work zone to help keep both workers and motorists safe.