Lake Charles, Louisiana - A full closure of La. 14 in Lake Charles is scheduled to begin at 6 a.m. Saturday, March 14, 2026, and continue until 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, 2026, according to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development.

The closure will affect both eastbound and westbound traffic on La. 14 from the La. 397/Ward Line roundabout to La. 397 in Lake Charles. The transportation department said the shutdown is needed so crews can complete subsurface drainage repairs.

Subsurface drainage work involves repairing drainage systems below the road surface. Those systems help move water away from the roadway and road base, which supports the pavement. Repairs of this kind can require a full closure because crews may need access across the entire roadway and work below the surface.

The planned closure is expected to affect local and through traffic in the area for five days. Motorists are being directed to use posted detours.

For drivers traveling west on La. 14, the detour will route traffic north on La. 397, west on U.S. 90, and south to Gerstner Memorial Boulevard.

For drivers traveling east on La. 14, the detour will send traffic north on Gerstner Memorial Boulevard, east on U.S. 90, and south on La. 397.

The closure area begins near the La. 397/Ward Line roundabout and extends to La. 397, a corridor used by drivers moving through the Lake Charles area. With both directions of La. 14 closed, travel times may increase, especially during daytime hours when repair work is underway.

Drivers in Lake Charles are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and follow detour signs during the closure period.

The closure is scheduled to end at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, 2026, if work proceeds as planned.