Lake Charles, Louisiana – Lake Charles motorists will encounter significant traffic disruptions this weekend as the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development implements a full closure of the Interstate 10 overpass on LA 397.
The closure will begin at 12 a.m. Saturday, September 6, 2025, and continue through 5 a.m. Monday, September 8, 2025. The affected section of Hwy 397 spans between the I-10 westbound entrance ramp and the I-10 eastbound exit ramp.
Transportation officials announced the closure is necessary to allow crews to perform critical roadway patching and replace guardrail infrastructure on the Interstate 10 overpass. These maintenance activities require complete access to the roadway, making the full closure unavoidable during the repair period.
The weekend-long closure will force drivers to navigate around the construction zone using designated detour routes. Traffic patterns will be significantly altered as the overpass serves as a key connection point between local and interstate traffic in the Lake Charles area.
Detour Routes Established
Transportation officials have established separate detour routes depending on travel direction. Southbound motorists on LA 397 will follow a route that takes them via LA 397 to I-10 westbound, then to US 90 (Fruge Street) westbound, before returning to LA 397.
Northbound travelers on LA 397 face a more complex detour path. These drivers must use LA 397 to LA 3020 westbound (Opelousas Street), then travel north on US 171, continue east on LA 3059, and finally return to LA 397.
Construction Timeline
The 53-hour closure window allows transportation crews to complete both the roadway patching and guardrail replacement without interruption. Starting the work at midnight Saturday minimizes disruption to weekday commuter traffic while providing sufficient time for the repairs.
Traffic Impact Expectations
The closure affects one of Lake Charles’ important traffic corridors, where LA 397 intersects with Interstate 10. This location serves both local traffic and interstate travelers, making the detour routes essential for maintaining regional connectivity.
Transportation officials recommend that drivers plan additional travel time and consider alternate routes when possible. The detour routes will be clearly marked with temporary signage to guide motorists through the construction zone.
Commercial vehicles and oversized loads may face particular challenges navigating the detour routes. Truckers and commercial drivers should review the detour paths in advance to ensure their vehicles can safely navigate the alternate routes.