Lake Charles, Louisiana - The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) has announced a full closure of the Interstate 10 overpass on LA 397 in Lake Charles for roadway patching work. The closure will impact both directions of the overpass between the I-10 westbound entrance ramp and the I-10 eastbound exit ramp. Motorists in Calcasieu Parish are advised to plan ahead, as the closure is expected to cause delays and require detours throughout the affected period.
Closure Schedule:
- 6 a.m. Saturday, August 9, 2025, through 6 p.m. Sunday, August 10, 2025
- 6 p.m. Friday, August 15, 2025, through 5 a.m. Monday, August 18, 2025
The DOTD stated crews will carry out necessary roadway patching on the I-10 overpass above LA 397 during these periods. Roadway patching involves repairing damaged asphalt or concrete to improve driving conditions and extend the pavement's lifespan—a routine but essential part of highway maintenance.
Detour Information:
The DOTD has provided alternative routes to smooth traffic flow during the closure:
- Southbound LA 397 motorists will follow a detour via LA 397 to I-10 westbound, to US 90 (Fruge Street) westbound, and return to LA 397.
- Northbound LA 397 motorists should detour via LA 397 to LA 3020 westbound (Opelousas Street), then to US 171 northbound, on to LA 3059 eastbound, and back to LA 397.
Detour signs will be posted, and motorists are urged to pay close attention to signage and drive cautiously through detour routes. The DOTD also reminds all drivers to expect possible traffic delays, allow extra travel time, and be patient while crews complete the necessary improvements.
Other ongoing road projects in the Lake Charles area may compound delays, so DOTD recommends checking for live traffic updates and planning alternative routes when traveling near I-10 and LA 397 during the closure dates.