Lake Charles, Louisiana - As of 8 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, two major overpasses in Lake Charles, Louisiana, are closed because of the potential for icy road conditions, according to local public safety agencies.

An update has been published. Read the update here.

The Enterprise Boulevard Overpass, between Fournet Street and the I-10 Service Road, and the Shattuck Street Overpass, between Opelousas Street and the I-10 Service Road, are both shut down. Officials stated the overpasses will remain closed until further notice, with projected reopening on Wednesday or Thursday.

Alternative Route Open Within Lake Charles

Authorities said North Martin Luther King Highway remains open and can be used as an alternative route within the City of Lake Charles.

Drivers who normally rely on Enterprise Boulevard or Shattuck Street to cross over Interstate 10 will likely need to adjust their routes, plan for extra travel time, and pay close attention to changing road conditions.

Emergency Services Not Affected

Local public safety agencies emphasized that emergency services are not impacted by these closures. Residents who need urgent help should continue to dial 911 as usual.

Dispatch, fire, police, and emergency medical response operations remain active, and crews are working despite the winter weather concerns.

Officials Urge Motorists To Avoid Travel If Possible

Authorities are urging motorists to avoid travel if they can, due to the risk of ice on roadways.

If travel is necessary, drivers are being asked to use extra caution because of the possibility of ice that may not be visible, often called “black ice.” This type of ice can blend with the pavement and make the road appear only wet, increasing the risk of a vehicle losing traction and causing a crash or other incident.

Recommended safe-driving practices in icy or possibly icy conditions typically include:

• Reducing speed and allowing extra time to reach destinations
• Leaving more space than usual between vehicles
• Avoiding sudden braking or sharp turns
• Using headlights for visibility, even during daylight, when appropriate

While these general safety tips are widely shared by transportation and safety agencies in winter weather, local officials in this case have limited their public statements to urging caution and discouraging unnecessary trips.

Crews Monitoring Street Conditions

Public safety employees and public works crews are continuously monitoring street conditions in Lake Charles as temperatures and weather patterns shift.

Overpasses and bridges are often closed first during cold weather because they freeze more quickly than regular roadways. This happens because cold air surrounds the structure from above and below, allowing ice to form even when the ground-level temperature may be slightly higher.

Officials have not released a specific timeline for when the Enterprise Boulevard and Shattuck Street overpasses will reopen, but they are expected to reopen Wednesday or Thursday.

What Residents Should Know

Based on the information provided by local agencies:

• Closed:
• Enterprise Boulevard Overpass, between Fournet Street and the I-10 Service Road
• Shattuck Street Overpass, between Opelousas Street and the I-10 Service Road
• Open Alternative Route:
• North Martin Luther King Highway, within the City of Lake Charles
• Emergency Response:
• Emergency services are fully operational; residents should call 911 if they need urgent assistance
• Key Message To Drivers:
• Avoid driving if possible
• If you must travel, drive slowly and carefully due to possible invisible ice

Residents are encouraged to monitor for updates.