Lake Charles, Louisiana – Enterprise Boulevard between 9th and 11th streets in Lake Charles is now closed to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic as part of a long-term drainage and road improvement project.
City officials have announced that the closure, which took effect immediately, is tied to the ongoing Enterprise Boulevard drainage improvement and road overlay work. Weather permitting, this phase of the project is expected to remain in place until March 2, 2026.
Local Access Only, Detour Via 1st Avenue
While the roadway is closed to through traffic, local traffic will still have access within the project area. That means residents and businesses located along the affected stretch of Enterprise Boulevard can still reach their properties, but drivers passing through the area are being asked to find another route.
Thru traffic is strongly encouraged to use 1st Avenue as a detour. Detour maps have been prepared to guide drivers around the closure, helping reduce congestion in nearby neighborhoods and on smaller side streets.
Part Of Multi-Year Capital Project
The work on Enterprise Boulevard is part of Capital Project No. 3277 – Enterprise Boulevard Reconstruction, a multi-year effort aimed at upgrading key infrastructure in Lake Charles.
According to project details, the work includes:
- Drainage upgrades – Improvements to underground drainage systems to help manage stormwater more effectively and reduce the risk of street flooding during heavy rain.
- Sidewalk improvements – Enhancements to pedestrian walkways designed to improve safety and accessibility.
- Roadway reconstruction and overlay – A combination of rebuilding sections of the road and placing new pavement layers on existing surfaces to create a smoother, longer-lasting driving surface.
Reconstruction generally involves removing and rebuilding sections of the roadway base, while an overlay typically means adding new layers of asphalt or other material on top of the current road. Together, these methods extend the life of the road and can reduce maintenance needs over time.
Long-Term Impact On Lake Charles Traffic
With the closure expected to last into early March 2026, drivers in Lake Charles should plan for long-term changes to their regular routes. Commuters, school traffic, delivery drivers, and emergency services will likely rely more heavily on 1st Avenue and other alternate routes during this period.
Because this is part of a broader, multi-year capital project, residents may continue to see construction activity, lane shifts, and periodic closures in the area as work moves through different phases.
What Drivers And Pedestrians Should Know
- Closure limits: Enterprise Boulevard between 9th and 11th streets is closed to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
- Local access: Residents and businesses within the closure zone can still access their property, but travel through the area is restricted.
- Detour route: 1st Avenue is the recommended detour for thru traffic.
- Timeline: Closure is expected to remain in place, weather permitting, until March 2, 2026.
Motorists are advised to allow extra time for travel, follow posted signs, and use caution when driving near construction zones, where crews, heavy equipment, and shifting traffic patterns may be present.
As work progresses on Capital Project No. 3277, the Enterprise Boulevard corridor is expected to emerge with upgraded drainage, safer sidewalks, and a renewed roadway surface designed to handle traffic more efficiently in the years ahead.