Westlake, Louisiana - The right eastbound lane of the Interstate 10 Calcasieu River Bridge in Westlake remains closed as transportation crews address an issue with an expansion joint, according to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development.
An update has been published. Read the update here.
State officials announced that the right lane of I-10 East over the Calcasieu River Bridge, at milepost 28.7, closed starting at 8 p.m. January 24, and will remain shut down until further notice. The closure is described as necessary to allow bridge maintenance work to move forward safely.
An expansion joint is a key structural component that allows a bridge to expand and contract with changes in temperature and traffic loads. When a problem develops with a joint, it can affect both the smoothness of the ride and the long-term durability of the bridge deck if not repaired.
The current lane restriction affects only the right eastbound lane. The left lane of I-10 East across the Calcasieu River remains open to traffic, but drivers can expect slower movement and possible congestion, especially during peak travel times.
The bridge, which carries I-10 traffic across the Calcasieu River, is a major route for both local and through traffic in southwest Louisiana. Any lane closure on this structure can quickly lead to delays, particularly for commuters and commercial vehicles.
The Department of Transportation and Development has not released a timeline for when the lane will reopen. The “until further notice” status indicates that crews will keep the lane closed as long as needed to complete maintenance and verify the safety and stability of the repaired section.
Motorists traveling eastbound on I-10 through the Calcasieu River corridor are advised to:
- Allow extra travel time due to potential backups.
- Use caution when approaching the bridge and watch for changing traffic patterns.
- Follow posted signs and obey any temporary speed limits placed in the work zone.
The Calcasieu River Bridge is a critical link in Louisiana’s transportation network, tying together regional cities, industrial areas, and interstate travel routes.
Further updates on the closure, repair progress, and any changes to traffic patterns are expected to come from the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development as work continues.