Westlake, Louisiana - The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) has announced the imminent closure of Exit 27 on Interstate 10 West in Calcasieu Parish, effective Thursday, August 28, 2025. This major closure is required to facilitate the relocation of a pipe rack as part of the Interstate 10 Calcasieu River Bridge project, and is expected to last for approximately 18 months.
Motorist Detours and Access Changes
Exit 27, which serves Louisiana Highway 378 in Westlake, will be fully inaccessible for drivers traveling westbound on I-10. Instead, motorists heading west will need to take Exit 26 (US 90 PPG Drive/Trousdale), travel south under the overpass, and use PPG Drive to loop around and re-enter I-10 eastbound. From there, they can access Sampson Street via Exit 27 eastbound. This detour is designed to maintain local access despite the construction zone.
For drivers wanting to get on I-10 West from Sampson Street, a temporary detour route has been established. Vehicles must head south on Sampson Street, proceed under the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge, then turn right onto the Interstate 10 South Frontage Road, and subsequently merge via a newly constructed temporary access road onto I-10 West.
Height Restrictions and Alternate Routes for Trucks
A significant height restriction is being enforced during this phase. Trucks and vehicles exceeding 12 feet in height are not permitted to use the temporary access at Sampson Street due to physical limitations of the construction area. Instead, these trucks must use a different detour: they will enter I-10 East at the South Frontage Road in Westlake, exit at Exit 29 (North Lakeshore Drive) in Lake Charles, perform a U-turn at Veterans Memorial Boulevard, and then access I-10 West from North Lakeshore Drive.
Project Details and Timeline
DOTD has indicated that the closure and related detours are necessary for relocating important infrastructure tied to the larger I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge replacement effort. With the detour and height restrictions anticipated to remain in place for 18 months, motorists and freight operators should plan for extended changes in normal travel routines through 2026. Heavy truck operators in particular should remain alert to posted signage and obey all height and detour instructions to avoid incidents or violations during this extended construction period.
Regional Impact
The closure of Exit 27 is expected to have a substantial impact on traffic patterns in Westlake and surrounding communities in Calcasieu Parish. Drivers are urged to allow extra travel time, follow all detour instructions, and use caution near the work zones to maintain safety for both motorists and construction crews.
Summary
- Exit 27 (LA 378 Westlake) on I-10 West will be closed starting August 28, 2025.
- All westbound traffic must use Exit 26 and the designated detour to reach Sampson Street.
- Temporary access routes and frontage roads will reroute local and regional drivers.
- Trucks over 12 feet must follow a special detour to rejoin I-10 West at N. Lakeshore Drive.
- The closure and detours are tied to the long-term I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge project and will last up to 18 months.
Westlake I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge Construction Detour Maps
Temporary I-10 WB Exit to Sampson St.
- Motorists heading west on I-10 will take Exit 26 (US 90 PPG Drive), then head south underneath the overpass, then head east on PPG Drive to access I-10 EB, then take Exit 27 (Westlake).
Temporary I-10 WB Entrance at Sampson St.
- Motorists will head south on Sampson Street and proceed under the I-10 overpass, then turn right onto S. Frontage Road, then right onto new temporary access road. They will continue on the access road to merge onto I-10 WB.
Temporary I-10 WB Entrance at Sampson St. (12-feet Height Restriction)
- Truck traffic will head south on Sampson Street and proceed under the I-10 overpass, then enter I-10 EB at the I-10 S. Frontage Road, then take Exit 29 at (N. Lakeshore Drive), U-turn at Veterans Memorial Boulevard, then enter I-10 WB at N. Lakeshore Drive.
