Lake Charles, Louisiana - Lake Charles drivers are being advised to prepare for a temporary lane closure along a busy connector near Interstate 10.
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) has announced a continuous closure of the left lane of North Lakeshore Drive from the I-10 westbound entrance ramp to the eastbound side of Lakeshore in Lake Charles. The closure is scheduled from 8 a.m. Tuesday, March 3, 2026, through 5 p.m. Thursday, March 5, 2026, and will remain in place around the clock during that period.
According to DOTD, the lane restriction is needed to allow crews to perform directional drilling in the median between North Lakeshore Drive and Interstate 10. Directional drilling is a construction method that allows workers to install utilities or conduits underground along a planned path, often without digging long, open trenches on the surface. This approach can reduce surface disruption, though it still requires lane closures for equipment, staging, and worker safety.
DOTD stated that all work is weather permitting, meaning the schedule could be adjusted if conditions become unsafe or unsuitable for drilling operations.
Area of Impact
The closure will affect:
- The left lane of North Lakeshore Drive
- From the I-10 westbound entrance ramp
- Extending to the eastbound side of Lakeshore in Lake Charles
Through traffic will still be able to use the open lane or lanes, but drivers should expect possible slowdowns, especially during the morning and afternoon commute hours.
What Drivers Should Expect
While no detour routes were announced in the DOTD notice, officials typically urge motorists to:
- Allow extra travel time during the closure window
- Use caution when traveling through the work zone
- Watch for workers, equipment, and changing traffic patterns
Because the closure is continuous—24 hours a day from March 3 through March 5—drivers who routinely use North Lakeshore Drive to access I-10 westbound or to travel across the area should plan ahead for the three-day period.
Safety And Work Zone Conditions
The left lane closure provides a buffer zone for crews performing the directional drilling in the median. That buffer is intended to protect both workers and drivers by keeping heavy equipment and active work areas separated from moving traffic.