Westlake, Louisiana - The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development will implement alternating lane closures on LA 378, also known as Sampson Street, and Horseshoe Boulevard in Westlake beginning Tuesday, September 2, 2025.
The temporary traffic restrictions will affect the intersection of Sampson Street and Horseshoe Boulevard from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. nightly through Thursday, September 4, 2025. State transportation officials announced the schedule to allow crews sufficient time for infrastructure modifications in preparation for the new I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge project.
Flagging operations will direct traffic through the work zone at the Sampson Street-Horseshoe Boulevard intersection during the overnight hours. Flaggers are trained personnel who use signs and hand signals to safely guide vehicles through construction areas where normal traffic patterns are disrupted.
The construction project involves two primary components: modifying existing concrete islands and installing additional traffic signal equipment. Concrete islands are raised sections of pavement that separate traffic lanes and help control vehicle movement at intersections.
DOTD crews selected overnight hours to minimize disruption to daily commuter traffic and local business operations. The 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. timeframe allows workers to complete tasks during periods of reduced traffic volume.
Drivers traveling through the area should expect delays and plan alternative routes when possible. The alternating lane closure format means traffic will continue flowing in both directions, though vehicles may need to wait for flagging personnel to direct movement through the construction zone.
Local authorities recommend motorists allow additional travel time when passing through the construction area. The work zone extends along both roadways near their intersection, requiring careful attention from drivers navigating the temporary traffic pattern.
Weather conditions could potentially affect the construction timeline, though DOTD has not announced any contingency plans for schedule changes.