LA 30 (Nicholson Drive) bridge south of Brightside in EBR closed for emergency repairs
Monday, July 10, 2017 at 3:50:07 PM
BATON ROUGE – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development will make an emergency bridge closure on LA 30 (Nicholson Drive) about 500 feet southeast of Brightside Drive and before Gardere Lane in East Baton Rouge Parish. The bridge will be closed tonight in both directions while crews make emergency repairs.
This bridge is scheduled to be replaced in early 2018, but a routine inspection found the timber-supported bridge has severe deterioration in most of its substructure, requiring immediate closure. DOTD is determining what repairs are needed to reopen the bridge and keep it in service until it can be replaced.
“This is an example of why bridge inspections are an important part of what we do at DOTD,” said DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson. “Our No. 1 priority is safety and when a bridge is deemed unsafe, we have to take the necessary steps to remedy the situation. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate the patience of the traveling public.”
The detour route for drivers heading southeast on LA 30 (Nicholson Drive) is to take Lee Drive to Burbank Drive, or take Burbank Drive directly from LA 30 near LSU, then proceed to Gardere Lane or Bluebonnet Boulevard and then back to LA 30. For drivers heading northwest, take Bluebonnet Boulevard or Gardere Lane to Burbank Drive and then Lee Dr. back to LA 30, or just stay on Burbank to connect with LA 30 near LSU.