Sunshine Bridge closed indefinitely due to accident
Friday, October 12, 2018 at 8:56:51 AM
Baton Rouge – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announced today that the Sunshine Bridge, LA 70, over the Mississippi River will be closed indefinitely. A barge on the river collided with the bridge this morning, and one of the main load-carrying members of the bridge sustained severe damage. The bridge will remain closed until the necessary repairs are made and DOTD determines that the bridge is safe for the traveling public. DOTD has identified a contractor to make the necessary repairs once it is determined what those repairs will be.
“We know the closure of the Sunshine Bridge is an inconvenience for many travelers, and we will expedite the emergency repairs,” said DOTD Secretary Shawn D. Wilson, Ph.D. “That being said, safety is our number one concern and we have to ensure the bridge can safely handle traffic before it’s reopened.”
DOTD inspectors are on site using drones and other technology to inspect the bridge for any additional damage.
LA 70 westbound traffic may detour by heading east on LA 3125, south on LA 3213 and crossing the Veteran’s Memorial Bridge, and west on LA 3127 to the junction of LA 70.
LA 70 eastbound traffic may detour by heading east on LA 3127, north on LA 3213 and crossing the Veteran’s Memorial Bridge, and west on LA 3125 to the junction of LA 70.
The second Plaquemine ferry will be running today until at least 10 a.m. to accommodate additional traffic due to the bridge closure. DOTD will monitor the ferry traffic and determine if the second ferry should run throughout the day.
The Sunshine Bridge was opened to traffic in 1964 and was named after former Governor Jimmie Davis’s hit song “You Are My Sunshine.”
