DOTD announces both eastbound lanes now open on Sunshine Bridge
Friday, March 22, 2019 at 4:34:42 PM
BATON ROUGE- The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announces that both eastbound lanes of the Sunshine Bridge are now open. The lanes were scheduled to open tomorrow morning, March 23, but crews completed all necessary emergency structural repairs ahead of time and opened the eastbound lanes at about 2:30 p.m. today.

Construction crews are preparing to begin work on a maintenance project that was under contract prior to the October 2018 collision. In order to begin construction, the westbound lanes will have temporary, intermittent closures from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Monday, March 25, to allow crews to adjust the concrete barriers. This maintenance project includes replacing the finger joints of the approach spans, restoring the approach girder splices, and repairs to the top chord safety handrails.

The two eastbound lanes will be open for travel and the outside westbound lane will be the only westbound lane open while crews continue maintenance work. Additional westbound lane shifts will occur before the project is completed. There are no weight restrictions in either direction, but the westbound lane is restricted to 10 feet in width.

Maintenance work is estimated to be completed and both westbound lanes opened in late 2019, weather permitting. All construction activity is weather dependent and may be rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. DOTD appreciates the motoring public’s patience and reminds drivers to please exercise caution when traveling through work zone areas and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment.

During the remaining time before the bridge completely reopens, commuters are reminded to take advantage of Commuter Krewe (https://www.commuterkrewe.la/). Motorists may also use the Plaquemine ferry and Veterans Memorial Bridge as detours to cross the river.

Call 511 or visit 511la.org for additional travel information. Out-of-state travelers may call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511). Motorists may also monitor the LA DOTD website at http://wwwsp.dotd.la.gov, by selecting MYDOTD, or by visiting the DOTD Facebook and Twitter pages.