Sunshine Bridge closed Saturday for repairs
Wednesday, August 24, 2022 at 1:24:15 PM
Baton Rouge – The Sunshine Bridge, LA 70, in St. James Parish will be closed in both directions Saturday, Aug. 27, beginning at 6 a.m. to make repairs on a cracked structural member. The repairs should be completed by Sunday evening, weather permitting. The bridge will be re-opened as soon as the repairs are complete.
The westbound right lane on the Sunshine was closed on Aug. 18 due to a significant crack in one of the 168 vertical structural members. DOTD staff discovered the recently developed crack during a planned, routine inspection of the bridge. No permitted loads (trucks that need a permit from DOTD) have been allowed to use the bridge during the lane closure.
DOTD was able to expedite the repair process utilizing an emergency contract with Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc.
The steel needed for the repair was procured earlier this week and is currently being fabricated to be delivered by Friday.
Motorists can access the latest updates on real-time traffic and road conditions using the 511 Traveler Information System by dialing 511 from their telephone and saying the route or region for which they are seeking information. Out-of-state travelers can call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511). Travelers can also access this information by visiting the 511 Traveler Information website at www.511la.org.