MONROE, La.—The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announced today the closing of the U.S. 80 Louisville Bridge to complete the final phase of the bearing replacement project. The bridge will be closed to traffic by midnight, July 10th. Work associated with the bearing replacement project will take place immediately following the closure.
This is the second closure associated with the bearing replacement project and will remain in effect for approximately four weeks to allow crews to replace the bearings on the east side of the bridge. The June 1st closure replaced the bearings on the west side of the bridge.
The following I-20 ramp closures are still in effect:
Monroe
I-20 Westbound – S. 2nd St. / Layton St. Exit 117D Ramp
I-20 Westbound - Calypso St. Entrance Ramp
I-20 Eastbound – Layton St. Entrance Ramp
West Monroe
I-20 Westbound - 5th St. Exit 116A Ramp
I-20 Eastbound – 5th St. Entrance Ramp
In an effort to minimize the length of the closure and reduce impacts to motorists, crews will be working around the clock. During the closure, DOTD encourages motorists to detour using I-20. This closure will not affect river barge traffic.
The work is part of an $8.2 million project to rehabilitate and extend the life of the bridge. In addition to replacing the bearings, the project included replacing the bridge’s metal deck, installing steel railing, and cleaning and painting the bridge. Work to replace the bearings is the final phase of the project.
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) is committed to delivering transportation and public works systems that enhance the quality of life. In addition to more than 16,600 miles of roadway, including over 930 miles of interstate and 13,000 bridges, DOTD supports the development of the state’s aviation, marine and rail infrastructures. Through this work, we are able to facilitate economic development, create job opportunities, improve vital evacuation routes, and make critical freight corridors safer and more efficient.
For more information, please visit www.dotd.la.gov, email dotdcs@la.gov, or call DOTD’s Customer Service Center at (225) 379-1232 or 1-877-4LADOTD (1-877-452-3683). Business hours are 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Motorists can access up-to-date travel information by dialing 511 or by visiting www.511la.org. Out-of-state travelers can call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511).