Beginning Thursday, August 8, La. 35 over Sledge Canal between South Lemaire Avenue and La. 708, in Vermilion Parish, will be closed for the removal and replacement of the bridge.

Through traffic will not be allowed during construction. The work is expected to take approximately 8 months, weather-permitting.

The DOTD detour consists of La. 35 to Lemaire Avenue to La. 14 to La. 35.

This bridge is the second of three bridges that will be replaced as part of the Kaplan Bridge replacement project. The $2.6 million project will replace three timber bridges with concrete span bridges along La. 35 between La. 14 and La. 82.  Additionally, crews will replace the bridge approaches as well as install new guardrail and drainage pipe.

Approximately 3500 drivers a day travel on this portion of La. 35.

DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution through the construction site and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment.