DOTD to open one lane of traffic on Sunshine Bridge mid-December
Wednesday, November 21, 2018 at 9:08:57 AM
BATON ROUGE – Today, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announced the latest update on the repair of the Sunshine Bridge. Crews have begun installing concrete barriers on the westbound side of the bridge in preparation to open one lane of traffic in each direction, though there will be restrictions. The travel lane is expected to be open mid-December, weather permitting.

“Opening the Sunshine Bridge is of the utmost importance, which is why crews are working 24 hours a day to repair the bridge to its original structural integrity,” said DOTD Secretary Shawn D. Wilson, Ph.D. “We understand the frustrations of the motorists who rely on this bridge as a primary travel route, as well as those who have seen the impact of added traffic congestion in their areas, which is why we are preparing to open one lane of traffic on the westbound side of the bridge. Though opening up a travel lane won’t alleviate all of the traffic issues, it will help to improve overall mobility throughout the region.”



Meanwhile, crews are still working to install a new replacement chord, which is one of the main load-carrying members of the bridge. In addition to the work currently taking place, DOTD is reviewing the design and developing plans for the secondary member repairs that are necessary to completely repair the bridge.

Work on the bridge is estimated to be complete in January 2019. Once repairs are complete, DOTD will give the bridge a thorough inspection to ensure that it’s safe for the traveling public.

Commuters are reminded to take advantage of Commuter Krewe. The Commuter Krewe website offers a ride-matching database to help commuters find others who live and work nearby to share rides. Go to https://www.commuterkrewe.la/ and sign up. Commuter Krewe is a joint effort of DOTD and the Capital Region Planning Commission. Check out the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CommuterKrewe/

DOTD has also adjusted the Plaquemine ferry schedule. During the duration of the Sunshine Bridge closure, additional ferry service hours will be
• Monday through Friday, the first boat will run from 4:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Monday through Friday, the second boat will run from 5:15 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday and Sunday, the first boat will run from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Saturday and Sunday, the second boat will run from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

When two ferries are in operation, they are scheduled to depart every 15 minutes. When there is only one, it leaves every 30 minutes (departs Plaquemine at :00 and :30, Sunshine at :15 and :45).

Motorists are also encouraged to use the Veterans Memorial Bridge as an alternate river crossing.

Call 511 or visit 511la.org for additional travel information. Out-of-state travelers may call 1-800-ROAD-511 (1-800-762-3511). Motorists may also monitor the LA DOTD website at http://www.dotd.la.gov/, by selecting MYDOTD, or by visiting the DOTD Facebook and Twitter pages.