DOTD announces Sunshine Bridge update
Wednesday, February 13, 2019 at 10:53:35 AM
BATON ROUGE- Today, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announced the latest update for the repairs on the Sunshine Bridge. Crews have begun removing the access scaffolding and touching up paint along the structure for the repairs that were needed due to a barge collision that damaged the main load-carrying members of the bridge in October 2018.
Completion on the emergency repairs, which consisted of installing a new replacement chord, is estimated to be completed mid-March, weather permitting. Adverse weather conditions, including rain and freezing temperatures, caused a delay for the originally anticipated completion date.
Periodic lane closures will continue after the emergency repairs are completed to allow the contractor to complete work on a maintenance project that was scheduled prior to the collision. This project includes replacing the finger joints of the approach spans, restoring the approach girder splices, and repairs to the top chord safety handrails. The eastbound lane will be open to two lanes of travel beginning April, with only one lane remaining open on the westbound side. Maintenance work is estimated to be completed August 2019, weather permitting.
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.