Update on damaged LA 1 southbound Intracoastal Bridge
Wednesday, March 20, 2019 at 12:47:11 PM
Baton Rouge, LA - The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) continues its assessment of the damage done to the LA 1 southbound Intracoastal Bridge. After a truck collided with the bridge on March 19, a girder was damaged to the extent that the outside travel lane will remain closed until repairs are made to ensure safety for travelers. This lane is estimated to remain closed for four weeks. There are currently no weight restrictions on the bridge, but the width is restricted to 12 feet.

DOTD has hired International Straightening, Inc. to repair the damaged girder. Under an emergency order signed by DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson, funds have been appropriated to pay for the repairs, which are estimated at $450,000.

The department has also taken measures to mitigate traffic issues which will take place by 3 p.m.:

  • DOTD will have staff at traffic signals in Port Allen to monitor traffic flow and adjust as needed.
  • A temporary signal will be placed on LA 1 to work as a ramp meter to give the I-10 off ramp the right of way.
  • The I-10 westbound off-ramp to LA 1 southbound will have the right of way while motorists on LA 1 southbound will yield.
  • Law enforcement presence will be located at the I-10/LA 1 southbound merge.
“We know this is an inconvenience on a bridge that is already over capacity, and that is why we have treated this as an emergency situation,” said DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson. “Once our inspectors determined the bridge damage caused an unsafe situation, we had no choice but to close the lane for safety reasons, hire a contractor, and begin the process to expedite these repairs, while accelerating the repairs that were underway when this impact occurred. We also have instituted traffic mitigation measures to ease the pain of the lane closure. Again, I know this is a horrible inconvenience, but safety is our number one concern.”



The current joint repair work on the northbound bridge will be moved to the outside lane of the southbound side while it remains closed in an effort to minimize future traffic congestion related to this project.

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

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 on 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 Web site at www.511la.org.