NEW ORLEANS, La. – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) will hold a public meeting to provide information on the upcoming extended closure of the Judge Seeber (Claiborne) Bridge. The latest closure is expected to last for seven weeks, starting April 2 through May 21, 2011.

The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 17, at the New Israel Baptist Church, located at 6322 St. Claude Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70117. All interested citizens and local government officials are invited and encouraged to attend.

A brief presentation describing the current project status and schedule will be given. As previously reported, the contractor will be replacing the decking and the stringers (structural steel beams that hold up the deck) during this phase of repair.

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 890 miles of interstate, 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)