NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                           Contact:  Bambi Hall

June 27, 2012                                                                                                                                   504-484-0210

Highway 11 Bridge closed to vehicular traffic

New Orleans, LA – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) has closed the Highway 11 Bridge to vehicular traffic due to a mechanical malfunction of the draw bridge. Maintenance officials estimate the bridge will be out until the second week in July or until an alternate route is available for marine traffic.

DOTD is working with both the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to work out a schedule to accommodate marine and vehicular traffic. At this time, the bridge is in the “up” position to allow marine traffic to pass.

DOTD is fast-tracking an emergency repair project to get the draw bridge back into full operation as soon as possible.

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).

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www.dotd.la.gov