NEW ORLEANS, La. – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announces a full closure of the Belle Chasse (Judge Perez) Bridge at La. 23 in Plaquemines Parish, from 5:00 a.m., Saturday, February 23, until 11:59 p.m., Sunday, March 3. During this period, the bridge will be closed to vehicular and navigational traffic and two-way traffic will be maintained through the Belle Chasse Tunnel, with one lane in each direction.

On Saturday morning, two-way traffic will be placed on the bridge while crews ready the tunnel for two-way traffic. Once tunnel work is complete, or approximately Saturday afternoon, two-way traffic will be placed in the tunnel through the duration of the closure period. During this time, truck traffic will be strictly prohibited from using the tunnel. The tunnel will be monitored by law enforcement 24 hours a day.

The full closure is necessary for DOTD to replace the wire ropes or lifting cables, and refurbish the gear boxes on the bridge, as well as other related work. The rehabilitation project is designed to reduce the number of mechanical breakdowns on the structure, thus making it more dependable for area motorists.

Because the bridge is located on the Harvey Canal, which is the alternate navigation route, the closure was coordinated with the ongoing work being done by Jefferson Parish on the Lapalco Bridge. Motorists should expect heavy delays, but emergency response vehicles will be allowed to pass with advanced notice in the event of an extreme emergency.

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

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 930 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