NEW ORLEANS, La. – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announces that, as of tonight, the 4th Street Bridge at the Harvey Canal is closed to marine navigation due to a mechanical problem. DOTD is working to open the bridge by later tonight or early in the morning.

Currently, the bridge is open to vehicular traffic, but will be closed to vehicular traffic – indefinitely – once DOTD begins the process to manually open the structure, which could occur within the hour. As of now, there is no timeframe on the repair as the nature of the problem is still being determined.

Once lifted, the bridge will be placed in the up position in order to allow marine traffic to access the Mississippi River. This access to the river is vital since there is no alternate route for marine navigation because the Algiers Locks are currently closed for repairs by the Army Corps of Engineers.

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