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DOTD Announcements
DOTD Coordinates with Multiple Agencies for Black Bayou Pontoon Bridge Repairs and Emergency Operations Planning
Thursday, July 2, 2026 at 6:41:46 PM
Lake Charles, La. – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) met with State Representative Ryan Bourriaque, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Calcasieu and Cameron Parish Offices of Emergency Preparedness, the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury, and Louisiana State Police on Thursday, July 2, 2026, to coordinate repairs to the Black Bayou Pontoon Bridge and review emergency response and hurricane evacuation plans for LA 384.

The Black Bayou Pontoon Bridge was struck by a barge on the morning of June 22, 2026, causing significant damage. The bridge is expected to remain closed for approximately 12 to 24 months while repairs are completed.

DOTD began responding immediately after the incident. Response efforts included:
  • June 22-23: Bridge inspections and damage assessments began within hours of the collision.
  • June 25: Contractors conducted an on-site evaluation to begin emergency repair planning.
  • June 24: DOTD Secretary Glenn Ledet met with DOTD officials and state legislators to discuss the bridge closure, repair strategy, and emergency traffic management.
  • June 26: Emergency Declaration Letter submitted for approval.
  • June 26–28: Crews removed damaged bridge components in preparation for transporting the pontoon section for repairs.
  • July 2: Emergency Declaration Letter approved by Secretary Ledet.
Planned repair work includes:
  • Removing the damaged pontoon section and transporting it to a dry dock for inspection and repairs.
  • Repairing/replacement of the following:
  • Bridge apron, towers, fender system, bridge spans and piles, and bridge operator's house.

Grand Lake Pontoon Bridge Operations

The Grand Lake Pontoon Bridge remains open and is operating under the following temporary schedule:
  • 5:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.: Open to vehicle traffic; closed to marine traffic.
  • 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.: Normal bridge operations.
  • 8:00 p.m. – 5:00 a.m.: Marine traffic receives priority. Motorists should expect delays.
This operating schedule will remain in effect while the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completes major repairs to the Calcasieu Lock. Those repairs are expected to continue through October 31, 2026.

Hurricane Evacuation Planning
DOTD is working closely with its state, local, and federal partners to ensure emergency plans are in place throughout hurricane season. If a mandatory evacuation is ordered, DOTD will keep the Grand Lake Pontoon Bridge open to vehicle traffic to help residents evacuate safely.

Motorists are encouraged to download the 511 app or visit www.511la.org for the latest updates on the status of movable bridges. The public is also encouarged to register with MyDOTD, visit the DOTD website, www.dotd.la.gov, and DOTD social media accounts on Facebook and X.