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DOTD Announcements
DOTD working to provide continuous passage for motorists and emergency responders at Grand Lake Pontoon Bridge on LA 384
Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 2:33:43 PM
Calcasieu and Cameron Parish – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announces it is working to ensure motorists and emergency response vehicles can cross the Grand Lake Pontoon Bridge on LA 384 with minimal interruptions. The department is also working to provide the public with timely notifications when the bridge is closed to vehicle traffic.

This effort has been ongoing since the Black Bayou Pontoon Bridge was damaged after being struck by a barge on June 22, 2026. It is expected to remain out of service for the next 12 to 24 months for repairs.

To help lower response times at Grand Lake Pontoon Bridge, DOTD has staged resources and equipment at the bridge to manually close the pontoon if a winch or cable failure occurs.

Plans are in place to enhance the resiliency of the structure at Grand Lake Pontoon Bridge. A survey of the existing bridge and fender system will be performed to finalize the placement of a new fender protection system. Installation of the new fender system is scheduled to begin in late July/early August. Designers will also evaluate the operation of the bridge in an effort to improve its reliability.

DOTD continues to work with emergency preparedness officials on contingency plans in the event of a catastrophic bridge failure or vessel allusion.

The Grand Lake Pontoon Bridge is currently operating under the following schedule.

  • 5 a.m. until 8 a.m. OPEN to vehicle traffic; CLOSED to marine traffic
  • 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. NORMAL OPERATIONS
  • 8 p.m. until 5 a.m. MARINE vessels receive priority. VEHICLE traffic should expect delays

The schedule at Grand Lake Pontoon Bridge will remain in place while the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers continue performing significant repairs to Calcasieu Lock. Repairs to Calcasieu Lock are scheduled to continue through Saturday, October 31, 2026.

Motorists are encouraged to register with 511 or visit www.511la.org for the latest updates on the status of movable bridges. The public is encouraged to register to receive MyDOTD notices when the operating status of bridges changes or visit the DOTD website, www.dotd.la.gov accounts on social media outlets, such as Facebook and X.