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DOTD Announcements
Bayou Queue de Tortue Bridge Replacement Project on LA 343 Begins July 27
Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 2:38:39 PM
LAFAYETTE PARISH, LA — The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announces that construction to replace the Bayou Queue de Tortue Bridge on LA 343 will begin Monday, July 27, 2026. The $2.9 million project is expected to be completed in December 2026.

To safely complete the work, LA 343 will be closed at the Bayou Queue de Tortue Bridge for the duration of the project, and a signed detour will be in place. Motorists should follow the posted detour using LA 343, US 90, LA 719, and LA 342.

Construction is scheduled to take place Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., with occasional nighttime work as needed.

The project will replace the existing Bayou Queue de Tortue Bridge, which was built in 1957, with a new concrete bridge designed to provide a safer, stronger, and more durable crossing. In addition to replacing the bridge, crews will improve the roadway approaches, drainage, and pavement within the project area.

The existing bridge is currently posted with a 10-15 ton weight limit and carries an average of 3,757 vehicles each day, including approximately 338 trucks. Replacing the aging structure will improve safety, reduce future maintenance needs, and provide a bridge that better serves residents, businesses, school buses, emergency responders, commercial traffic, and the traveling public for years to come.

The project covers approximately 0.106 miles of LA 343.

Motorists are encouraged to plan for additional travel time, use caution when traveling along the detour route, and follow all posted signs throughout construction.

DOTD appreciates the public's patience and cooperation as this important infrastructure improvement is completed.


DOTD offers the following resources to assist motorists:
  • MyDOTD: Motorists can receive information on local projects, lane and road closures, and other DOTD activity by signing up at www.dotd.la.gov.
  • 511 Traveler Information: Travelers can find information regarding road closures and traffic by visiting www.511la.org, dialing 511, or calling 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511) for out-of-state access.


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