Update: 12:15 p.m., Saturday, November 7, 2026: The bridge has reopened to motorists.

Previous release:

NEW ORLEANS, La. – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) has closed the LA 39 Judge Seeber Bridge on North Claiborne Avenue in both directions following damage to a safety barrier on Saturday morning, November 7. During the closure, drivers can use the St. Claude Avenue Bridge (LA 46) to cross the Industrial Canal.

As the bridge began to open, a motorist came into contact with a safety barrier designed to keep vehicles from entering the open span. Crews must remove the damaged barrier, assess its condition and restore it to service before the bridge can safely reopen. Depending on what crews find, the bridge could reopen by the end of the day. There is no confirmed reopening time.

DOTD reminds all drivers to stop when bridge warning lights flash and never drive around a lowered gate. The lights and gates are there for your protection. Wait until the gates are fully raised and the warning lights are off before proceeding.