I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge To Remain Closed For Full Inspection
UPDATE(1:30 pm): Westbound lane of I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge is now open. The eastbound side is still closed to traffic.
In an update on the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge closure, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announced that it will remain closed till further notice. The bridge was compromised after an 18-wheeler caught fire. The blaze occurred Wednesday, Sept. 22, when the driver of the semi overcorrected to avoid hitting two cars. As previously reported on Gator 99.5, the driver of the rig started to merge into the passing lane, when he realized two vehicles were already there. So, he tried to merge back to the left lane but overcorrected, flipped his truck and it caught fire.
The fire was quite extensive and onlookers said there were several small explosions as the 18-wheeler went up in flames. Amazingly the truck driver survived the accident with minor injuries! Because the accident occurred at around 8 pm last night DOTD inspectors will need daylight hours to investigate if there was any structural damage to the bridge. Crews are currently on-site and have already begun preliminary inspections. Immediately after an extensive and more detailed inspection will take place to determine if and when the bridge can reopen to traffic flow.
DOTD officials say the bridge will remain closed until a thorough inspection is complete and have can not give a timeframe on when that will be at this time. Motorists are advised to take alternate routes in the meantime, including I-210. For real-time updates on the bridge closure, traffic, or road conditions visit 511la.org or call 511. Out-of-state travelers can call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511).