I-10 To Be Shut Down This Weekend
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announced today that I-10 Eastbound will be closed to all traffic at Exit 44 (Kinder exit onto U.S. 165, just east of Iowa) beginning Saturday, November 2, at 4 a.m. until Wednesday, November 6, at 4 a.m., weather permitting. This closure is necessary for crews to perform bridge repair work.
This afternoon, leaders from Louisiana State Police Troop D and the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development met and developed a joint plan in an effort to make the closure as safe as possible and to minimize inconvenience to the motoring public.
Additional troopers will be on duty specifically assigned to this project to help keep traffic moving and to enhance safety. DOTD will have an abundance of signage and electronic message boards in the area to provide guidance to drivers.
Because the detour routes cross an active railroad track, they will be working closely with Union Pacific Railroad officials to help ensure the safety of motorists in the area and to minimize delays. Train traffic will continue as normal. Drivers are asked to use caution when crossing railroad tracks and to always expect a train.
Motorists in the area can expect delays and are asked to pay close attention to warning signs as well as to watch for stopped vehicles. Travel from the north or south on U.S. 165 at Interstate 10 may be restricted. The detour for motorists will consist of the following routes:
I-10 Eastbound traffic:
- Primary detour: Exit 44 to U.S. 165 South then east onto La. 3258 then onto I-10 Eastbound via temporary ramp (constructed by DOTD) approximately 1 ¼ miles east of U.S. 165.
- Secondary detour (as needed): Exit 44 to U.S. 165, then north 3.5 miles to La. 101, then east on La. 101 for 4.8 miles to I-10.
To avoid delays at Exit 44, suggested detours include:
- For motorists coming from Texas on I-10 eastbound, take La. 12 and continue east on U.S. 190.
- La. 12 may be accessed from I-10 at Exit 4 (Toomey), then north on La. 109, continue driving for 12 miles to La. 12 (Starks).
- U.S. 190 may be accessed from I-10 at Exit 33 (Lake Charles), proceed north on U.S. 171, continue driving 19 miles to U.S. 190 (Ragley).
- I-10 eastbound traffic can detour around the closure area by exiting onto U.S. 90 (Exit 31B) and then traveling east on U.S. 90 to La. 101 in Lacassine before turning left along La. 101 to reconnect with I-10.
Passing vehicles on the shoulder is a violation of state law and violators are subject to enforcement action.
For more information:
Sgt. James Anderson
Louisiana State Police
Public Affairs Section
Office: (337) 491-2932
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