By Paige Gurgainers

As of April 11, the Louisiana Department of Transportation (LADOTD) issued an emergency bridge closure for LA 531 south of LA 532.  

They stated this closure is necessary due to the condition of the structure with repairs scheduled to begin as soon as the materials arrive. As of yet, there is no estimated date for reopening.  

According to LADOTD Public Information Officer Erin Buchanan, the LA 531 project is currently 36 percent complete and expected to wrap up in mid-2025.  

She said, “The contractor is currently working on the mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) wall, which is a retaining wall that is a composite structure consisting of alternating layers of compacted backfill and soil reinforcement elements. The purpose of the wall is to prevent erosion of the structural backfill of the bridge.” 

Following the construction of the bridge, the contractor will begin to build the roadway that will tie into the bridge. According to plans, this will include adjoining roundabouts that will be constructed at the interstate ramps to improve traffic flow.  

Another project underway is for the LA 160 overpass that includes four bridge replacements with the structure over Dorcheat Bayou being the largest. This bridge was closed in 2021 due to the condition of the structure, but the project did not go out for bid until late 2022.  

According to Buchanan this project is approximately 46 percent complete with an expected completion date of Spring 2026.  

“We hope to be able to reopen the Dorcheat Bayou bridge in the Fall 2024. The contractor is currently working on pile driving, which is unfortunately a weather dependent construction activity based on rainfall and water levels,” said Buchanan. “Right now, water levels in the bayou are high.” 

Once the bridge over Dorcheat is completed, the contractor will begin work on the smaller bridges along LA 160.  

Detour signage is posted for alternative routes on both projects and all work will be performed weather permitting.