31_A1_210-work-zone-specifics-EB-closedSpecial to the American Press

{{tncms-inline alignment=”left” content=”<p><span>An additional third lane will be closed 9 p.m.-4 a.m. tonight, Jan. 31, which will only allow westbound traffic toward Sulphur.</span></p>” id=”5727cb6e-946c-4d11-8d1d-fb5b190a568c” style-type=”quote” title=”Pull Quote” type=”relcontent”}}

The next phase of the Interstate 210 bridge repair project will begin today, with traffic shifting in both directions to the westbound lanes.

Tammy York, public information officer for the state Department of Transportation and Development District 7, said both eastbound lanes will be closed.

“The contractor is starting the part of the project where they remove and replace the side of the deck, add a new guardrail and install an inspection walkway,” York said.

She said an additional third lane will be closed 9 p.m.-4 a.m. tonight, which will only allow westbound traffic toward Sulphur. Motorists traveling eastbound during that time should take Interstate 10 as a detour.

York said the preliminary work that began earlier this month on the bridge’s 930-foot main span is complete.

“They installed the crossovers and the temporary concrete barriers on the westbound side to prepare for the head-to-head traffic, and they added temporary stripping,” York said. “That was the setup for this main phase that will start on Thursday.”

The traffic shift had originally been scheduled for Wednesday, but adverse weather delayed the transition.

York said traffic delays are expected during the project’s duration; slowdowns are anticipated as drivers take different routes during morning and afternoon commutes.

Oversized loads will be not be allowed to travel in the construction zone.

Alternate routes include La. 109, La. 27, U.S. 171, U.S. 190, and U.S. 165 to access La. 12.

A traffic advisory system will provide drivers on Interstates 10 and 210 with real-time information through message boards and flashing signs. Drivers can also get traffic alerts on their smartphone by downloading the 511 app or visiting 511la.org.

Out-of-state drivers can call 800-762-3511 to get up-to-date traffic information.

An additional third lane will be closed 9 p.m.-4 a.m. tonight, Jan. 31, which will only allow westbound traffic toward Sulphur.