Louisiana DOTD has announced that preparations are being made to open one lane of traffic in each direction on the Sunshine Bridge in mid-December.
Concrete barriers are being installed on the westbound side of the bridge in preparation for the reopening. DOTD says there will be restrictions on lane usage. Crews are currently working to repair the bridge which was damaged in early October after it was struck by a crane barge.
“We understand the frustrations of the motorists who rely on this bridge as a primary travel route, as well as those who have seen the impact of added traffic congestion in their areas, which is why we are preparing to open one lane of traffic on the westbound side of the bridge,” says DOTD Secretary Shawn D. Wilson in a press release. “Though opening up a travel lane won’t alleviate all of the traffic issues, it will help to improve overall mobility throughout the region.”
Crews are currently working to install a new replacement chord which is one of the main load-carrying members of the bridge, according to DOTD.
Work is expected to be completed in January 2019. Upon completion, DOTD says a thorough inspection will be conducted to ensure the bridge is safe for public use.
