I-49 Southbound Closed in Upper Lafayette Parish Due to Rain and Construction Concerns

LAFAYETTE PARISH, La. - The Louisiana Department of Transportation & Development announced a major road closure in upper Lafayette Parish on Sunday evening due to the heavy rains.

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I-49 Southbound Closed from Exit 7 to Exit 4 Due to Rain and Construction

I-49 Southbound was closed to traffic around 8 p.m. on Sunday, May 10 from Exit 7 (La. 182) to Exit 4 (Carencro) due to deteriorating road conditions caused by heavy rainfall impacting the construction zone.

What Is the Alternate Route and When Will I-49 Reopen?

Motorists are encouraged to use an alternate route. For most, that will be the I-49 Frontage Road.

READ MORE: Two Major Road Projects Are Underway in Iberia Parish - Here's How They'll Affect Your Commute

DOTD will notify the public once this section of I-49 is reopened to traffic. While a reopening timeline has not been announced, there is more rain in the forecast for Monday across South Louisiana.

Flying Rocks Were Already Cracking Windshields Before the Closure

The road closure was actually welcome news from some frequent drivers. We saw several comments on the DOTD's Facebook posts stating that windshields were getting cracked from flying rocks in this stretch of roadway due to the road construction.

"The road is really bad. Everyone's windshields are getting cracked from flying rocks." -- Emily G.

"Should’ve closed both Southbound lanes yesterday when people started calling DOTD complaining about loose gravel hitting windshields! It was dangerous when it was dry!" -- Katy H.

"Cracked my window yesterday!" - Jessica S. 

How Long Will the I-49 Construction Last in Lafayette Parish?

As you may recall, there is major road construction taking place on I-49 from the St. Landry Parish line to I-10 in Lafayette. That construction will go well into 2027.