Louisiana DOTD Announces I-49 Northbound Closure Due to Repairs

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has announced that Interstate 49 in Lafayette will be closing soon at the Interstate 10 eastbound overpass so necessary repairs can be made.

The reason for repairs stems from a December 2024 incident in which a vehicle hauling heavy machinery struck the exterior girder on the I-10 eastbound bridge deck.

When will I-49 in Lafayette be closed?

Beginning Friday, February 7, at 9:00 am until Monday, February 10, at 5:00 am, I-49 northbound at its intersection with I-10 will be closed to all traffic, weather permitting. (However, the weather forecast is looking pretty good for this weekend.)

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What work will take place while I-49 in Lafayette is closed?

The initial work for this project will take place, and that includes removing the damaged girder from the I-10 overpass structure utilizing a crane as well as installing the new girder.

The new bridge deck will also be fabricated in place once the new girder is installed. That process will occur over the following few weeks. Any additional related lane and road closures will be issued if necessary.

I-10 travel in the eastbound direction will be open to traffic.

As has been the case for the last few weeks since the incident happened, I-10 eastbound will remain open during the repairs. The exit onto I-49 northbound, though, remains in effect.

The following closures will remain in place during the repairs:

• I-10 eastbound overpass auxiliary lane (deceleration/acceleration lane)
• I-49 northbound exit ramp from I-10 (Exit 103B)
• Exit 1A to access I-10 eastbound

Keep in mind that emergency vehicles will not have access to this section of I-49 northbound.

Detour options during the repairs to I-10 eastbound at I-49 northbound

Motorists traveling on I-49 northbound can follow this route to detour:

• Take Exit 1A (Baton Rouge)
• Continue eastbound on I-10 to Exit 104 (Louisiana Ave)
• Turn left on Louisiana Avenue
• Take I-10 westbound to Exit 103B (I-49/US 167 - Opelousas)

When will the I-10/1-49 construction repairs be complete?

DOTD is estimated for the project to be completed in March 2025, weather permitting.