The State Transportation Department will soon begin work on the I-10 bridge in Lake Charles. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says they will replace the expansion joints on the bridge starting March 3rd, initially closing one eastbound lane. The bridge is nearly 60 years old. He says this work on I-10 is part of a large scale job they plan to perform.

"One of the reasons that we're doing this here on the I-10 because in the near future the I-210 bypass is going to have to be redecked."
Officials hope to minimize the amount of accidents during the construction. Mallett says it’s important that drivers pay attention while driving in the work zone to avoid adding delays.
"Although we do anticipate delays, a crash in a one-lane on the interstate would cause even further delays."
There are a few options for drivers to circumvent I-10 if they want to avoid the extra congestion.
"LA 27 to LA 12, or using the I-210 bypass in Lake Charles.  Both of those will probably come in handy at some point."
The project is expected to be completed in four to six months.

More From News Talk 96.5 KPEL