Radar Detectors/Cameras to be Installed on I-10 Basin Bridge

If you've ever made the drive between Lafayette, Louisiana, and Baton Rouge, Louisiana you've probably noticed the amazing scenery that is formed by the waters of the Atchafalaya River. The "Basin" as the locals in South Louisiana call it is one of the most scenic places in America. It can also be one of the most frustrating drives you'll ever make if you happen to get caught behind a crash, lane closure, or an oil and gas explosion.

It's those crashes and delays that give many motorists anxiety about crossing the 18-mile bridge. Let's face it, if you're on the bridge and there is a crash, you're going to be on the bridge until that crash is cleared. Sometimes that process can take several hours.

To curtail crashes and incidents on the heavily traveled stretch of I-10 authorities in Louisiana have lowered the posted speeds and required truckers to maintain a position in the right lane of travel only. The posted speeds have been 60 mph for passenger vehicles and 55 mph for 18-wheelers.

Louisiana Department of Transportation Announces Speed Limit Changes

Those posted speeds on the "Basin Bridge" are going to change according to a release posted late yesterday by LaDOTD. The change is one that most motorists won't even notice. It increases the truck speed limit from 55 mph to 60 mph. However, the right lane restriction will remain in place for the big trucks across the bridge.

Radar Detectors/Speed Cameras to be Installed on I-10

LaDOTD says work will begin on March 18 to install new speed limit signs on the roadway and install speed detection and monitoring equipment as well. Translation, they will be installing remote radar units on the basin bridge. These units will warn motorists when they are traveling above the posted speed. They will also be equipped to issue warnings and citations for motorists who violate those speed laws.

As part of Phase 2 of the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge Safety Corridor project begins in just a few days those "Your Speed" cameras and displays will be installed first. This will result in lane closures. The planned closures will be alternating beginning March 18, 2024. The closures will affect both eastbound and westbound traffic. The work will be done, weather permitting, between the hours of 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.

The work is being done in the overnight hours to minimize the effects the lane closures will have on daytime traffic. We should also note that there will be a 12-foot lane restriction for truckers carrying larger loads through the work area. The cost of Phase II is estimated to be almost $600,000 and the work should be completed by June of 2024.