Louisiana DOTD Lane Closures on Basin Bridge This Week Will Affect Your Commute

ST. MARTIN PARISH, La. (KPEL News) - The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has announced lane closures on I-10 this week along the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge, and they could cause some back-ups during morning commutes if you don't plan accordingly.

According to LaDOTD, alternating lane closures during the morning commute are planned for every day this week. The closures were announced on Monday.

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Eastbound Lane Closures:

• Tuesday, September 3, from 6:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.

• Thursday, September 5, from 6:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.

Westbound Lane Closures:

• Wednesday, September 4, from 6:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.

• Friday, September 6, from 6:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.

Emergency vehicles will have access to the area, LaDOTD said in its announcement. They also noted that the road "will be open to regular traffic with a 16-foot lane restriction on over-sized loads passing through the work zone."

Traffic on the Basin Bridge

The Basin Bridge is a notable (and notorious) part of South Louisiana's I-10. Connecting Lafayette to Baton Rouge, the Bridge is largely over the Atchafalaya Basin, which makes traveling along that region easier... unless there is an accident on the road.

Traffic accidents have caused major issues along the bridge, as one accident can shut down both lanes, and there are very few off-ramps along the bridge and fewer opportunities to detour off once you're on it.

Spanning nearly 18 miles, it’s one of the longest bridges in the U.S., making it feel monotonous and tiring, especially during long trips. The narrow lanes and lack of shoulders can create a cramped driving experience, particularly when sharing the road with large trucks. This design also means that any accidents or breakdowns can cause significant delays, as there’s limited space to pull over safely.

Heavy traffic is a frequent issue, with the bridge serving as a major route for both local and interstate travel, including a large volume of truck traffic. This congestion, combined with the narrow lanes, often leads to accidents, further exacerbating delays.

The speed limit on the bridge is strictly enforced, which can add stress for drivers, especially those unfamiliar with the area. Additionally, the bridge’s location over the Atchafalaya Basin makes it prone to challenging weather conditions like fog, rain, and high winds, which can reduce visibility and make driving more hazardous.

The repetitive scenery of swamp and marshland can contribute to driver fatigue or inattention, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Finally, ongoing maintenance and construction work often result in lane closures, adding to the congestion and making the drive even more frustrating for motorists.