At press time on Tuesday, August 8, it appeared the bridge between Reeves and Kinder would probably reopen today, August 10.
“I was just informed by our bridge department that the August 10, date remains on schedule as of now,” said John Guidroz, public information officer: District Seven.
If problems prevent the opening today, DOTD will inform the public.
The bridge had to be closed on July 31, after the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development advised motorists that emergency repair work on US 190 near Mile Post 69 (0.7 miles east of the Calcasieu River Bridge). Over the weekend, DOTD announced the tentative scheduled to reopen the road would be Thursday, August 10, 2023.
According to DOTD, crews finished installing temporary bracing on August 3, 2023. The work was needed to stabilize the bridge structure and ensure worker safety during the duration of repairs.
Crews finished excavating soil embankment beneath the bridge on August 4, 2023. This work was required so the deficient timber piles could be uncovered and assessed.
Crews worked to repair two timber piles that were found to have splits, cracks and other defects which protruded several feet below the soil embankment.
Once these repairs are completed, crews will remove the temporary bracing, and the bridge will reopen to traffic.
DOTD said all work was weather permitting, and encouraged residents to detour to US 165, Interstate 10 and US 171.
