New I-10 Bridge Project Begins Soon in Lake Charles – Closures Begin

Westlake, Louisiana (KNGT-FM) - It looks as if the project for the all-new I-10 Bridge near Lake Charles will finally get underway in the next few weeks, and that starts with a big project in Westlake. We've got everything drivers and residents need to know about the start of the project...

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READ MORE: What Will The New I-10 Bridge Look Like?

I think we can all agree that it is way past time for a new I-10 bridge here in Lake Charles. Sitting on the top of the bridge at a dead stop can be one of the scariest experiences for some people, just hoping, begging, and praying that the bridge doesn't collapse. We're kidding, of course, but the point still stands...

The first project in the initial stages of the new bridge's construction will involve burying pipes near Sampson Street in Westlake. The DOTD announced that the project will start next week...

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) has announced that Exit 27 on I-10 West (LA 378/Westlake) will close beginning Thursday, August 28, 2025. The closure will remain in place for about 18 months while crews relocate a pipe rack for the new bridge.

READ MORE: Do You Know The Actual Name of the I-10 Bridge?

WHAT SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA DRIVERS NEED TO KNOW

Getting to Sampson Street - Westbound drivers will need to take Exit 26 (US 90/PPG Drive), go south under the overpass, then head east on PPG Drive to get back onto I-10 East. From there, they can use Exit 27 to reach Westlake.

Getting Back on I-10 West from Sampson Street - Drivers will head south on Sampson Street, go under I-10, turn right onto the South Frontage Road, then right again onto a new temporary access road that leads back to I-10 West.

For Tall Trucks (Over 12 Feet) - Trucks won’t be able to use the temporary Sampson Street entrance. Instead, they’ll need to take I-10 East to Exit 29 (N. Lakeshore Drive), make a U-turn at Veterans Memorial Boulevard, and then re-enter I-10 West at N. Lakeshore Drive.

Here is a look at photos that the Westlake Police Department shared...