New Signs of Progress on I-10 Bridge Project in SWLA

Lake Charles, LA [KNGT-FM] - For years, people across Southwest Louisiana have been asking the same question: Is the new I-10 bridge ever really going to happen? Now, many are starting to wonder if the latest activity around the project could finally be a real sign of progress.

Just down the road from us, it looks like crews are starting to do some work on the Lake Charles side of the bridge. We all know already about the construction taking place on the Westlake side of the bridge. Exit closures and detours, especially around Exit 27 in Westlake, Louisiana, were implemented to allow crews to safely begin that work.

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According to our past reports, the groundwork for the new bridge has been underway for months. Crews first began staging equipment and placing construction signage in 2025, signaling that something long discussed was finally becoming reality.

Read More: Wrecks That Have Occurred Recently on the I-10 Bridge In Lake Charles

If you live here in Southwest Louisiana, this new bridge can't come fast enough. The number of wrecks and destruction on the bridge lately is making people scared to even cross the bridge. Let's face it, the bridge is old, and everyone in the lake area is concerned about how much more this bridge can take.

Interesting Facts About The I-10 Bridge In Lake Charles, Louisiana

• The actual name of the I-10 bridge is the Louisiana Memorial World War II Bridge, which was named in June of 1951.

• The bridge opened in 1952 for traffic

• The ironwork with crossed guns on the railings is believed to be a reference to Jean Lafitte and the pirates who came to Lake Charles at one time.
• Approximately 90,000 vehicles cross the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge daily in Lake Charles, according to recent estimates.

And there’s more to come. Reports have indicated that buildings and businesses along key feeder roads will eventually be removed to make room for the new bridge corridor, and yes, that includes us right here at TownSquare Media.

Now, from the looks of the picture below, they are starting to work on the Lake Charles side of the bridge.

For now, the cones, closures, and construction crews will be the norm here in the Lake Charles and Westlake area until construction is complete and we finally have a brand new I-10 bridge.