Commuters Should Plan New Routes as Bridge Demolition Phase Begins
PORT ALLEN, La. – A major traffic pattern change is coming to the Port Allen area Thursday night that will permanently alter how thousands of commuters travel between West Baton Rouge Parish and East Baton Rouge Parish.
Beginning Thursday night, June 12, 2025, the existing LA 1 Northbound bridge will be permanently closed to traffic as part of the ongoing LA 1 Port Allen Intraoastal Canal Bridge Replacement project. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announced the closure will facilitate full demolition of the old bridge structure.
Starting Thursday night, northbound LA 1 traffic that previously used the existing bridge to access I-10 Eastbound will be diverted to a newly constructed exit ramp located on the north side of the new LA 1 Intracoastal Bridge. The traffic pattern will remain in place indefinitely to accommodate ongoing construction activities.
The change affects one of the area’s busiest commuter routes, connecting Port Allen to Baton Rouge and serving as a critical link for workers traveling between the parishes daily.
“This traffic pattern will remain in place until further notice to accommodate ongoing construction activities,” DOTD stated in the advisory. The department urges drivers to reduce speed, obey posted signage, and remain alert for construction personnel and equipment in the work zone.
Commuters should expect advance warning signs and portable message boards in the area to guide traffic through the new configuration. However, DOTD warns that travel delays are possible, especially during peak commuting hours when traffic volume is heaviest.
The permanent closure marks a significant milestone in the multi-phase LA 1 Intracoastal Canal Bridge Replacement project, which has been ongoing in the Port Allen area. The project aims to improve traffic flow and safety along the critical corridor connecting West Baton Rouge Parish to the interstate system.
Once the old bridge is barricaded with temporary concrete barriers, demolition work can begin in earnest. The existing bridge has served the community for decades but is being replaced as part of the state’s infrastructure improvement efforts.
DOTD officials emphasize the importance of driver cooperation during this transition period. “DOTD appreciates your patience and cooperation during this time,” the agency stated, acknowledging the inconvenience the changes may cause for regular commuters.
Drivers are encouraged to allow extra travel time, especially during morning and evening rush hours, and to familiarize themselves with the new traffic pattern before the change takes effect Thursday night.
For additional information or updates regarding the closures and construction progress, residents can contact DOTD directly or monitor their official communications channels.
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