Both eastbound and westbound lanes of Interstate 10 across the Mississippi River Bridge were closed for nearly nine hours overnight after a person climbed the bridge’s superstructure and refused to come down.
According to the West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, the incident began around 9:00 p.m. Monday when the Motorist Assistance Patrol observed a vehicle that appeared to be stalled on the westbound side of the I-10 bridge. When MAP approached, the driver fled in an erratic manner, turned around near the base of the bridge, and began traveling eastbound.
WBRPSO deputies attempted to stop the vehicle, which came to a stop on the eastbound side of the bridge. The driver then exited the vehicle and climbed the bridge’s superstructure, refusing to come down.
Video obtained by WBR Independent shows the person on the bridge structure as emergency responders worked through the night to resolve the situation.
Both directions of I-10 were closed during the incident. Eastbound traffic was stopped at LA 415/Lobdell Highway and at the LA 1 entrance, while westbound traffic was closed at I-110. Motorists were directed to use U.S. Highway 190, the old bridge, as an alternate route.
WBRSO deputies remained on scene throughout the night along with additional law enforcement and fire personnel.
The sheriff’s office announced at 5:45 a.m. Tuesday that the subject had come down safely and all lanes were reopened. The department did not release information about the individual’s identity or condition, or whether any charges were filed.
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