What Residents Need To Know: I-10 Work in Westlake Officially Begins Thursday

Lake Charles, Louisiana (KNGT-FM) - After the project was pushed back a few days, the beginning phases of the I-10 bridge work will officially get underway this week. We've got the latest up-to-date information that residents need to know...

I mean, let's be real.. It has felt for years like this new bridge project would never actually come to fruition, but it looks like we've finally made it to the beginning of the process.

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What will the bridge look like, you might ask... The new bridge will be much bigger and safer than the one we use today. It will include six travel lanes and two extra lanes to help cut down on traffic jams. It will also have better lighting, a lower profile design, and an overpass at Sampson Street so drivers won’t get stuck waiting on trains. The project will even include improvements for future transportation needs beyond just cars and trucks.

According to project officials, key features of the new bridge and corridor include:

Six travel lanes and two auxiliary lanes for improved safety and traffic flow
Roadway lighting and a reduction in bridge height for a more modern design
Elevated overpass at Sampson Street to eliminate train-related delays

READ MORE: See What The Future I-10 Bridge Will Look Like [WATCH]

As we reported a few weeks ago, the DOTD announced that closures will begin in Westlake near Exit 27. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) has announced that Exit 27 on I-10 West (LA 378/Westlake) will officially close beginning THURSDAY EVENING. The closure will remain in place for about 18 months while crews relocate a pipe rack for the new bridge.

How will Westlake drivers and residents get around the project and closures? Here's what we know...

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.