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BRIDGE CITY, La. (WGNO) – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has begun a $19.7 million project to clean and paint the railroad portion of the Huey P. Long Bridge. Lane closures are scheduled for the duration of the project.

Beginning today, the eastbound and westbound left lanes will be closed continuously with temporary concrete barriers for the duration of the project, reducing the bridge to two lanes in each direction. Additionally, beginning tonight, November 2, through Friday, November 11, the left and center lanes will be closed nightly, from 10 p.m. to 4:30 a.m., (ending at 4:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12), reducing the bridge to one lane in each direction. There are no vehicle restrictions during the lane closures. Future lane closure schedules will be announced as the project progresses.

Suggested alternate routes are U.S. 90 West to the Luling Bridge at I-310 or U.S. 90 East/Westbank Expressway to the Greater New Orleans/Crescent City Connection Bridge.

The contractor, InTech Contracting, LLC, is currently mobilizing equipment to blast, clean and paint the railroad trusses of the structure, not included in the widening project completed in 2013. The estimated completion timeframe is fall 2017.

The Huey P. Long Bridge opened to traffic in 1935 and underwent a $1.2 billion widening, starting in 2006. The project was completed in June 2013.

All construction activity is weather dependent and may be rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. DOTD appreciates the motoring public’s patience and reminds drivers to please exercise caution when traveling through work zone areas and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment. Area residents should exercise caution when driving, walking or biking near the active work zone.

Motorists can access the latest updates on real-time traffic and road conditions using the 511 Traveler Information System by dialing 511 from their telephone and saying the route or region on which they are seeking information. Out-of-state travelers can call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511). Travelers can also access this information by visiting the 511 Traveler Information Web site at www.511la.org. Additionally, real-time around-the-clock New Orleans traffic updates can be accessed via Twitter @NOLA_Traffic.