Drivers in Baton Rouge will see several overnight interstate closures this week as the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development continues work on the I-10 widening project.
DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett said crews started closures Monday night and plan to continue through Thursday if weather allows. The work focuses on widening parts of the I-10 and I-110 interchange near downtown Baton Rouge.
One of the biggest traffic changes affects the I-10 eastbound on-ramp at South 10th Street near Government Street. That ramp will close each night from 7 p.m. until 5 a.m. through Thursday.
Drivers will also see lane closures on I-10 eastbound and westbound between Perkins Road and I-110. Crews need the closures to move safety barriers and continue expansion work on the westbound flyover.
Mallett said the project will continue changing traffic patterns in the area. He urged drivers to slow down, stay off their phones, and pay attention in work zones.
DOTD plans to eventually demolish the eastbound I-10 structure near the Mississippi River Bridge. That phase of the project remains about two years away.
State officials decided against shutting down large sections of the interstate during construction. Instead, DOTD extended the timeline to reduce major traffic problems for Baton Rouge drivers.
Officials encourage drivers to plan alternate routes during overnight construction hours and prepare for delays throughout the week.