LaDOTD closes Sunshine Bridge indefinitely after barge damages support
Oct. 15, 2018
The bridge will remain closed until the necessary repairs are made and the bridge is deemed safe to the public
The Sunshine Bridge over the Mississippi River in St. James Parish in Louisiana is closed indefinitely after a barge collided with the bridge early Friday morning.
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LaDOTD) shared photos of the bridge which showed one of the main load-carrying beams was severely damaged by the crash. LaDOTD inspectors are at the scene using drones to inspect the bridge for additional damage.
LaDOTD said the bridge will remain closed until the necessary repairs are made and the bridge is deemed safe to the public. The operators of the barge, Marquette Transportation Company, said they are working closely with the Coast Guard and Department of Transportation to make sure the bridge is properly repaired and reopened.
