Popular Interstate 10 detour that connects MS and LA is closed indefinitely. Here’s why.

A popular detour local drivers use when there’s traffic congestion on Interstate 10 near the Mississippi-Louisiana state line is closed indefinitely, Louisiana transportation officials told the Sun Herald.

The West Pearl River bridge has been closed since May 24 when workers for the Louisiana Department of Transportation discovered “significant deterioration” along the bridge supports, said Chris Welty, public information officer for DODT.

The bridge is on U.S. 90, which can take drivers from Hancock County as far as New Orleans without having to get on Interstate 10 until you reach New Orleans East. It’s often used during hurricane season evacuations or when I-10 is blocked during traffic accidents.

This route was used extensively earlier this year when a portion of I-10 near the state line was down to one lane while the Mississippi Department of Transportation fixed a bridge damaged during a crash involving a semi-truck hauling new BMW vehicles. The repairs were finished ahead of schedule.

During the bridge closure, traffic on the Mississippi side of the highway has been rerouted to 1-10 through Mississippi 604 and 607.

“This particular section of U.S. 90 is not considered a heavily traveled route, but will likely be closed for a while, so we encourage motorists to plan to take alternate routes, especially during hurricane season,” said Anna Ehrogtt, MDOT public information officer.

This story was originally published July 19, 2022 at 5:50 AM.