East Pearl River Bridge to reopen early, traffic expected to improve at MS-LA state line

All lanes on the East Pearl River Bridge were expected to reopen by the end of day Friday, MDOT officials said.

Traffic delays — which have plagued I-10 westbound near the Louisiana state line for weeks — should significantly improve, said MDOT public information officer Anna Ehrgott.

The bridge’s right lane remained closed for several weeks while crews rebuilt a railing and demolished the bridge deck. Crews planned to alternate lane closures after those repairs to fix joints in the bridge but “have wrapped up more quickly than expected,” Ehrgott said.

The lane closures caused delays up to four hours some days near the Louisiana state line. That work, coupled with an ongoing project at the Menge Avenue exit and the closure of the West Pearl River Bridge, forced drivers to take alternate routes to Louisiana.

Crews began repairs on the East Pearl River Bridge after a vehicle crash and fire damaged the structure earlier this year.

MDOT previously estimated the bridge repairs would continue until August 11.

Closures continue at West Pearl River Bridge, Menge Avenue

The overpass at Menge Avenue will be closed in both directions for 13 months so crews can demolish the bridge and replace it with a new one that holds five lanes of traffic.

MDOT said the I-10 entrance and exit ramps will remain open during the project. The overpass closure means drivers traveling north on Menge Avenue or south on Firetower Road must detour about five miles west on I-10.

The Menge Avenue work is part of a $15 million project to widen I-10 to prepare for a Buc-ee’s travel center and other development in Pass Christian.

The West Pearl River Bridge remains closed through 2028 so crews can conduct “emergency repairs,” according to MDOT.

Legislators in Louisiana raised concern about the West Pearl River Bridge closure, nola.com reported, and said it could cause problems during hurricane season if a storm forces residents to evacuate.

Closures in both areas over the past month have meant hourslong delays for Mississippi Coast residents who work at Stennis Space Center or commute to New Orleans, Covington or Slidell.

MDOT estimated Friday morning delays would last more than 2 hours at the East Pearl River Bridge as crews wrap up work. Real-time traffic updates can be found at MDOT’s traffic map.

This story was originally published July 21, 2023 at 11:01 AM.