Beginning Wednesday, July 5, 2017, the southbound 5th Avenue Bridge over Contraband Bayou will be removed and replaced. Only local southbound traffic along 5th Avenue will be allowed beyond Power Center Parkway. 

A turnaround will be temporarily implemented (just north of the bridge) for southbound traffic on 5th Avenue. Southbound traffic will then be detoured to Power Center Parkway, then to Gerstner Memorial Highway.

Advanced warning signs will be placed along 5th Avenue prior to Power Center Parkway alerting drivers of the bridge outage ahead. Recommended detours will be posted.

The City is working to inform residents of Valley View Apartments and Whispering Pines Apartments as well as parishioners of Christian Baptist Church, South Location.

This state-funded project (No. H.010563) is expected to last for up to five months. Travelers should exercise caution when driving in this area. 

Inquiries can be directed to the City of Lake Charles Public Works Department at 337-491-1490.