The following is the text of a news release from the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development:
(BAYOU BLUE, La.) (Dec. 7) — The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announces an emergency closure of the Bayou Blue Pontoon Bridge on La. 316 in Lafourche Parish., due to an accident earlier today. The bridge, located over Intracoastal Waterway, is closed to vehicular traffic in both directions.
At approximately at 6:30 a.m., a tugboat pushing a six pack struck the swing bridge causing significant damage to the far-side apron and tower. DOTD’s preliminary assessment estimates the bridge will remain closed to vehicular traffic for the next several months, pending major repair.
The alternate route for eastbound traffic is La. 316 to Prospect Boulevard to East Park Avenue to La. 24. The alternate route for westbound traffic is La. 24 to East Park Avenue to Prospect Boulevard to La. 316.