The Bayou Portage bridge, which was rebuilt and reopened in 2022 after weeks of repairs, was closed again on April 15 following a state inspection that uncovered deeper issues with the bridge’s pilings.
The closure has left many in the community with few options and much longer commutes.
“We’re having to drive an extra 60 miles for nothing, when it could take us five minutes,” said local resident Scotty LaGrange.
Beyond the inconvenience, residents said the bridge’s closure poses a serious safety risk.
“The [other] bridge if something happens to it, all these people are trapped,” said Paul Calais. “Hundreds of people trapped. This is their way out. This is an escape route, and it’s closed.”
According to Saint Landry Parish President Jessie Bellard, the issue lies in the foundation of the bridge.
“The reason for it being closed is because of the pilings underneath,” Bellard said. “The state does an inspection on these pilings and they said it needs to be shut down. They’re going to give us their review, and we haven’t received it yet.”
Bellard added that the parish cannot begin repairs until the state provides a formal deficiency letter outlining what exactly needs to be fixed.
“As soon as they give us that deficiency letter, we’ll know what exactly the problem is. Then we can go get the repairs done,” Bellard said.
If that documentation arrives soon, Bellard said repairs could be completed within four to five weeks. Still, he emphasized that safety remains the top priority.
“The decision’s on our part, but I’m not going to go against engineers,” Bellard said. “If they say it needs to be shut down, we’re going to shut it down. Safety reasons are our main concern.”
But for many in Bayou Portage, waiting for paperwork is not good enough.
“We need an explanation,” Calais said. “And then let’s fix it—because it’s our escape route.”
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