UPDATE: DOTD tells us that the left lane of I-49 approximately one mile north of Exit 61 (Meeker/Turkey Creek) will remain closed until the bridge piling can be repaired, which is likely to be several weeks.
"We will know a more specific time frame once a full inspection is conducted and repair plan can be formalized. All other lanes that may still be currently closed due to clean-up operations are anticipated to reopen later today," a spokesperson for the agency says.
DOTD does not anticipate major impact to traffic with this lane closure.
PREVIOUS UPDATE: As of 11:30 a.m. State Police have closed both sides of I-49 near the Turkey Creek/Meeker exit so they can remove a rig that hit the bridge there.
Earlier Friday, the northbound lanes were closed after an 18-wheeler hit a pylon on the bridge. Troopers say it appears the driver fell asleep and ran off the road. No injuries have been reported.
Until DOTD has inspected the bridge for safety, I-49 northbound will remain closed, troopers say.
Vehicle recovery should take about an hour; after that the southbound lanes will re-open, troopers say.
The closure started just before 8 a.m., according to the DOTD website.
State Police say traffic is being diverted to Exit 61, to U.S. 167 to U.S. 71 until the bridge can be inspected and deemed safe; they've posted pictures of an 18-wheeler that appears to have crashed into the pylon of a bridge or overpass.
"Please avoid the area, if at all possible, and seek an alternate route," troopers say.
Here are the pictures that State Police posted:
We'll update this story as soon as we can. If you're headed north, check 511la.org to see how you can get through.
