People stuck on I-10, 210 bridges for hours; no word on when wrecks will be cleared

LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) – We are working to get answers about the traffic messes on I-10 and I-210 as icy conditions move into SWLA.

Traffic has been stopped for hours on the I-10 and 210 bridges.

State police told us an accident on I-10 West this afternoon closed the bridge in that direction while eastbound traffic continued to crawl.

State police closed the 210 Bridge due to ice around 6 p.m. Traffic was bumper-to-bumper and not moving in either direction.

Troopers, city police and DOTD officials have been working to get vehicles off the bridge for hours, but 18-wheelers are having difficulty gaining traction. DOTD officials said they were waiting for brine trucks to arrive.

Shortly before 8 p.m., DOTD officials said salt and brine trucks were at the 210 bridge but waiting for state police to remove damaged vehicles from the bridge. Once the accident is removed, DOTD officials said they will treat the bridge to reopen it.

Meanwhile, Sgt. James Anderson with Louisiana State Police Troop D said they were waiting on sand so they could clear the wreck to get traffic moving on I-10. Traffic is stopped in both directions.

“Bridges on priority routes were being treated when the accidents delayed operations. Bridges that are open for traffic are continuing to be treated. DOTD and law enforcement are working to clear the accident,” DOTD Secretary John Guidroz said.

KPLC has gotten numerous calls and messages from people stuck on the bridges and we are working to get answers to all of your questions. Some viewers said they have been stuck for over three hours with no communication from law enforcement.

A few viewers have reported that they are running out of gas, and others who drive electric vehicles are running low on battery. We asked the sheriff if they are conducting any rescues, but he said they have had no calls about drivers running out of gas.

Drivers are also stuck in traffic on I-10 at the state line and through Iowa.

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