Contact: BRENDAN RUSH, (225) 379-1273

November 20, 2007

BATON ROUGE - Interstate 10 will remain closed between Baton Rouge and Lafayette through Dec. 4 so emergency crews can contain flammable materials from a natural gas well platform that ignited last Thursday, 300 feet from the I-10 bridge near Ramah, La., according to state officials.

I-10 Detour Map

The current detour that is re-routing traffic along U.S. 190 remains in effect. All westbound traffic traveling through Baton Rouge should use Interstate 110 north in Baton Rouge to exit 5, to U.S. 190 west. All eastbound traffic traveling through Lafayette should use Interstate 49 north in Lafayette to exit 19, in Opelousas, to U.S. 190 east. Drivers traveling between Lafayette and New Orleans can also use U.S. 90 as an alternate route.

Emergency crews say that the flammable materials pose a safety hazard because of their proximity to the interstate. They say the well will probably be able to be capped by Dec. 4.

DOTD bridge inspectors have thoroughly examined the bridge, and it is undamaged and structurally sound.

DOTD Secretary Johnny B. Bradberry encouraged drivers to leave early, plan extra time for your travel, and be patient and courteous when traveling through the area.

For 24-hour road closure information contact Louisiana State Police at 1-800-469-4828.