Back in September 2022, when the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announced they were beginning work to replace two separate bridges on LA 154 just east of the Lake Bistineau Dam, most people who frequent this area were bracing themselves for months and months of detours as the job was expected to last into 2023.

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It wasn't just one bridge they would replace, but two that cross over Morrow Branch near McCoy Road.  Both of these were built in 1966 and were no longer safe for travel.  Drivers to and from the Ringgold area were immediately forced into detouring adding extra time for their daily commute.

From Google Maps
From Google Maps
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Then last month, in November, the LA DOTD notified us that they were actually weeks ahead of their projected completion time and could actually finish the project before Christmas.

Fast forward to this week. Specifically, this Tuesday, December 13, and the DOTD opened a huge Christmas present for all of those who frequent this stretch of LA 154 when they removed the "Road Closed" signs and completely re-opened this highly traveled stretch of road in Bienville Parish.

For those that don't normally travel this area, LA 154 is the main throughfare between Ringgold and Elm Grove so this reopening of the closed area was music to the ears of those who frequently use it

Here's the official word from the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development:

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development advises motorists that the bridges on LA 154 near the Lake Bistineau Dam in Bienville Parish that were previously closed, have now been reopened.

From LA DOTD
From LA DOTD
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