The Summerville bridge replacement and highway closure has been extended, according to Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development District 58 Engineer Derek Parker.

Construction on the new bridge, located on LA 503 approximately 1.2 miles east of the intersection of LA 127 and LA 503, began last Thursday, January 11, and was originally scheduled to be completed by February 9.

Parker said earlier last week that due to the likely possibility of severe weather over the next two weeks, the completion date has been extended one week to February 16.

“Although we anticipate completing the new structure within this time frame, there is always a possibility of weather delays, equipment breakdowns or other factors out of our control,” the Engineer stated. “Please rest assured that our crews will work diligently to reopen the roadway as soon as possible.”

The official detour calls for residents to take US 84 through Jena to LA 459 (Aimwell Road) and travel some ten miles to LA 3071, which cuts through to LA 503.