Judge Seeber Bridge on Claiborne Avenue closes Saturday after driver damages safety barrier

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - The Judge Seeber Bridge on North Claiborne Avenue, connecting the St. Claude area to the Lower Ninth Ward, was closed in both directions Saturday (Nov. 7) after a driver damaged a safety barrier, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development said.

Drivers are advised to use the St. Claude Avenue Bridge (Louisiana Hwy. 46) to cross the Industrial Canal during the closure. No firme estimate was given on when the Claiborne bridge (La. Hwy 39) will reopen.

According to the DOTD, a driver Saturday morning “came into contact with a safety barrier” as the bridge began to open. The barrier was designed to prevent vehicles from entering the open span.

“Crews must remove the damaged barrier, assess its condition and restore it to service before the bridge can safely reopen,” the DOTD said. “Depending on what crews find, the bridge could reopen by the end of the day. There is no confirmed reopening time.”

The agency reminds drivers to stop when bridge warning lights flash and never drive around a lowered gate. Wait until the gates are fully raised and the warning lights are off before proceeding.

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