I-10 bridge closed at Old Gentilly Road after large trash fire
(roadwork.nola)
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has closed the Interstate 10 underpass bridge at Old Gentilly Road as engineers inspect the structural integrity after a fire potentially damaged damaged the bridge.
Firefighters on Tuesday (Aug. 15) found piles of trash and old tires dumped near the base of the I-10 Highrise in flames. The fire broke out behind the Riverboat RV Park at 6232 Chef Menteur Highway.
High winds, dry conditions and limited accessibility all contributed to the fire’s extension as heavy black smoke and embers blew across I-10 near the Chef Menteur exit at the bottom of the Highrise. A second alarm was called as firefighters had to lay more than 500 feet of large diameter, high-volume hose from hydrants on Chef Menteur to the rear of the RV Park for adequate water supply.
Barricades have been placed at Old Gentilly Road and Reynes Street, as well as Old Gentilly Road and Downman Road. The barricades will be lifted once the roadway is safe for public access.
Please visit roadwork.nola.gov for more information. Questions about this advisory or RoadworkNOLA can be directed to 504.658.ROAD (7623) or roadwork@nola.gov.
Trash and tires dumped near the Interstate 10 Highrise caught fire on Tuesday. (NOFD Photo Unit)
