When was the Interstate 210 bridge built and what is it’s life expectancy?

The Interstate 210 bridge, otherwise known as the Israel LaFleur Bridge, was built between 1963 and 1965.

Here are some excerpts from an April 5, 1992, American Press looking back at LaFleur’s contributions to the bridge project:

“In 1941 when the Interstate 10 bridge was becoming a reality, Israel LaFleur realized the city would move south and it would not only be inconvenient for the people who lived south of town to drive the distance to that bridge, but in an emergency the loss of one bridge would leave thousands stranded on each side of the water.

“Many people agreed with Israel that Lake Charles needed another escape route, but they were too busy to do anything about it. It was then that LaFleur began the first of many appearances before the Police Jury, asking for help for his bridge project.

“Over and over for the next 23 years, he begged and pleaded for help from anyone who would listen. In 1943, he took Harry Roach, who was an AFL Labor leader representing the industrial plants, with him to the Police Jury meeting. He also had a petition signed by 1,000 residents, and letters from all his congressmen agreeing to the plan. It was in that year that the Police Jury offered a plan they were studying, which included a south bypass road, with a ferry leaving the Lake Charles Country Club and crossing Prien Lake. But LaFleur’s plan called for a bridge.

“When Israel got a project in his mind, he was like a bulldog chewing a bone. Nothing and no one could change his mind … . Politicians eventually came to realize this man was really a visionary and a man of action. While they were still standing at rest, he was up and running. Once Israel LaFleur got a project in mind, he did not run blindly off into space. He checked his ideas out thoroughly, with engineers, planners and feasibility studies — only he didn’t use words like feasibility or diversification. Instead, he told the public, ‘We need other things. If prices for crops drop, go bad or something breaks in those smoke stacks across the water, we gonna be in trouble badly.’

“Finally, after what seemed like forever to Israel LaFleur, the government agreed to fund the I-210 bypass and bridge. When the beautiful bridge was opened in 1977, LaFleur, who was 83, cut the ribbon at the dedication. He said, ‘And now it’s open.’ The governor said, ‘Israel will cut the ribbon. I can’t be there.’

“Israel LaFleur did not live long enough to have the bill passed which would name the bridge and beach park after him after his death. He would have loved to see the markers, which were finally installed in 1984, but LaFleur died in 1981 at the age of 87.”

Construction

The Interstate 210 bridge is undergoing repair work, which started in January. Repairs include redecking the bridge’s 930-foot main span; building inspection walkways underneath the bridge; improving barrier rail safety; and installing lighting.

The contractor working on the I-210 bridge, Kiewit Louisiana Co., has said construction can be done within one year.

Tammy York, public information officer for the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development’s District 7, said the DOTD regularly conducts repairs and maintenance to keep the bridge safe and to extend its life.

l

The Informer is written by Crystal Stevenson, American Press executive editor. To ask a question, call 494-4098 and leave a voicemail, or email informer@americanpress.com.