I-10 Overpass at I-49 Reopened Following Yet Another Truck Collision, Lafayette Locals React

Both I-10 and I-49 are fully operational again after hours of closures Tuesday evening when an 18-wheeler hauling a large load struck the I-10 eastbound overpass. The crash, reminiscent of a similar incident last year, left drivers dealing with significant traffic delays and reignited frustrations over infrastructure and trucking practices.

The Lafayette Police Department confirmed that I-10 eastbound near University Avenue and both directions of I-49 were closed around 5:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Detours rerouted vehicles through already congested surface streets, creating gridlock in parts of the city.

Repairs and inspections were completed overnight, with lanes reopening shortly after midnight.

Social Media Reacts: “Again?!”

News of the incident quickly went viral, with residents flocking to the Whatz Going On in Acadiana Facebook group to voice a mix of shock and outrage. Comments poured in from folks who couldn't believe this actually happened again in the exact same spot no less, to those who simply came to crack jokes:

- “Cha-Ching for the bridge repair contractor… at least they’ll know exactly how to quote this repair” - Matt Forness
- “Didn’t they just fix this less than a year ago? Jeez,” - Will Boggs, referencing the 2023 incident that caused months of delays.
- “What’s the clearance on that bridge?!” asked Bruce Mayo, while others suggested the overpass itself might be too low.

Some comments turned critical of trucking companies and drivers lacking expertise and professionalism. “13'6" is the standard,” wrote John Pastor. “This is what happens when they try to cut corners and be cheap. That bridge is clearly labeled.”

Others called for solutions. “Maybe they should spend the money to add an overpass sign instead of paying to fix it every time,” suggested Nise Mars.

Are We Seeing a Pattern?

This marks at least the second time in recent memory that a large truck has damaged the I-10 overpass. In January 2023, a similar crash caused extensive structural damage, requiring months of repairs. After hearing input from experts in the professional trucking world, many locals feel this incident reflects a mix of issues with trucking protocols and infrastructure design.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) has not yet announced whether additional measures will be taken to prevent future collisions, nor if further repairs or inspections are planned. For now, drivers who frequently travel the I-10/I-49 corridor are left hoping that there are no more accidents in the near future.