The I-210 Bridge: Lake Charles’ Overlooked Engineering Marvel

🐊 KNGT 🐊 | Lake Charles, LA — The large I-10 bridge typically takes center stage when people in Southwest Louisiana discuss bridges. The I-210 bridge, her "little sister," is a big piece of Lake Charles history that deserves its own spotlight and is located only a few miles to the south.

This construction, which is a section of Interstate 210, often known as the Lake Charles Loop, is officially known as the Israel LaFleur Bridge. Construction starts 1962 and was fully completed in 1976. At 8,500ft long and over 140' tall, she is one of the largest structures in Southwest Louisiana. They say the design of this bridge was pretty  straightforward, ease traffic on the congested I-10 bridge and facilitate cross-town travel.

The I-210 bridge, which spans the Calcasieu Ship Channel and links Lake Charles and Westlake, is an important part of daily life for many of us in the lake area. The last few months with the light installs have made alot of us hate this Bridge, but we are glad its here for when the I-10 Bridge work begins in 2026.

Who is Israel LaFleur?

Israel LaFleur, was a prominent local businessman and leader who dedicated years to enhancing the Lake Charles region, he is credited with giving the bridge its name. In recognition of his contributions to the community, the bridge was named after him.

So the next time you cross the Bridge (which most of us have been doing very slowly the past few months) pay a small tribute to the unsung hero of Lake Charles traffic, the Israel LaFleur Bridge, the "Second String" (see I know about Sports).