Rebuilt Westlake I-10 Clearance Bar Had a Busy Weekend

Lake Charles, LA [KNGT-FM] - The newly reconstructed clearance bar in Westlake is once again drawing attention after a busy weekend that saw multiple close calls and at least one direct impact from an oversized vehicle.

According to reports and photos circulating on social media, the clearance bar located beneath the Interstate 10 bridge in Westlake was struck by a truck over the weekend. In addition to that collision, two other large vehicles came dangerously close to making contact with the structure but managed to avoid hitting it.

The clearance bar has become a familiar sight for Southwest Louisiana residents over the past several months as construction crews continue preparations for the highly anticipated replacement of the Interstate 10 Calcasieu River Bridge.

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While the bridge itself has not yet entered its major construction phase, crews are currently focused on relocating utilities and underground infrastructure that must be moved before larger portions of the project can begin.

The clearance bar was originally installed to prevent oversized trucks, RVs, and other tall vehicles from striking the low-clearance bridge. Shortly after it was installed, the structure gained a reputation online as photos and videos of impacts became a regular occurrence. And to be honest, it is becoming quite comical at this point.

Read More: Did You Know The I-10 Bridge Has A Secret Entry

The bar was torn down and rebuilt last Thursday, May 28th, and since then, we have already seen one hit and two close calls. Pictures of the damage to the one truck were posted online by me, causing the internet in Southwest Louisiana to explode. People are in disbelief that this keeps occurring.

There were also two close calls with another truck and an RV, but they wisely stopped before hitting it and backed out.

How Many Trucks Have Hit The I-10 Clearance Bar In Westlake, LA?

Before the clearance bar was rebuilt, our unofficial count had reached 30 impacts. The local mystery magnet-placer who had been marking each strike on the beam hasn't updated the new bar yet, so there's no official visual tally. But after this weekend's latest hit, we're estimating the count has now reached 31 strikes...and counting.

To follow all the chaos, you can follow the I-10 Clearance Bar Facebook Page here.