Parish officials recently learned of the unauthorized removal of barricades previously placed at bridges located on Miller Drive in Payne Subdivision and on Good Hope Road. This has allowed the damaged structures to be crossed by vehicular traffic.

President Nowlin reminds citizens that these bridges are considered to be structurally unsound, and therefore they should not be crossed by vehicular traffic under any circumstance.

Mr. Nowlin also reminds citizens that removing or going around road closure barricades is a violation of State law and, as such, violators will be referred to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office for action.
The two bridges were damaged by the March 8 flash flood event and they remain closed to traffic.

Parish officials are working with the Office of Facility Planning and Control for the use of State Capital Outlay funds for the replacement of the bridge on Miller Drive, with a new drainage structure.

The Parish continues to explore options for the construction of a temporary detour road around the damaged structure on Good Hope Road until it can be replaced under the Federal Off-System Bridge Replacement Program.

Citizens with information on the parties responsible for the unauthorized removal of the road closure barricades at these sites should contact the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office at (318) 352-6432.

For additional information contact the Parish Highway Department at (318) 357-2200.