The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has announced that the ongoing emergency road closure on LA 495 near the Cloutierville community in Natchitoches Parish remains in effect as long-term plans to address the issue continue.
The roadway has been closed since 2019, approximately 2.2 to 2.5 miles from its southern intersection with LA 1, due to an embankment slide that continues to compromise the integrity and safety of the highway. DOTD officials said the closure was necessary to protect the traveling public while a permanent solution is developed.
A project to realign LA 495 away from Cane River is currently in the development phase and includes roadway design and right-of-way acquisition. Once those steps are completed, the project will be put out for bid and managed by the newly established Office of Louisiana Highway Construction.
The Office of Louisiana Highway Construction will oversee non-federal aid routes that are part of the state highway system, including LA 495 and many other primarily rural roadways across Louisiana. At this time, the LA 495 realignment project is tentatively scheduled to go to bid in mid-2026, contingent upon the completion of right-of-way acquisition.
DOTD officials noted that roadway closures are not undertaken lightly and are implemented only when necessary to ensure public safety. The department acknowledged the inconvenience the closure has caused residents and emphasized that staff have continued working toward an appropriate and lasting solution.
To provide additional information and hear community concerns, DOTD will host a public meeting regarding the LA 495 Cloutierville road closure on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026, from 5-6:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Hall, located at 161 Hwy. 491 in Cloutierville.
Members of the public are encouraged to attend the meeting to learn more about the project timeline and future plans for the roadway.
