EDGARD – Motorists who normally use LA 640 in Edgard for morning commutes will have an alternate route due to roadwork near the railroad crossing Thursday.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and development announced Monday that the complete two-mile stretch of LA 640 between River Road and LA 3127 will be shut down while a crew from Union Pacific Railroad works to replace the existing rails and base at the crossing.

“The crossing is getting a complete makeover,” said Union Pacific Spokesman Buck Gomez.

DOTD said work will begin at 8 a.m. Thursday and should wrap up around 4 p.m. All lanes will be closed during the eight-hour time period.

The alternate route during the roadwork will be LA 18 to LA 3141, which leads to LA 3127. Detour routes will be posted in the area.

For more information on the project contact Gomez at 225-776-5996, or by e-mail at LJGomez@up.com.