CONVENT — Periodic lane closures this month and a complete Sunshine Bridge shut down Jan. 19 and 20 are planned as the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development spearheads repair work necessitated by an Oct. 12 barge collision.

Remaining work includes painting and installing diagonal bracing and the installation of gusset plates, which are thick pieces of steel that connect various structural members.

Although the emergency repairs are anticipated to conclude in late January or early February, periodic lane closures will continue as previously scheduled contract repair work is performed.

“With the start of a new year, we’re eager to get the emergency repairs completed so we can move forward on the previously planned project that will make this bridge safer and will extend its life,” DOTD Secretary Shawn D. Wilson said.

“Crews have been working hard and we’ve made significant progress, but we can’t rush the remaining repairs.”

The painting of the new diagonal bracing is anticipated to be complete this week with the installation to occur Jan. 19 and 20.

The bridge will need to be completely closed to traffic during the installation for the safety of construction crews and the traveling public.

Once the bracing installation is complete, touch-ups and repairs to the bridge painting will take place and will likely be complete in early February.

During the remaining time before the bridge completely reopens, commuters are reminded to take advantage of Commuter Krewe at commuterkrewe.la.

Motorists can also use the Plaquemine ferry and Veterans Memorial Bridge as detours to cross the river.

Call 511 or visit 511la.org for additional travel information.