Causeway Bridge Remains Closed Amid Snow Removal Efforts

MANDEVILLE, La. (WVUE) — Crews are working around the clock to clear the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway after heavy snowfall on Tuesday left the bridge buried under 24 inches of snow in some areas. As of Thursday, the Causeway remains closed to the public, with no estimated reopening time, though officials hope to open one lane for first responders by the afternoon.

Causeway police announced plans to open a southbound lane for emergency vehicles at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, with a northbound lane expected to follow by 3:30 p.m. Causeway General Manager Carlton Dufrechou credited Boh Bros. Construction for their assistance in snow removal efforts, stating, “We are making good progress.”

The northern third of both bridges saw the heaviest accumulation, with snow depths averaging 2 feet. Crews are now grappling with residual ice and snow that melted and refroze overnight, complicating cleanup efforts. “The big question is how much of the residual or melted snow cleared today will refreeze tonight,” Dufrechou said.

Across the North Shore, road conditions improved slightly as temperatures rose, but treacherous patches of black ice persisted. Louisiana State Police Trooper Marc Gremillion warned drivers to remain cautious. “Obviously, it’s a beautiful day, and a lot of people need to be reminded there’s still thick layers of black ice on the highways,” he said.

On U.S. Highway 190 south of Covington, drivers reported slippery conditions, with some vehicles fishtailing and skidding. Rene Hymel, a Covington resident, described the experience as “scary,” despite her experience driving in icy conditions in Connecticut and Cleveland. “I have an all-wheel-drive, but there are a lot of icy patches,” she said.

Michelle Carey, a certified nurse assistant from Covington, relied on her four-wheel-drive truck to navigate the hazardous roads. “It’s been really slick and icy, but this truck does good with four-wheel drive,” she said. “I’m pretty good with it.”

For many North Shore residents, the icy conditions brought an unexpected day off. Hymel, who spent the day with her children, said, “I’m glad I have a nine- and a 10-year-old. They had fun, and I hope everyone stays safe.”

Meanwhile, crews continued to work through the night to remove hundreds of tons of ice and snow from the Causeway. Dufrechou expressed optimism about reopening the bridge soon but emphasized that safety remains the top priority.