An I-20 exit ramp is closed Sunday afternoon after a train derailment in downtown Shreveport.
According to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), the westbound I-20 exit ramp to Spring Street is currently closed due to the train derailment located under the Spring/Market Street Bridge.
DOTD said the bridge is currently closed for inspectors to examine the structure to ensure it is safe to travel.
In 2020, a train derailment in downtown Shreveport caused some structural damage to the viaduct, requiring emergency repairs to be carried out.
Erin Buchanan, public information officer for DOTD, said, “after a previous train derailment in 2020, DOTD constructed a protective wall as part of repairs to the Spring Street Bridge in an effort to prevent damage during any future derailments. It appears this moment that the protective wall worked as designed and prevented the train from colliding and damaging the bridge itself.”
The railroad company is on scene and working to remove the car. According to DOTD, there is no deadline for the carriage to be removed.
More: Spring Street exit in downtown Shreveport closed after train derailment
Makenzie Boucher is a reporter for the Shreveport Times. Contact her at mboucher@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared in the Shreveport Times: Train derailment in downtown Shreveport leaves I-20 ramp closed Sunday
