Hwy. 21 work snarls traffic

THE DAILY NEWS

BOGALUSA n Since the collapse of an old brick sewer manhole and the resultant sinking of a stretch of Sullivan Drive or La. Hwy. 21 in Bogalusa last week, mill bound 18-wheelers and other vehicles have been diverted along alternate routes through town.

But the state Department of Transportation and Development has not posted detour signs, and local drivers have had to direct out-of-towners to their destinations.

Attempts by the Daily News to talk to the DOTD about the problem this morning proved unsuccessful. But Sen. Ben Nevers' office is reportedly continuing to try to make contact and to get the signs erected.

Just the increased traffic on the actual detour streets has caused delays and confusion, and may have been a contributing factor in an accident at Richmond Street and LA. Hwy. 10 shortly before noon yesterday.

Although the accident was not serious, the Bogalusa Police Department is cautioning drivers to be patient and careful.

The collapse that caused the roadway above the line to sink by about four inches was reportedly not directly due to the saturation of the ground caused by repeated heavy downfalls that overloaded drainage capabilities and kept water sitting in some areas. But the wet weather could hamper attempts to get the damage corrected.

The city has reportedly finished its part of the repair work, and the DOTD expects to be done with the rest by Wednesday unless the rain keeps crews from the job. Meanwhile, Columbia Street, the primary detour route, and its feeder streets will have to bear the additional traffic.

Local drivers are urged to steer clear of the major areas where the big trucks and other traffic could be backed up to enter or exit Columbia/Richmond Street, such as at La. Hwy. 10. And until the detour signs do get posted, locals are asked to try to provide assistance to anyone who appears to be lost.