Interstate 10 from Lake Charles to Texas and the Calcasieu Bridge are expected to reopen by noon today, Louisiana Department of Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson and State Police Col. Kevin Reeves told USA Today Network this morning.
Meanwhile, state police and Louisiana Fire Marshal Butch Brown are still fighting a smoldering chemical fire in Westlake.
The interstate and bridge have been closed because of a combination of damage from Hurricane Laura and a chemical fire at BioLab in Westlake near the bridge.
Wilson said his agency has finally been able to clear the highway of power lines and other debris that littered the interstate, especially from Texas to Lake Charles.
Wilson said his inspectors have given the OK on the soundness of the bridge after making sure the Isle of Capri Casino barge didn't damage it after being blown into the bridge during the storm.
Reeves said state police believe traffic on the bridge will also be safe from the chemical fire that has been releasing chlorine into the atmosphere since Category 4 Hurricane Laura began to blow in late Wednesday night.
It's still unclear whether Laura caused the fire, which is under investigation by state police and Browning.
Reeves said emergency personnel are still working to make sure the fire and chemical release are contained.
Residents within one mile of BioLab are still ordered to shelter-in-place this morning with windows and doors closed.
Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1
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Interstate 10 to reopen by noon; BioLab chemical fire still smoldering - The News Star
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