A public meeting on the Madisonville Swing Bridge schedule will be held on Thursday, June 24, 2021 6:00-8:00 pm at the Madisonville Town Hall.
Mayor Jean Pelloat says the Town of Madisonville is requesting the Coast Guard change the operating schedule that governs the State Route 22 Bridge (Madisonville swing span bridge) across the Tchefuncte River. They say this action is necessary to alleviate serious safety concerns and to relieve vehicular traffic congestion during peak traffic periods along Hwy 22 near Madisonville.
The request encompasses the current schedule (opening on signal from 7:00pm -6:00am), with the proposed changes: Opening hourly (no longer on the half hour) from 8:00 am- 4:00 pm and 6:00-7:00 pm, Bridge will not open at 7:00 am or 5:00 pm. This schedule is requested year round, holidays included.
Officials say the opening of the Madisonville bridge continues to exacerbate traffic since the bridge is so close to LA Hwy 21, Hwy 22 and Hwy 1077.
In support, the mayor says they have received letters from the Parish President and Sheriff, the Mayor of Mandeville and local police and fire departments.
The mayor encourages everyone from surrounding municipalities, Parish government, state entities, homeowners, boaters and marinas to come and join this discussion.
