ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH, La. — Editor's note: On Friday, Oct. 27, Louisiana State Police reduced the number of victims to seven fatalities rather than eight following a forensic investigation.
Crews have been working hard to clear Interstate 55 since Monday's deadly pileup.
At this hour, parts of I-55 are now open. However, the bridge near Manchac – between Ruddock and Akers – remains closed. Motorists must exit and take the low road or Louisiana Highway 51.
At least seven people have now died with 63 injured and 168 cars damaged.
When asked why the bridge was not closed due to fog, Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development Communications Manager Rodney Mallet said, "You can drive in foggy conditions if you drive safely and so you know it’s not something we have done."
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Original Story:
Commuters Tuesday morning will need to add extra time to their drive as I-55 remains closed in both directions following Monday morning’s fatal crash.
Seven people were killed, at least two dozen injured and 158 vehicles were damaged in a series of at least three "crash clusters" on I-55 in an extremely dense fog that left visibility near zero.
State Police, tow trucks, and emergency cleanup crews are still on the scene of the wreckage to remove the wrecked and in some cases, burned vehicles off of the interstate.
Drivers wanting to take I-55 southbound will be diverted at Frontage Road. An alternate route drivers can take is Highway 51 which runs along I-55.
The northbound and southbound Causeway Bridge is also another alternate route commuters can take to get to and from the Northshore.
I-12 to the Twin Span at Slidell is another alternate route.
State police say the bridge will be closed 'for the foreseeable future' as bridge inspectors will be on the scene to inspect any damage to the elevated I-55 which means the interstate will remain closed until further notice.
"We will inspect the bridge once emergency responders give clearance," said officials from DOTD. "No timetable."
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