[BTR] Washington Street exit on I-10 is permanently closing

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DOTD Announces Permanent Closure of Washington Street exit on I-10 – East Baton Rouge Parish

Friday, February 13, 2026 at 9:18:01 AM

BATON ROUGE, La. – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announces the permanent closure of the Washington Street exit on Interstate 10 in East Baton Rouge Parish. Work will begin on Wednesday, February 18, with nightly closures in place through Sunday, February 22.

The closure is intended to eliminate dangerous weaving movements and reduce bottlenecks that have contributed to crashes and delays, particularly from the high volume of vehicles merging from the Mississippi River Bridge. Removing the exit will improve safety and traffic flow along this corridor.

Work will include installing concrete barriers, removing signage and restriping the area. The ramp will be fully removed as part of the ongoing I-10 widening project.

DOTD received approval from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and ensured compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act prior to proceeding with the closure.

Motorists seeking access to downtown Baton Rouge are advised to use the I-110 South exit to Terrace Avenue or the I-10 West exit to Nicholson Drive/Highland Road exit.

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