Southern Tier Section 6 Map 87 bridge out (2021 route); any recommended detour?

[John Nettles]

Totally passable 12/13/22

Thanks for the feedback!  Hope your tour goes well!

[jamawani]

Going Past the Barriers -

My question is:
"How long will the powers-that-be continue to let people use the closed bridges?"

Usually, in such cases it becomes a liability issue.
Unless there are specific exemptions clearly made for cyclists & pedestrians,
then access to the bridge will be illegal for everyone.

Now, I'm not saying that I have never done anything illegal,
because I am a fine, upstanding citizen and such,
but there would be no way for ACA to route cyclists over the closed bridges.
(Probably even to suggest it.)

I think there is no question having a secondary emergency route is essential -
especially given that the Gulf coast is so prone to hurricanes.
But it is likely to take 7-10 years to get any permanent fix to the old bridges.
I am saddened that we, as a country, simply allow our infrastructure to rot away.

In the meantime, I think it is essential to advocate for a shuttle.
And one that does not cost riders $100 each.
The owner of Cajun Boat Tours right at the La. side barrier has lost a lot of business.
Perhaps, a state-funded, minimum fee shuttle with reservations required.

It's gonna be a long time.

[jamawani]

PS -

If you take the old Southern Tier route thru Franklinton,
you have to detour into the Winn-Dixie parking lot
on the west side of town, loop around a few times,
And slam into a parking place yelling, "Towanda!"

(Winn-Dixie parking lots are pretty darn empty these days.)

[andrewcoslow]

Hi all,

1/6/23 Update

I also just rode this “closed” section between Pearlington and White Kitchen. The barricades are placed in such a way that I could roll my bike around the without having to remove panniers. It was quite easy.

Those bridges are also very safe to ride on. Perhaps not safe to drive, hence the closure, but they appear fine to me.

There is also not currently any evidence of construction. Meaning, for now, it appears that situation is unlikely to change super soon.

[John Nettles]

I also just rode this “closed” section between Pearlington and White Kitchen. The barricades are placed in such a way that I could roll my bike around the without having to remove panniers. It was quite easy.

Those bridges are also very safe to ride on. Perhaps not safe to drive, hence the closure, but they appear fine to me.

Thanks for the update!  While I totally get that ACA can not recommend this "detour" in the least bit, it sounds like it works for those wanting to take on the liability. 

[michael5065]

I had no trouble crossing it this morning.

-michael

[UncaBuddha]

Which way are you travelling?

[michael5065]

Sorry, I didn’t haven’t checked the forums for a while and did not see your query. I was heading east, but have since reached Saint Augustine. Now I’m heading north up the ACA Atlantic Coast route.

[woodway]

Noember 2023 update: My brother (riding Southern Tier) had no problem crossing this bridge on 11-13-2023.