Author Topic: Southern Tier Section 6 Map 87 bridge out (2021 route); any recommended detour?  (Read 21094 times)

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Offline John Nettles

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  • I ride for smiles, not miles.
Totally passable 12/13/22
Thanks for the feedback!  Hope your tour goes well!

Offline 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.
« Last Edit: January 08, 2023, 12:15:37 pm by jamawani »

Offline 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.)

Offline 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.

Offline John Nettles

  • World Traveler
  • *****
  • Posts: 1998
  • I ride for smiles, not miles.
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. 

Offline michael5065

I had no trouble crossing it this morning.

-michael

Offline UncaBuddha

Which way are you travelling?

Offline 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.

Offline woodway

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

Offline BjörnK

March 2024: Bridges between Pearlington and White Kitchen can easily be passed. Just did it yesterday westwards.

Offline Wolfgang

Hi folks, we are bikers from Germany. Started in Dallas, via San Antonio, staying currently in Lafayette and planned to reach Fort Myers, FL beginning of may. Following our research regarding the closed Pearl River bridge, it was very interesting to read the latest post regarding using the bridges between Pearlington and White Kitchen. Any news on this? We would give it a try.

Offline Stefan_E

May 18th still no problem. The old decaying steel bridges from the 1930ties are a sight in itself. They didn’t even care to remove the rust and repaint them. Hilarious.

Offline norco98

October 13, 2024 no issue crossing bridges. Took front bags off and lifted bike over barrier. Probably should have removed rear bags too but I am lazy and strong. Saw other local cyclists enjoying the use of the closed road too. Here’s an idea: if you want to go on a swamp tour (recommended) plan it on your last day while you are leaving New Orleans. There is a tour operator right beside the closed bridge (Cajun Encounters) and you can leave your bike there and see the bridge first hand then go on the swamp tour. If you are uncomfortable it is a good landmark for an Uber XL driver to drive you around the interstate bridge.

Offline norco98

Photo for previous post.