The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) says they have closed the Highway 11 Bridge to vehicular traffic due to a mechanical malfunction of the draw bridge.

Spokeswoman Bambi Hall says, "Maintenance officials estimate the bridge will be out until the second week in July, or until an alternate route is available for marine traffic."

The DOTD is working with both the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers she says to work out a schedule to accommodate marine and vehicular traffic. At this time, the bridge is in the "up" position to allow marine traffic to pass.

Hall says the DOTD is fast-tracking an emergency repair project to get the draw bridge back into full operation as soon as possible.