577 over I-20 in Madison Parish is closed

DOTD in Louisiana has closed the 577 overpass at I-20.

An over-height vehicle struck the overpass Thursday morning on I-20. The driver, 48-year-old Frederick Russell of Shreavport died as a result of the impact. The impact also caused damage to the bridge and inspectors time to assess the situation before deeming the roadway safe for travel.

577 closed in Louisiana

There is currently no estimated time frame for the bridge to reopen.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2018 Kenworth (dump truck), driven by Russell, was traveling east on Interstate 20. For reasons still under investigation, the Kenworth exited the roadway and struck the overpass.

Russell sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Madison Parish Coroner’s Office. A toxicology sample was obtained and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

Although the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, Troopers would like to remind the public that inattentive and distracted driving is dangerous and is a leading cause of crashes in our state. It is important for motorists to pay attention to what is going on outside of the vehicle they are driving and to get plenty of rest in order to remain alert.