LA 3125 turned into an unexpected hazmat zone on Tuesday when a truck started leaking an unknown chemical near the Veterans Memorial Bridge, forcing emergency crews to shut the highway down and reroute traffic.
Hazmat teams moved in quickly, and neighbors were urged to steer clear of the area while specialists worked to contain the leak and figure out exactly what they were dealing with. Drivers trying to get across the river were told to use Highway 44 as a detour.
What officials say
The St. James Parish Emergency Operations Center reported that it was handling a hazardous materials incident on LA 3125 near the Veterans Memorial Bridge after a truck leaked an unidentified substance. Officials said the material is under investigation and that there are no anticipated impacts to the public at this time.
Both lanes of LA 3125 were shut down between Highway 3213 and the bridge, and drivers were directed to use Highway 44 as an alternate route, according to WDSU.
Local context
St. James Parish does not take hazmat calls lightly, and there is a recent history behind that caution. In 2022, a train derailment in the parish released hydrochloric acid and triggered evacuations while crews checked homes and tested air quality before residents were allowed back. That incident is a big part of why even a truck leak of an unknown substance draws a full hazmat response, as reported by FOX 8.
What to watch
Hazmat crews remained on scene while authorities worked to identify the material and clear the roadway. Residents and commuters are being urged to follow official parish updates and local reporting for word on reopening times and any safety guidance, according to St. James Parish.
