A train derailment in downtown Shreveport leaves I-20 off ramp closed Sunday

An off-ramp on I-20 is closed Sunday afternoon after a train derailment in downtown Shreveport.

According to Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), the I-20 westbound off-ramp to Spring Street is currently closed due to the train derailment located under the Spring/Market Street bridge.

The DOTD said the bridge is currently closed for inspectors to examine the structure to ensure it is safe for travel.

In 2020, a train derailment in downtown Shreveport caused some structural damage to the overpass requiring emergency repairs to be conducted.

Erin Buchanan, Public Information Officer for DOTD said, "following a previous train derailment in 2020, DOTD constructed a crash wall as part of the repairs to the Spring Street bridge in an effort to prevent damage during any future derailments. It appears at this time that the crash wall has functioned as designed and prevented the train from impacting and damaging the bridge itself."

The railroad company is currently on scene and are working to remove the train car. According to the DOTD, there is no timeline on when the train car will be removed.

More: Spring Street exit in downtown Shreveport closed after train derailment

Makenzie Boucher is a reporter with the Shreveport Times. Contact her at mboucher@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: A train derailment in downtown Shreveport leaves I-20 off ramp closed Sunday