Old Baker Zachary Road to Close for Comite River Diversion Project

Portion of road will permanently shut down starting March 2 as construction continues on flood control channel.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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A section of Old Baker Zachary Road in Zachary, Louisiana will permanently close on March 2 as work continues on the Comite River Diversion Channel project. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says the road will be shut down between Spur Lane and about 3,000 feet south of Kirkwood Lane.

Why it matters

The Comite River Diversion is a major flood control project designed to reduce rain and river flooding in the area by diverting water from the Comite River to the Mississippi River. The road closure is a necessary step to allow construction to progress on this important flood mitigation infrastructure.

The details

The Comite River Diversion Channel project is a 12-mile flood control channel that will connect the Comite River to the Mississippi River. Once completed, the project is expected to help prevent flooding in the region by diverting water before it reaches the Amite River.

  • Old Baker Zachary Road will permanently close on Monday, March 2, 2026.

The players

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' New Orleans District is overseeing the Comite River Diversion Channel project.

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What’s next

Construction on the Comite River Diversion Channel project is ongoing, with the road closure representing a necessary step to allow the work to continue.

The takeaway

This road closure is a temporary inconvenience for local residents, but it is a critical part of a larger flood control project that will provide long-term benefits to the community by reducing the risk of devastating floods.