Abbeville bridge out causing traffic build up at intersections

The Abbeville Police Department is having to use extra patrolmen to help direct traffic at two intersections because of the downtown bridge being out.
Monday was the first day the bridge was out and Abbeville Police Chief Tony Hardy was ready for the heavy traffic flow.
Hardy had five patrolmen directing the heavy traffic in the morning and in the evening.
The patrolmen, who were off duty and are getting paid overtime, began watching traffic at 6:30 a.m. until after 8 a.m. and then they returned at 5 p.m.
The patrolmen are at the intersection of the Hwy. 167 and the La. 14 Bypass and State Street and the La. 14 Bypass.
Hardy said the reason for the patrolmen is to keep traffic flowing so it does not get backed up.
While the bridge is expected to be shut down for repair for a couple of weeks, Chief Hardy will continue to leave patrolmen at the intersections as long as they are needed.
Patrolmen were at the intersections at 4 p.m. on Tuesday.