SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) - The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LaDOTD) says work on the new Jimmie Davis Bridge is progressing well.
On Thursday (March 13), LaDOTD reported the temporary trestle bridge is now done and being used so equipment can be placed for construction. LaDOTD said the contractor is driving pile on the new structure, which will become the foundations for the new bridge that will connect Shreveport and south Bossier City via the Red River.
And so, you know, once you get all of that phase of work done, you know you move onto the next component of the structure; and it really starts to take shape at that point,” LaDOTD spokeswoman Erin Buchanan said.
In addition to the new bridge, Louisiana Highway 511 (Jimmie Davis Bridge Highway/East 70th Street) is also being widened and realigned on both sides of the river so the road will properly connect with the new, wider bridge.
“Right now, it lines up to a two-lane bridge in one location,” Buchanan explained. “So were building a four-lane bridge next to that existing bridge, so the roadway itself has to essentially move over.”
This involves “extensive” dirtwork and drainage improvements, LaDOTD said. This is happening from just west of Riverpark Church in Shreveport to Barksdale Boulevard in Bossier City.
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Over the next six months, drivers should expect intermittent road closures on Clyde Fant Memorial Parkway in Shreveport and Arthur Ray Teague Parkway in Bossier City. These closures will allow for construction equipment to be moved across the road. LaDOTD said these closures will be done in 15-minute intervals during non-peak driving times and should have a fairly minimal impact on traffic flow.
One local commuter who drives over the bridge every day said that construction has been going smoothly and that he hasn’t been delayed once.
“Well, I’ve been around here for a long time and I can’t really tell a big difference,” Larry Breedlove said. “They’ve done a great job over here as far as I’m concerned; I expected to be a lot of confusion, but I haven’t been delayed.”
A nearby business owner said they’ve seen an influx of people eating at their place and getting drinks; they attribute this boost in business to the construction workers at the site.
The new four-lane bridge will replace the old two-lane one, doubling the bridge’s capacity, which currently serves around 30,000 cars per day. The road approaches on LA 511 will also be rebuilt to improve traffic flow and safety along the corridor, particularly on the Bossier City side.
The new bridge is expected to open in early 2027, with progress dependent on weather and other factors affecting construction.
Click here to learn more about the project.
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