Bossier City Residents Get a Look at Exciting Changes on I-20
Bossier City is buzzing with excitement these days as work continues on a major upgrade to Interstate 20! If you’ve been driving through the area recently, you might have noticed some changes happening along the highway, and it’s all part of a larger project to make travel safer and smoother for everyone.
A Year in the Making
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) has reached an important milestone, marking one year of construction aimed at fully rehabilitating a crucial stretch of I-20 through our city. This impressive $121.7 million project is expected to be completed by late 2025, assuming the weather plays nice!
The journey began on September 18, 2023, when lane closures were put into effect to kick off the work. Since then, a lot has changed! The contractor, JB James Construction, jumped right in, removing old travel lanes starting from near Hamilton Road all the way to Industrial Drive. If you can believe it, they’ve completely taken out all the previous lanes and are now laying down a fresh roadway base and concrete. This is the first time significant improvements have been made to this area since I-20 was initially constructed back in the late 1960s!
What’s Happening Now?
Currently, two interchanges are under construction. If you’re traveling in the area, you’ll notice the on- and off-ramps at Old Minden Road (LA 72) and Industrial Drive (LA 782-2) have been removed to allow for a full rebuild. But don’t worry, progress is being made! New paving has already gone down on the Old Minden Road ramps, and they are expected to reopen by mid-October 2024. Similarly, the Industrial Drive interchange is in the works and should feature brand new concrete ramps, set to reopen by late October 2024 – again, all weather permitting!
Keeping Travelers in Mind
During this renovation, it’s worth noting that the section of I-20 in Bossier City from Hamilton Road to Industrial Drive is currently closed to commercial motor vehicles. This is due to narrow lane widths that could make travel tricky for larger vehicles. So, for those big rigs and 18-wheelers, using the I-220 detour is the way to go! It’s always best to keep everyone safe on the road.
What About Shreveport?
In nearby Shreveport, there’s also some nighttime work happening to ensure smoother travels. Crews are busy repairing concrete panels near the Pines Road and Monkhouse Drive interchanges. While it might seem like it’s outside the main reconstruction zone, these improvements contribute significantly to the overall travel experience in the region.
Stay Informed
If you’re eager to track the progress of this project or get more information, the DOTD has created a dedicated webpage just for this purpose! It’s always good to stay updated, especially if your daily commutes take you through these busy areas.
As the work continues, we can look forward to a smoother, safer, and more efficient travel experience along I-20. And remember, while you’re out and about, let your friends and family know how these improvements will enhance our community. Safe travels, Bossier City!
