Exciting Revitalization Plans Unveiled for Kings Highway in Shreveport!
SHREVEPORT, La. – The bustling streets of Kings Highway are on the brink of a transformation, thanks to the tireless efforts of the Kings Highway Coalition and local community members. On a bright Saturday, they proudly showcased the draft design for the first phase of the much-anticipated Kings Highway revitalization project. The plan, which is set to be presented to Shreveport city officials this December, has been crafted with plenty of input from the locals who know the area best.
Two Phases to a Better Kings Highway
Now, let’s delve into what this project is all about. The revitalization project will occur in two thoughtful phases. Phase one focuses on the stretch from Centenary Boulevard to Holly Street. This initial phase serves not only as a test run of the new ideas but also a way to gauge what works and what doesn’t before diving into the more extensive Phase two.
Building a Community-Friendly Space
Chris Lyon from ReForm Shreveport emphasized the importance of this undertaking, stating, “What we’re going to do is make these changes that the community has recommended and see if they work to, one, make pedestrians more safe. Two, they need to make businesses more successful, and three, they should help add to the overall sense of community.” It’s clear that boosting community spirit while prioritizing pedestrian safety is at the heart of this project.
Paving the Way for Pedestrians
One of the hot topics discussed during the unveiling was the collaboration with local residents on the design. The proposed changes aim to reconfigure the lanes with a keen focus on pedestrian safety, which includes creating better crosswalks and possibly reducing the number of travel lanes. But don’t worry about long traffic jams; the plan also suggests implementing occasional turning lanes to keep things smooth for drivers as well.
Prioritizing Safety with Student Traffic in Mind
With Centenary College experiencing a surge in enrollment, the timing of this project couldn’t be better. Lyon pointed out, “It’s just really important that we make those priorities for pedestrians so that the students, the residences, and the businesses all benefit.” As more students flock to the campus and the new sports complex activities ramp up, ensuring safe pathways for everyone is crucial.
A Call for Community Feedback
But wait, there’s more! The draft design isn’t set in stone yet. Lyon mentioned that community feedback is still welcome before the plans are officially presented next month. “There will be some things that maybe we dreamed up that are difficult to implement or that they need to do more research on,” he added, assuring residents that their voices are vital in shaping the project. Residents can expect to stay in the loop throughout this process, which shows just how committed the coalition is to making this a community-driven initiative.
Looking Ahead: Launching in 2025
Excitingly, Phase 1 of the Kings Highway revitalization is projected to kick off in the spring of 2025. So, mark your calendars and get ready for a new, improved Kings Highway that values safety, community spirit, and business success!
Stay tuned for more updates as this project unfolds and remember that your input matters. This is your chance to help shape the future of the Kings Highway into a space that reflects the wishes and needs of the Shreveport community!
