Start of Jimmie Davis Bridge project brings some short-term lane closures
SHREVEPORT/BOSSIER CITY, La. — Early steps now are being taken for Shreveport/Bossier City to see a new Jimmie Davis Bridge. This week’s progress is coming in the form of lane closures.
Short-term Lane Closures
On Monday (May 6), officials closed the southbound lane of Arthur Ray Teague Parkway between Kabota Way and the Jimmie Davis Bridge. On Tuesday (May 7), a similar closure is planned for the northbound lane of Clyde Fant Memorial Parkway at Jimmie Davis in Shreveport.
These closures are to allow for the assembly and mobilization of cranes to be used in the project.
“It’s something that we’ve been anticipating for a decade or more now,” said Trey McGee, who owns Henson’s Carpet One.
People in Northwest Louisiana say that they’re ready for a new Jimmie Davis Bridge and that lane closures this week are getting the ball rolling.
Anticipation for Future Benefits
“The short little lane closures we have in place on the two parkways are just over the next few weeks in order to allow us to assemble and move the cranes into place,” said Erin Buchanan, area spokeswoman for the Louisiana Department of Transportation & Development (LaDOTD).
“So that’s going to be a short-lived type of traffic impact. The longer one will be once we actually start roadway construction on Jimmie Davis Highway.”
McGee said his business has been operating out of its south Bossier location near the bridge for roughly 40 years.
“Having it here, we’re excited about it. It’s going to be a necessary inconvenience for a little while,” he said. “But, again, long-term, we plan on being here a long time. So we’re excited to see the future benefits that it’ll bring.”
Construction and Traffic Impact
LaDOTD says you can expect construction to start on Jimmie Davis Highway in a few weeks.
“Of course, construction brings with it inconveniences,” Buchanan said. “It can bring some delays and some frustrations as work continues.
“But really, we just ask everybody to keep in mind the end result, which is going to be a fantastic new bridge for the community.”
LaDOTD does not expect the lane closures this week to cause significant traffic delays. They do want drivers to slow down and be aware of the work zones.
Most Read
- Magnolia ER doctor allegedly rapes patient at hospital; arrest made
- La. rapper stops by Shreveport church after invite from member
- Suspect wanted in hit-and-run that killed motorcyclist; suspect vehicle found
- Louisiana participating in ‘SUN Bucks’ Summer EBT Program
- 2 people stabbed in parking garage in downtown Shreveport
Latest News
- FIRST ALERT TRAFFIC: Road closures/lane shifts in the ArkLaTex
- First phase of Jimmie Davis Bridge project set to begin in May
- Jimmie Davis Bridge work to impact travel on Shreveport, Bossier City parkways
- Startup of work on Jimmie Davis Bridge means lane closures this week
News Weather Sports Contact Us
KSLA
1812 Fairfield Ave.
Shreveport, LA 71101
(318) 222-1212
Terms of Service Privacy Policy Public Inspection File FCC Applications EEO Statement Closed Captioning/Audio Description KSLA Careers Advertising Digital Marketing Submit a Complaint
At Gray, our journalists report, write, edit and produce the news content that informs the communities we serve. Click here to learn more about our approach to artificial intelligence.
A Gray Media Group, Inc. Station – © 2002-2024 Gray Television, Inc.