Shreveport’s I-20 Rehabilitation Project: Coming Soon to a Highway Near You!
Shreveport, Louisiana, is buzzing with excitement as the major rehabilitation project on I-20 is gearing up to enter the early stages of its third phase. This is a significant milestone for local residents, commuters, and the dedicated crews that have put their heart and soul into this extensive project. As Erin Buchanan from LaDOTD aptly put it, “It’s really kind of a historic moment for motorists, people who live here, for those who built the intersection originally, and those who are now working on rehabbing it.”
What’s Happening Next?
Mark your calendars! On the night of Sunday, October 13, I-20 westbound will see a closure from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. This closure will take place near the Old Minden Road westbound on-ramp, and commuters are advised to plan accordingly. During this time, traffic will be diverted onto I-220 at Exit 26. So, if you’re out and about in the area, it’s best to find alternative routes or adjust your travel times to avoid the disruption.
Ramp Reopenings!
For those who take the Old Minden Road interchange often, there’s good news! On Monday, three of the four currently closed ramps at this interchange are expected to be completed and reopened. This is certainly a relief for daily travelers who rely on these routes for their commutes. It’s always nice to have a little more accessibility, isn’t it?
What’s Coming Up?
Looking ahead, be prepared for a big change! Beginning on October 27, the project will shift gears into the initial stages of Phase 3. This will involve a traffic shift for I-20 eastbound as vehicles will start to use the newly paved travel lanes. This change starts at 8:00 p.m. at Industrial Drive and works back towards Airline Drive. Expect nightly lane closures from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. that will continue for about five nights. This is all part of the comprehensive effort to improve our roads for everyone’s benefit!
What to Expect on the Roads?
So, what does this mean for you, the driver? As of October 27, traffic that has been flowing in the outside lane (the right lane) will transition to the inside left lane—where the shiny new concrete has been laid down. Buchanan emphasizes the importance of this shift, as it aims to enhance safety and efficiency on our roadways. “So, traffic that has been flowing on the outside lane, the right lane will be shifted to the inside left lane, and that’s where the new concrete is of course,” she explained.
Keep an Eye on the Future!
As excited as we are about all of these changes, it’s important to note that the entire I-20 rehabilitation project is expected to wrap up by late 2025. That’s a little while longer, but the end result will be a significantly upgraded highway that promises to make travel easier and safer for everyone.
So, if you’re driving along I-20 in the coming weeks, remember to stay alert and be prepared for changes in traffic patterns. Let’s help each other navigate this transition smoothly, and hopefully, we’ll soon be cruising on a brand new road that has been built with care.
For more information about this exciting project and to stay updated on the latest happenings, make sure to keep an eye out for additional resources and announcements as they become available.
