Louisiana Department of Land Development Announces Lane Closures for Jimmie Davis Bridge Project

What’s happening with the Jimmie Davis Bridge project?

The $360 million project will replace, repair and reconfigure the historic Jimmie Davis Bridge that connects Caddo and Bossier parishes. The Jimmie Davis Bridge, built in 1968, carries 25,500 vehicles per day.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development provided an update July 10 on the project, which began in May.

Intermittent lane closures will take place July 16 on East 70th Street from Bert Kouns to the Jimmie Davis Bridge, according to DOTD.

The closures are necessary so DOTD can repaint the eastbound lanes in preparation for construction of the new bridge.

Closures will begin around 9 a.m. and continue until 6 p.m.

This closure is part of Phase 1 — this project is divided into five phases.

Phase 1 began in May and is expected to last approximately six months. The new bridge is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.

The new bridge will have four lanes and include a raised median with three U-turn openings. According to the DOTD, this configuration will improve traffic flow and reduce congestion.

Once the new bridge is completed, the 1968 bridge will be transformed into a pedestrian bridge.

“This will be something very unique for north Louisiana,” DOTD public information officer Erin Buchanan said previously.

More: Here’s what you need to know about the Jimmie Davis Bridge. Construction is scheduled for mid-May

Makenzie Boucher is a reporter for the Shreveport Times. Contact her at [email protected].