Pelican State News

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has announced that the temporary trestle bridge for the Jimmie Davis Bridge replacement project over the Red River in Bossier and Caddo Parishes is nearing completion. The department expects this phase to conclude by mid to late February.

This development marks a significant step forward in the $360 million project. The temporary structure will facilitate the movement of large equipment onto the water, enabling construction of the new Jimmie Davis Bridge adjacent to the existing one.

Primoris Heavy-Civil (James Construction Group), the design-build contractor, is actively working on several aspects of the project. These include drilled shafts, concrete pile delivery, drainage upgrades, and substantial earthwork on both sides of the river. These efforts are part of constructing new on and off-ramps and roadway approaches to the bridge. Drilled shafts serve as deep foundation elements supporting bridge columns.

Pile driving operations for the new bridge have commenced, marking another milestone as major construction begins. These operations are expected to expand in scope over the coming weeks at various locations.

The widening and realignment of LA 511 (Jimmie Davis Hwy) on either side of the current bridge continue. This work is necessary to align with the new four-lane bridge, which will be situated immediately north of the old structure.

The project's primary goal is to double vehicle capacity across the river, aiming to reduce congestion during peak travel times significantly. It also seeks to improve emergency response times and support economic development through efficient transportation.

The new bridge is projected to open by early 2027, contingent upon weather conditions and other factors.

For more information, visit the Jimmie Davis Bridge project webpage or contact Erin Buchanan, Public Information Officer for Shreveport-Bossier District at (318) 549-8402 or erin.buchanan@la.gov.