Joe Donahue, Secretary | Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development
Joe Donahue, Secretary | Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has announced that the construction of the new Jimmie Davis Bridge (LA 511) over the Red River in Bossier and Caddo Parishes is progressing as planned. The temporary trestle bridge, now complete, is being used for equipment placement essential to the ongoing construction.
The contractor is currently driving piles to form the foundation of the future bridge, which will connect south Bossier City and Shreveport. Alongside this, Jimmie Davis Hwy/E. 70th St. (LA 511) is undergoing widening and realignment on both sides of the river to integrate with the new four-lane bridge. This involves significant dirt work and drainage improvements from just west of Riverpark Church in Shreveport to Barksdale Blvd. in Bossier City.
Motorists should anticipate intermittent road closures on Clyde Fant Parkway in Shreveport and Arthur Ray Teague Parkway in Bossier City at the Jimmie Davis Bridge interchanges over the next six months. These closures are necessary for moving construction equipment across roads but will be brief, lasting no longer than about 15 minutes during non-peak travel times.
The new four-lane bridge will replace an existing two-lane structure, effectively doubling its capacity. The current bridge serves approximately 30,000 vehicles daily. Reconstruction of roadway approaches on LA 511 aims to improve traffic flow and safety along this busy corridor.
Completion of the new bridge is anticipated by early 2027, though progress may be affected by weather conditions or other factors impacting construction timelines.
For further details, residents can 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.
Safety reminders emphasize cautious driving through construction zones and maintaining a safe distance between vehicles. Additional travel information can be accessed via www.511la.org or by calling 1-888-ROAD-511 for out-of-state travelers.
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