(The Center Square) — A controversial $110 million Red River Express road project took a step forward on Wednesday in Shreveport despite heavy opposition from residents.
The city council passed a resolution that authorizes the mayor to execute a “right of way servitude,” enabling Red River Express, LLC of Alabama to investigate, survey and construct an 8-mile stretch of new road that would connect drivers from southeast Caddo Parish to south Bossier Parish. It’s not the final vote on the project.
Privately financed and owned by Red River Express President Tim James, the road is estimated to open by 2028, according to the project’s website. Drivers would need to pay a toll to cross its bridge over the Red River, but the rest of the road won’t be tolled, the website says.
An amendment to the council’s measure requires another vote before the project can move forward.
“The reason for the amendment is I wanted to make sure, and there were some things that weren’t clear about this particular resolution, and I wanted to make sure that this is not the final vote,” said Councilman Grayson Boucher. “I want to make sure that we go through the process.”
Residents living near the proposed roadway filled the public comment portion of the council meeting, citing concerns over the size of the road, noise and potential dangers. Several said the road would be four lanes; however, according to project plans the expressway has two lanes.
Despite reassurances from Boucher that citizens’ requests are being heard and changes are being made, some still aren’t on board.
Shreveport resident Dave Hackney, who attended and spoke at the meeting, told The Center Square “the project timelines and cost estimates for the Red River Expressway are not realistic. The structure of the deal being crafted by the Northwest Louisiana Finance Authority raises lots of questions.”
“This project prioritizes corporate enrichment over the well-being of your constituents and your voters,” said Jonathan Graham, who lives in the area with his family.
Construction of the project cleared the Caddo Parish Commission and the Bossier Parish police jury in 2022. It requires approval from the Shreveport City Council because the city owns a portion of the area it would be located in.
The company building the roadway now plans to negotiate with landowners, speak with homeowners associations and obtain an appraisal. James said they are in the permitting process, with construction anticipated to begin next summer if the city council approves.
