(The Center Square) — A $127 million road project in Caddo and Bossier parishes reached its final phase this week, according to reports from the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development.
The major reconstruction of Interstate 20 began in September 2023, after being awarded to JB James Construction, LLC, with an anticipated completion date of the end of this year or early next year.
As of this week, construction for both eastbound and westbound travel is at Phase 3 with 84% of work completed.
According to the DOTD, the final phase will take nearly one year and consists of a right lane closure moving in both directions. The closure allows for new outside lane and shoulder construction to take place along with interchange reconstruction.
However, the DOTD says no consecutive interchanges will close simultaneously on the project.
Other updates locally include the opening of the Industrial Drive interchange, along with the associated ramps. The Old Minden Road interchange is open with all ramps. While these two are open, the Airline Drive interchange is closed and should last around five months.
The Barksdale Boulevard interchange is also closed, with a four- to five-month reconstruction timeframe.
This stretch of highway services anywhere from 70,000 to 100,000 vehicles per day according to the DOTD.
The pavement has not been replaced since construction in the 1960s.
Bids were announced by DOTD for statewide projects earlier this month, and the completion of the Caddo Parish project on state Route 1, which costs $3.8 million. The project repaired a three-mile stretch of road in Shreveport.
Other projects happening in the area include the ongoing $361 million Jimmie Davis Bridge reconstruction on the Red River.
The DOTD released a statement advising travelers to be cautious this upcoming weekend while the bridge is reduced to one lane to allow for routine inspection.
