Progress on new four-lane Jimmie Davis Bridge in Shreveport-Bossier

SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – According to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, the construction project for the new four lane Jimmie Davis Bridge is progressing with the temporary trestle bridge now complete and being utilized for the placement of equipment for construction purposes.

“The contractor has started driving pile, which are the foundations of the future bridge, and so next we start the components after that once all the bridge pilings are driven into the river,” said Erin Buchanan, public information officer for Louisiana DOTD.

Buchanan says building over the Red River can be a challenge as the level fluctuates and impacts safety when working on the water.

In addition to the bridge, she also discussed the roadway leading to the bridge, which is Highway 511.

“LA 511 on both sides of the river is being widened and realigned to approach the future four-lane bridge as well so a lot of moving parts with the project, a lot of drainage work, pipe installation, you know major bridge construction so it’s a very active construction area,” said Buchanan.

Louisiana DOTD says the project has been in the making for 15-20 years, and it will be providing a need that the community has been asking for.

“I think it’s a good innovation that our community is having. I think that for a long time now, they’ve been talking about doing the bridge and actually driving by through here every day, seeing all of the construction that’s going on, it’s definitely going to make a great impact as far as people’s drive to and from work, going home, going to see family,” said Shreveport resident and Owner of College Guys 4 Hire, Ryan Coolier.

The project is projected to be completed in early 2027.

“With a modernized structure you’ll have the wide shoulders, you’ll have those lane widths that give plenty of room for responders to access and for you to feel comfortable driving over a new structure,” said Buchanan.