Construction of multi-million dollar LSUS bridge is underway

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – Legislators and LSUS officials broke ground for a bridge project they hope will connect students with their local university.

What was once a battle of crossing a busy road and facing a bold left turn, is now set to be as simple as up and over.

Construction will start on the bridge that will link Ring Road on campus to LSUS’s only residential living option.

The objective is to create a drivable and walkable bridge that would connect Pilots Pointe Apartments to the rest of the campus, crossing a large drainage ditch that runs under Youree Drive.

The same apartment complex that has received major renovations since LSUS assumed control over the property in 2020.

Student government president Devesh Sarda said breaking ground on a new drivable bridge from student apartments to the heart of campus signaled a shift for the university.

“We will have a safe and convenient way to get to class.”

The same sentiments are shared by the university’s chancellor.

“This is a major safety upgrade for us, allowing students to safely transit from their apartments to campus without having to go on Youree Drive,” said LSUS Chancellor Dr. Robert Smith. “We’re particularly pleased that it’s happening now at a time when face-to-face enrollment is increasing rapidly.

Funding comes primarily from state legislative money, with Smith thanking legislators who contributed to covering a $1.7 million shortfall in the project.

“…But I want to thank our legislators who worked so hard to get the funding to close the gap. Every elected official works hard for their districts, but our legislative team cares deeply about this part of northwest Louisiana that we call home.”

Regarding the work being done, he says the efforts are part of a larger picture.

“We’re changing the face of higher education in northwest Louisiana,” Smith said. “We graduate more students than any other university outside of LSU Baton Rouge.

Louisiana state senator Thomas Pressly said this project reflects LSUS’s growth and importance in the region.

“It’s easy to fight for LSU Shreveport because of the work that Chancellor [Smith] is doing and the hard work that each and every one of the faculty and staff do to continue to put forth a vision to make LSU Shreveport an incredible place,” Pressly said.

The project is expected to be completed before the Fall 2026 semester.