The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announced back in May a project to provide major repairs to a heavily traveled section of I-20 in Bossier City. Wednesday, September 6 DOTD provided a start date of Monday, September 18. 

The long-awaited project includes a full reconstruction of all lanes of I-20 from just west of LA 3/Benton Road near Hamilton Road to LA 782-2/Industrial Drive. The pavement will be removed down to the roadway sub-base and replaced along this 3.5 mile section of interstate, which services between 62,000 – 86,000 vehicles per day.

“This is a significant project, not just for Shreveport-Bossier, but for the northwest region as a whole,” said DOTD Secretary Eric Kalivoda. “A critical investment like this in our interstate system translates to our continued ability to move goods and services efficiently, as well as to provide the travel experience residents and visitors expect.”

This reconstruction will be performed in phases, and also includes all on and off-ramps of the five interchanges between Benton Road and Industrial Drive in Bossier City.

PHASE 1 will include the right lane closed in both directions to allow for construction of temporary diversion pavement on outside shoulder in order to handle traffic load taking approximately 2 months

PHASE 2 lasting approximately 10 months, has the left lane closed in both directions to allow for construction of new inside lane & shoulder.

PHASE 3 includes the right lane closed in both directions to allow for construction of new outside lane & shoulder. This phase also includes rehabilitation of all on/off-ramps at the Barksdale Boulevard, Old Minden Road, Airline Drive, and Industrial Drive interchanges. This phase is expected to at least one year to complete.

“An innovative queue detection system will be implemented for this project, which will provide real-time advanced warning to motorists that they are approaching construction area congestion and should be prepared to slow down or choose to detour. This type of system is effective in improving safety during construction projects – particularly on an interstate – and for helping to mitigate traffic congestion approaching the work zone.”

The project should be completed in late 2025, with progress dependent on weather conditions and other factors that can impact construction timelines.

DOTD suggests that travelers plan ahead, utilize alternate routes such as I-220, and use travel apps like Louisiana 511 or www.511la.org, Google Maps, or Waze for updated travel conditions.

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