LaDOTD announces start date for construction on I-20 rehab project

SHREVEPORT/BOSSIER CITY, La. (KSLA) — The Louisiana Department of Transportation & Development has announced the construction start date for the major I-20 rehabilitation project in Bossier and Caddo parishes.

Lane closures will be put into place in east- and westbound directions from near Hamilton Road to Industrial Drive in Bossier City beginning Monday, Sept. 18. The section will be fully reconstructed with a new base and concrete. This will replace the original pavement from the 1960s, when I-20 was constructed.

LaDOTD says this section of the interstate serves approximately 70,000 to 100,000 vehicles a day.

“This is not going to be just a little traffic jam. It’s going to have a major impact on our community, so our message to our citizens is make sure you get out your plan, get out your patience as we get ready for a complete slowdown as it relates to our community,” LaDOTD officials said.

“So, some of the things you want to be mindful of is alternative routes, alternative schedules, scheduling early and just know that we’re going to be in this situation for a while.”

This portion of the $117.6 million project is divided into three phases:

PHASE 1

• Right lane closed in both directions to allow for construction of temporary diversion pavement on outside shoulder in order to handle traffic load
• Timeline: approximately 2 months

PHASE 2:

• Left lane closed in both directions to allow for construction of new inside lane & shoulder
• Timeline: approximately 10 months

PHASE 3:

• 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
• Timeline: approximately one year

Pavement repairs will also take place from Pines Road to Market Street on the west end of Shreveport, and from Industrial Drive to I-220 on the east end of Bossier City.

LaDOTD says the work will primarily take place at night to minimize travel inconveniences, along with long-term rehab work lane closures.

“An innovative traffic management system is being implemented for this project that will inform motorists in real time of changing conditions ahead, such as slowing/stopped traffic or an alert to use an alternate route through the use of digital message signs. All through traffic on I-20 is asked to utilize I-220 as an alternate route to avoid delays in the construction zone.”

The project is expected to be completed in late 2025.

STAY UP-TO-DATE WITH THE LATEST NEWS>>>

Copyright 2023 KSLA. All rights reserved.