Current Jimmie Davis Bridge in Shreveport-Bossier Painted Blue

The huge tarp covering the Jimmie Davis Bridge has been removed and motorists can now see that the structure has been painted blue. The old bridge is being converted into a linear park at a cost of about $25 million dollars. Construction on the new 4-laned bridge continues 24/7.

But some people are questioning why was it painted blue? Back in 2014 the DOTD conducted a public online vote on what color the bridge should be and purple was the overwhelming winner, getting more than 30% of the vote. More than 7,000 people voted in that survey.

But now we know it will be blue. KEEL News asked DOTD Spokeswoman Erin Buchanan why was it changed to blue and who made that decision. She responded:

That "purple" vote was part of a canceled rehab project and had nothing to do with the current project. So, it wasn't a change. The blue was developed by the architect who is designing the linear park and approved by the state parks office and the Governor's office.

This painting is the first part of the effort to turning the bridge into what is described as a "vibrant pedestrian and bicyclist destination."

Louisiana DOTD

The tarp was put on the bridge several months ago so crews could do sandblasting and painting. This work will now move to the eastern section of the bridge.

DOTD Secretary Glenn Ledet tells KEEL News:

We are 2 years into construction on this project. Girder installation is being completed now. For the first time in 6 decades we’ve got a new fully connected structure across the Red River.

The linear park is expected to be open to motorists sometime in 2028. The new 4-landed Jimmie Davis Bridge is on track and should be ready for motorists in the third quarter of 2027.