DOTD Announces Jimmie Davis Bridge Project Progression

The much discussed Jimmie Davis Bridge replacement project is moving forward successfully. Construction crews have made noticeable progress on the new bridge across Red River connecting South Shreveport to South Bossier, replacing the aging existing structure.

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The two roads connecting to the new bridge, The Jimmie Davis Hwy from the Bossier side, and E. 70th Street on the Shreveport side are being widened, and the contractor is driving pilings into the river bed that will form the base of the new bridge.

The DOTD also announced that drivers should start to expect road closures over the next 6 months as construction continues to progress.

Also, over the next six months, drivers are advised to expect intermittent road closures on the Clyde Fant Parkway in Shreveport and the Arthur Ray Teague Parkway in Bossier City, both closures located at the Jimmie Davis Bridge interchanges.

These closures are to allow for the movement of construction equipment across the roadway, and will take place in brief intervals lasting no longer than about 15 minutes during non-peak travel times. These operations should have minimal impact to traffic in the area.

Officials expect to be able to open the new 4-lane bridge to traffic in early 2027, depending on weather conditions as well as other factors affecting construction.  Once the new bridge is open, the current plan is still to rehabilitate and transform the existing bridge into a linear park.  It is expected to provide bicycle and pedestrian trails and crossings over the Red River, including a trail extension to Hamel Memorial Park.