DOTD Secretary Ledet Outlines Priorities for I-49, Jimmy Davis Bridge, and I-20

Newly appointed Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) Secretary Glenn Ledet told KEEL News on Friday that his department is undergoing a transformation aimed at improving project delivery, boosting economic development, and modernizing standards.

Ledet highlighted several high-profile projects impacting Shreveport and Bossier City, including the I-49 Inner City Connector, the new Jimmy Davis Bridge, and the I-20 rehabilitation effort.

I-49 Shreveport Inner City Connector

Ledet confirmed that the long-discussed I-49 Inner City Connector project is back on track. The focus now is completing the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which will be followed by a public meeting showcasing final alternatives. He said the department’s goal is to deliver a record of decision by the end of 2026.

“Once that milestone is reached, we’ll be in a stronger position to seek federal funding, especially with House Speaker Mike Johnson supporting the project,” Ledet noted.

Jimmy Davis Bridge Progress

Work continues on the $361 million, four-lane Jimmy Davis Bridge project connecting south Shreveport to Bossier. Ledet reported that construction is nearly 40 percent complete, with visible progress on the foundation and roadway connections.
“We’re on schedule to open the bridge in mid to late 2027,” he said.

Ledet acknowledged traffic challenges during construction but asked residents for patience. As for the old bridge, Ledet said DOTD is reviewing plans to turn it into a $25 million linear park. He stressed that, because the bridge is historic and tied to the project’s environmental approval, its future will be carefully considered with state partners.

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I-20 Bossier Rehabilitation Nearing Completion

The $128 million overhaul of I-20 through Bossier City is nearly finished, with 94 percent of the project complete. Several key ramps are expected to reopen between October and November, and final completion could come between December and February. “We’re excited to have that ribbon-cutting soon,” Ledet said.

Improving Standards and Clean-Up Efforts

When asked about roadway durability, Ledet defended Louisiana’s design standards but acknowledged challenging soil and environmental conditions in parts of the state. He said ongoing reforms are benchmarking DOTD against the nation’s best.
He also addressed widespread complaints about trash along highways.

“Beautification is a priority,” Ledet said, citing new partnerships with Shreveport and Bossier for litter pickup. DOTD is also exploring privatized clean-up efforts to expand coverage despite limited funding.