DOTD announces project to remove pedestrian overpass on I-20 in Caddo Parish
Tuesday, April 16, 2019 at 4:11:35 PM

DOTD announces project to remove pedestrian overpass on I-20 in Caddo Parish


Shreveport – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announced today a project to remove the pedestrian overpass on I-20 in west Shreveport, Caddo Parish.

The $466,548 project went to bid in February and was awarded to C.E.C. Inc.

The overpass, built in 1970, is located approximately 0.5 miles west of the LA 526 (West Bert Kouns Industrial Loop) interchange.

Included in the project is clearing and grubbing, grading, removal of the steel girder bridge, and removal and replacement of the median cable barrier in the vicinity of the bridge.

In 2014, the pedestrian overpass suffered extensive damage when it was struck by a dump truck traveling westbound on I-20. The impact shifted the structure, caused severe damage to several steel components, bridge bearings, and the concrete deck. DOTD immediately closed the structure for inspection following the crash, and deemed it unsafe for pedestrian travel.



In September 2017, the Shreveport City Council passed a resolution supporting the proposed removal of the overpass, as pedestrian use following the necessary repairs was anticipated to be minimal to none.

The impact on the traveling public to perform costly repairs or construct a new overpass was also considered, and was deemed not to be in the best interest of motorists on I-20.

Two full nightly closures of I-20 will be required as work begins. This work is to install temporary barriers on the roadway shoulder and prep the bridge spans for removal. The scheduled closures are as follows:
  • Full westbound closure: Tuesday, April 23rd, 10 p.m. – 6 a.m. (Detour Exit 8)
  • Full eastbound closure: Wednesday, April 24th, 11 p.m. – 5 a.m. (Detour Exit 5)
Two more nightly interstate closures will be required for the actual removal of the bridge. Those closures are as follows:
  • Full westbound closure: Monday, April 29th, 10 p.m. – 6 a.m. (Detour Exit 8)
  • Full eastbound closure: Tuesday, April 30th, 11 p.m. – 5 a.m. (Detour Exit 5)
Drivers are encouraged to pay attention to advance warning signs as they approach the construction zone, slow down, and be aware of workers and their equipment.

All work will be performed weather permitting.

Contact information:

Erin Buchanan
Public Information Officer
Shreveport-Bossier District
(318) 549-8402
erin.buchanan@la.gov