Jimmie Davis Bridge project moving forward in Caddo & Bossier Parishes
Thursday, March 23, 2017 at 1:10:18 PM
The Louisiana Department of Transportation & Development (DOTD) would like to clarify details regarding the progress of the Jimmie Davis Bridge project that spans the Red River in Caddo and Bossier Parishes.
There is currently no ‘delay’ in moving forward with the process of constructing a new 4-lane bridge and converting the existing 2-lane bridge to a pedestrian cross-over. Because the scope of the project changed last year from an extensive rehabilitation to the construction of a new bridge, a supplement to the initial Environmental Assessment has to be conducted. This is a requirement in order to receive any federal funding. The supplemental EA is ongoing and should be complete in the next few months. This is a normal part of the process.
Simultaneously, concepts are being developed by the DOTD team in Baton Rouge that take into consideration how best to develop the existing Jimmie Davis Bridge into a pedestrian crossing that connects the Clyde Fant Parkway in Shreveport and the Arthur Ray Teague Parkway in Bossier City. Also as part of this process, the concept for the new 4-lane bridge is being developed, which will be constructed just north of the pedestrian bridge.
Those concepts will be on display at upcoming public meetings, during which residents will be given the opportunity to ask questions and give input. The dates and times for those meetings will be announced when they’re finalized.
Some recent media reports have included references to the possibility that a toll would be placed on the new bridge, however DOTD Secretary Dr. Shawn Wilson said, “No decision has been made on a toll and we’re a long time out from that. Considering our fiscal situation, it’s important that we remain open to discussing a variety of funding sources.”
“Tolling is not my first choice, nor would it be the only choice as a funding option for the Jimmie Davis Bridge,” Dr. Wilson said. “But I also have to take into consideration sustainability and the maintenance costs for the thousands of bridge structures we have in our state.”
DOTD understands the significance of this project to the residents in both Shreveport and Bossier City and is working diligently to ensure the project moves forward. We’ll continue to keep taxpayers informed of developments and will announce dates for the upcoming public meetings as soon as those are finalized.