Jimmie Davis Bridge project hits another milestone with girder installation
Friday, August 28, 2026 at 1:06:39 PM
Jimmie Davis Bridge project hits another milestone with girder installation
SHREVEPORT/BOSSIER CITY, La. – The new Jimmie Davis Bridge (LA 511) continues to take shape over the Red River in northwest Louisiana, with the structure now fully connected across the river now that girder installation is complete.
This marks another milestone for the $361 million project, which involves putting into place a significant piece of infrastructure to meet the needs of the growing southern Shreveport-Bossier City community.
The new 4-lane bridge is being constructed immediately north of the existing 2-lane structure, and will provide double the traffic capacity crossing the river, along with vastly improved traffic flow for both the eastbound and westbound approaches on LA 511.
Major construction activities continue on the bridge, including components related to the girders themselves, such as cross bracing and diaphragms that stabilize the girders and ensure spacing remains locked in place. Motorists should continue to use extreme caution through the construction zone.
Upcoming work involves another major milestone for the bridge, which is constructing the bridge deck – the driving surface of the structure. Extensive widening and reconstruction activities also continue for the LA 511 approaches to the bridge, along with the on and off-ramps that will provide enhanced connectivity.
The existing Jimmie Davis Bridge, built in 1968, is currently undergoing sandblasting and painting in preparation for its transformation into the state’s first linear park. The linear park will feature walking paths and bicycle lanes that connect to the existing trail system on either side of the river.
This investment in DOTD’s transportation infrastructure, one of the largest currently under construction across the state, is about more than moving vehicles from one place to another. This new bridge signifies connecting people to jobs, businesses to customers, and communities to more opportunity.
The overall project remains on track to be completed in mid-2027, weather and other factors permitting.
To access additional resources and information, be sure to visit the Jimmie Davis Bridge project webpage here. To gain a bird’s eye view of the ongoing construction, click here.
Safety reminder:
DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution through the construction site and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment. Remember to leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front of you.
Area residents should exercise caution when driving, walking, or biking near an active construction zone.
Additional information:
Call 511, visit www.511la.org, or download the Louisiana 511 mobile app for additional travel information. Out-of-state travelers may call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511). Motorists may also monitor the LA DOTD website at www.dotd.la.gov, by selecting MyDOTD, or by visiting the DOTD Facebook and X (Twitter) pages.
To track updates and developments related to the T4LA initiative aimed at enhancing the manner in which DOTD serves the state’s citizens, visit www.T4la.com.
Contact Information:
Erin Buchanan
DOTD Public Information Officer
Shreveport-Bossier District
(318) 549-8402
[email protected]
*image attached: Final girder being placed on new Jimmie Davis Bridge.
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