UPDATE - TRAFFIC SWAP: LA 511 (Jimmie Davis Bridge) replacement project, Bossier Parish
Friday, December 5, 2025 at 3:31:39 PM
UPDATE - TRAFFIC SWAP: LA 511 (Jimmie Davis Bridge) replacement project, Bossier Parish
(UPDATE 12/5/2025): DOTD advises motorists that due to recent inclement weather, the below referenced traffic swap has been moved to begin on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. All other details related to the below announcement remain the same.
DOTD appreciates your patience and understanding.
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Original notification - 12/3/2025:
BOSSIER CITY – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announces that the ongoing $361 million LA 511 (Jimmie Davis Bridge) replacement project over the Red River in Bossier and Caddo Parishes is shifting into Phase 2 of construction.
Beginning on Friday, December 12, 2025, a traffic swap will occur on LA 511 (Jimmie Davis Hwy) on the Bossier City side of the river. Motorists will be transitioned over to the newly constructed lanes of pavement on the north side of the existing roadway.
Drivers will also begin to use the new J-turn that has been constructed near the CVS store. Eastbound motorists on Jimmie Davis Hwy wishing to turn left or turn back westbound will proceed east down to the J-turn opening and wait for a gap to merge back into the roadway.
To watch a helpful video about navigating J-turns, click here.
Additionally on Dec. 12th, the newly built ramp that intersects with the Arthur Ray Teague Parkway will be opened to traffic. This transition will allow bridge construction to continue to progress.
The design-builder is currently working on a number of major construction activities related to the new 4-lane bridge, including drilled shaft installation and forming the bridge bents (structural support for the bridge that assists with load transfer).
The entire project is anticipated to be complete in mid-late 2027, weather and other factors permitting.
PROJECT INFORMATION:
The purpose of this project, which kicked off construction in May 2024, is to construct a new modernized 4-lane bridge structure just north of the existing bridge. This will provide expanded traffic capacity and more efficient traffic flow crossing the Red River, connecting the growing communities of south Bossier City and Shreveport. LA 511 (Jimmie Davis Hwy/70th St.) is also being widening and realigned as it approaches the new bridge on both sides of the river. The current plan for the existing 2-lane bridge is to convert the structure into the state’s first linear park, with connectivity to the walking path networks on either side of the river.
To read much more about the project, as well as access detour maps and construction phasing information, visit the JDB project webpage here.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Erin Buchanan
DOTD Public Information Officer
Shreveport-Bossier District
(318) 549-8402
[email protected]
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