DOTD announces $39M investment in LA 544 overpass replacement project in Ruston
Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 12:10:48 PM
DOTD announces $39M investment in LA 544 overpass replacement project in Ruston
LINCOLN PARISH – Today, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development Secretary Glenn Ledet, Jr., along with state and local officials, turned ceremonial dirt to mark the official kick-off of construction on the $39.2 million project to replace the LA 544 (Tech Drive) overpass over I-20 in the City of Ruston, Lincoln Parish.
Preliminary work has already begun, which includes clearing & grubbing to clear the project site of vegetation and prepare for construction, as well as utility relocations. Utility relocation operations are conducted by the company that owns each utility located within the construction zone.
“This project is a prime example of smart, strategic stewardship of taxpayer dollars, replacing an aging structure built in the 1960s with a modern bridge designed to meet today’s safety standards and tomorrow’s transportation demands,” said Secretary Ledet. “This is much more than a bridge replacement – this is a corridor transformation that serves the continuously growing City of Ruston, LA Tech University, and surrounding areas.”
Once the preliminary work is finished, construction on the new LA 544 overpass will begin. The existing structure – built in 1963 – will be kept in place and open to traffic while construction on the new bridge takes place.
In addition to the new modernized bridge, the contractor – JB James Construction, LLC – will be building a new MSE (mechanically stabilized earth) wall that is used as a retaining structure to prevent erosion and support heavy loads as vehicles cross the bridge.
“We in the legislature are excited for this announcement and groundbreaking for this critically important infrastructure project,” stated Senator Jay Morris (R-35). “Completion of this project will help assure that Lincoln Parish, Ruston, and Louisiana Tech University will continue their remarkable growth and modernization, which will improve the lives of the entire region. With great partners at DOTD, the City of Ruston, and the Lincoln Parish Police Jury, I see a bright future for Lincoln Parish and beyond.”
“I am super excited about this groundbreaking,” added State Representative Chris Turner (R-12). “This is a much-needed bridge improvement that will serve this growing community for years to come.”
Other work on the project includes new three new concrete roundabouts (two north of I-20 & one south) to replace signalized intersections, concrete paving for the roadway tie-ins, street lighting, and permanent roadway striping and signage.
Some operations will take place adjacent to and over the interstate, such as the construction of the MSE walls, drilled shaft foundations, bridge girders, bridge deck, and pier protection/guardrail. This work will necessitate alternating lane closures on I-20 to ensure the safety of both workers and the traveling public.
“We are excited about the construction of a new Hwy 544 bridge, better known as the Tech Drive Bridge. In our city, this is one of the three oldest bridges on the I-20 corridor, built in 1963, and it serves as the gateway to Louisiana Tech University and out great city,” said Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker. “We appreciate DOTD Secretary Glenn Ledet and his work in helping to make this project a reality.”
This type of investment in the state’s transportation system serves to enhance quality of life for travelers and support continued economic growth for the region. Projects like this are also driven forward by DOTD’s continued transformation initiative – T4LA.
Through T4LA, DOTD is emphasizing on-time delivery, clear accountability, and data-driven decision making, along with strong partnerships that are crucial to providing the types of successful construction projects that our communities expect and deserve.
The entire LA 544 overpass project is anticipated to wrap up in late 2029, weather and other factors permitting. Click here to visit the project webpage for updates as construction progresses.
The LA 544 overpass services approximately 18,000 vehicles on average per day, providing the primary access to Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, as well as numerous commercial and residential areas.
I-20 in the vicinity of the overpass sees about 54,000 vehicles per day on average.
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.
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