UPDATE - REOPENED: I-49 southbound north of MLK Drive, Caddo Parish
Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 8:49:03 AM
UPDATE - REOPENED: I-49 southbound north of MLK Drive, Caddo Parish
(UPDATE 7/22/2026): DOTD advises motorists that repairs are complete, and I-49 southbound near MLK Drive in Shreveport was reopened to traffic on July 21, 2026.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Original notification - 7/21/2026:
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development advises motorists that all lanes of I-49 southbound just north of the LA 3194 (MLK Drive) interchange in Shreveport, Caddo Parish are closed.
This emergency road closure is due to heat-related roadway buckling.
DOTD crews are currently on site conducting repairs to the roadway. We will advise when the southbound lanes have been reopened.
Periods of extreme heat can cause concrete pavement to expand, resulting in buckling at the roadway joints that can occur quickly and without warning. DOTD crews are prepared to address these ‘blow-ups’, as they’re commonly referred to.
To learn more about this type of heat-related roadway buckling, click here.
Restrictions/Permits: Total road closure at the specified location. Southbound traffic is being detoured off the interstate at LA 1 (N. Market St).
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]
|