Shreveport capital-improvement plan approved to support infrastructure — Spring 2025
• Between late 2024 and mid-2025, Shreveport laid critical groundwork for multi-year infrastructure modernization: voters endorsed a $256 million bond focused on roads, drainage, water/sewer, and public safety facilities, which now feeds into the city’s 2025–2029 Capital Improvements Program.
• Simultaneously, HUD-backed community planning via the Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan ensures federal investment complements local infrastructure upgrades, particularly in neighborhoods. These public investments not only elevate quality of life and equity but also provide the necessary groundwork for large-scale economic development and capital investment across the region.
• Shreveport’s 2025–2029 Five-Year Capital Improvements Program lists major projects — airport terminal modernization, security upgrades, roadway and utility projects — with committed funding lines and sequencing for municipal infrastructure through the period.
• The bond allocates funds across key infrastructure needs including $125 million for streets and drainage improvements and $82 million for water and sewer system upgrades. It also invests $49 million for police and fire facilities enhancements.
• The investment addresses chronic drainage and roadway issues, along with water and sewer improvements. It also provides police and fire facility upgrades to bolster emergency preparedness and service effectiveness.
• The bond funding is supplemented by federal HUD dollars, enabling revitalization projects in neighborhoods facing disinvestment and gives residents a voice in neighborhood-level infrastructure decision-making.
• The CIP reduces risk for private investors and developers as they can rely on predictable public infrastructure. It also supports attraction/expansion projects such as those at Ascentek, Amazon, SkyWest, and at the Port of Caddo-Bossier.
• Shreveport’s 2025–2029 Five-Year Capital Improvements Program lists major projects — airport terminal modernization, security upgrades, roadway and utility projects — with committed funding lines and sequencing for municipal infrastructure through the period.
• The bond allocates funds across key infrastructure needs including $125 million for streets and drainage improvements and $82 million for water and sewer system upgrades. It also invests $49 million for police and fire facilities enhancements.
• The investment addresses chronic drainage and roadway issues, along with water and sewer improvements. It also provides police and fire facility upgrades to bolster emergency preparedness and service effectiveness.
• The bond funding is supplemented by federal HUD dollars, enabling revitalization projects in neighborhoods facing disinvestment and gives residents a voice in neighborhood-level infrastructure decision-making.
• The CIP reduces risk for private investors and developers as they can rely on predictable public infrastructure. It also supports attraction/expansion projects such as those at Ascentek, Amazon, SkyWest, and at the Port of Caddo-Bossier.
I-20 Redevelopment nears end — August 2025
• Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development’s major rehabilitation of I-20 Bossier Parish is a full-depth reconstruction of the interstate travel lanes and a complete rebuild of the on/off ramps at multiple interchanges.
• The work removes existing pavement and base, replaces with new base and concrete, rebuilds five interchanges’ ramps, updates drainage, and realigns some approaches to modern standards.
• DOTD and local news outlets state the project is roughly 80% complete at press time and is on track for final completion in early 2026, weather and other limiting factors permitting.
• Multiple ramps and interchange elements have reopened and in mid-2025, DOTD announced eastbound & westbound ramp openings and traffic swaps so crews could move to the next interchange.
• By Aug 6, 2025, the project moved into final phase activities. Road crews are currently executing final paving, striping, and finishing work. Motorists should continue to expect short closures, ramp work, and traffic swaps until DOTD issues final completion notices
• The Bossier-City I-20 package is commonly reported in local and trade outlets in the $123M–$127M range for the “major rehabilitation” portion.
Jimmie Davis Bridge construction continues — September 2025
• Progress is being made on a $360–$362 million project upgrading the key river crossing between Shreveport and Bossier City that supports growth and connectivity while enhancing recreational options, riverfront appeal, and tourism.
• A new four-lane bridge is being constructed immediately north of the existing two-lane Jimmie Davis Bridge (LA 511), effectively doubling current traffic capacity and improving connectivity across the Red River between Shreveport and south Bossier City.
• Pre-construction and groundbreaking began in mid–2024, with preliminary site work, clearing, and trestle bridge initial construction. As of early 2025, the temporary trestle bridges are completed, enabling equipment staging for major builds.
• Ongoing work includes foundation pile-driving, extensive earthwork, and Louisiana Highway 511 (Jimmie Davis Highway) improvements. LA 511 is being widened and realigned on both river sides to meet the upgraded bridge. Improvements include raised medians, U-turn openings, drainage enhancements, new ramps, and better access for both cars and non-motorized users.
• Multiple sources report completion is anticipated in early to mid-2027, with some indicating that, weather permitting, it may extend to 2028.
• Designed to serve an estimated 30,000 vehicles per day, the new bridge will reduce congestion, especially during rush hours. Wider lanes and modern alignments improve safety and enhance first responder access and response times.
• The older bridge will be repurposed as a linear park for pedestrians and cyclists complete with lighting, seating, and landscaping, integrated into regional trail networks and managed by Louisiana state parks.
I-69 makes progress in NWLA with grant funding — October 2024
• In October 2024, $22.6 million in federal Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant funding was awarded to the Caddo-Bossier Port Commission to support the I-69 Connector project.
• This will link I-49 to the future I-69 corridor by upgrading and extending Stonewall-Frierson Road.
• The project is currently in the design phase, covering approximately a 10-mile stretch from the port to I-49. Certain components are expected to move into the construction phase by late 2025.
• Port Commission leadership emphasizes how this connection will “alleviate traffic on Louisiana Highway 1, 3132, Bert Kouns, and the Innerloop” while providing 18-wheelers a straight corridor to I-49.
• The total estimated budget for the project is around $81 million, drawing from state funding and local support, including contributions from Caddo, DeSoto, and Bossier parishes, Bossier City, the Port Commission, and the NLCOG.
• The connector is also seen as a tangible demonstration that Louisiana remains committed to being part of the I-69 national corridor, particularly amid progress in neighboring states.
Residential Subdivision Approval Moratorium in Bossier Parish — Early 2025
• Bossier Parish implemented a temporary pause and restructuring of approval procedures for large-scale residential subdivisions in early 2025. The move was aimed at managing rapid growth and aligning infrastructure development while excluding commercial and industrial projects.
• A moratorium helps ensure that roads, water, sewer, and community services are scaled appropriately with housing growth, which reduces long-term costs and congestion. Developers are impacted by delays, although maintaining community infrastructure can preserve property values and quality of life.
• Commercial and industrial projects remain on track, giving businesses confidence in infrastructure planning.