Interstate 20 runs 1,500 miles through the southern United States between Louisiana and South Carolina. The route crosses Northern Louisiana, including Shreveport, the third most populated city in the state at approximately 180,000. In Shreveport and surrounding Bossier Parish, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LaDOTD) and JB James Construction are currently in the middle of a major rehabilitation project on I-20.
Built in the late 1960s, the 3.5-mile portion of the interstate has never undergone a major rehabilitation project. Over the 55-plus years that the route has been functioning, it has suffered severe wear and tear.
"The pavement on I-20 in this area had long passed its useful service life and was riddled with patches and rough areas," said Erin Buchanan, a Public Information Officer for LaDOTD.
I-20 had an average daily traffic (ADT) of 105,000 in 2021, and the number is expected to reach 147,000 in 2041. Much of the traffic is local, as Shreveport and Bossier City (population of over 62,000) are sister cities separated by the Red River. Buchanan said that the two cities are one large community, and many people live in Shreveport and work in Bossier City or vice versa.
The route also has a sizable amount of truck traffic, as 26 percent is commercial motor vehicles.
| Your local Wirtgen America dealer |
|---|
| Kirby Smith Machinery |
The poor condition of the aging roadway has resulted in a diminished travel experience, especially for large vehicles and RVs.
"Local drivers who were familiar with the roads' rough spots would slow down, which contributed to some slowing of traffic at times," Buchanan said. "It didn't, however, have a significant impact on traffic flow on a daily basis."
There are two components of the project. The major rehab is in Bossier City and nearly extends to the Red River. The four-lane highway will be entirely constructed with all existing pavement and roadway base removed and replaced with new base and concrete.
In addition to rehabbing the travel lanes, the on- and off-ramps at five interchanges are being completely removed down to the dirt and rebuilt in both directions.
| Your local Komatsu America Corp dealer |
|---|
| Power Equipment Co |
| Kirby Smith Machinery |
| WPI |
The second component of the project is in Shreveport. The team is performing an extensive full-depth concrete panel repair along I-20 from the Pines Road interchange to near the Red River in Shreveport. The panels that are being replaced are spread out over 8 miles.
"While this is not a full reconstruction," Buchanan said, "this portion of work still provides widespread improvements to the interstate corridor through Shreveport."
Buchanan explained why the two projects were combined. "The main rehab had been shelved for a while for a variety of reasons,” she said. “Once it got off the ground, we decided to do the project simultaneously since they are close by, rather than come back in a year or two and cause more disruption for commuters."
The two were also combined for scheduling purposes.
| Your local NPK Construction Equipment Inc dealer |
|---|
| WPI |
| Kirby Smith Machinery |
Changing traffic patterns can be challenging on a route with a substantial ADT. Therefore, the team carefully considered the Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) plan. They also consulted with local government officials.
The challenge related to MOT does not extend to the second project component. The work occurs exclusively at night, so it has little impact on the traveling public.
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) delayed the project while it studied the MOT. The team showed them how they planned to manage flow on secondary routes and local roads and considered multiple options.
One option considered and ultimately shelved was a full closure in one direction.
| Your local Leica Geosystems Inc dealer |
|---|
| Laser Specialist inc |
"Business owners in the area were concerned how this would impact them and the movement of goods," Buchanan said. Besides significant business activity in the area, there are also residential neighborhoods and schools.
Another wrinkle that added to the challenge is that some sections of this portion of I-20 are very narrow, with little to no shoulder. Limited shoulders also pose an obstacle for emergency response crews.
After much consideration and impact, the team settled on a plan (and gained approval from the FHWA) to close one lane in each direction of I-20. This plan reduces flow to only one lane in each direction.
The construction is being done in phases that reasonably allow the contractor to complete the anticipated work included in that phase and communicate the phases to the public.
| Your local LeeBoy dealer |
|---|
| Power Equipment Co |
| Kirby Smith Machinery |
A large community meeting was held before the start of the project in September 2023, along with local media outlets, to explain the construction phasing, approximate timelines, and how traffic flow would be managed during these portions of the project.
LaDOTD created a webpage dedicated to the project that features construction updates, detour maps, and other resources applicable to residents and out-of-town visitors.
"While the project is inconvenient for some commuters, we've received a positive response overall," Buchanan said. She attributes that to focusing on keeping communication at the forefront so the public knows what is happening.
When the project shifted from Phase 1 into Phase 2 in December 2023, another major challenge presented itself as the concrete barriers went into place, narrowing the lanes to about 10 feet wide. Numerous incidents occurred involving 18-wheelers that could not safely navigate the construction zone due to the lane widths, and a prohibition on commercial motor vehicles (CMV) was enacted and enforced based on a Louisiana statute.
| Your local Wirtgen America dealer |
|---|
| Power Equipment Co |
| Kirby Smith Machinery |
The prohibition will be reviewed for its continued necessity once the project has entirely shifted into Phase 3.
CMVs and general traffic can take a nearby alternative that goes around Shreveport — I-220. The alternative route is easily accessed on the eastern and western end of the project and can handle the increase in traffic.
JB James Construction, headquartered in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is the general contractor for this project and has worked with LaDOTD many times. Due to their experience, the company knows the foundations in the area and is familiar with how LaDOTD operates, leading to the department accepting their low bid.
The $123 million project is on budget. Buchanan attributes this to consistent communication, ongoing discussions, and being meticulous about what to spend money on. The primary funding source for the project is the federal government via the National Highway Performance Program, due to the project location being on an interstate. They are putting up 90 percent, while the state is paying 10 percent.
| Your local Wirtgen America dealer |
|---|
| Power Equipment Co |
| Kirby Smith Machinery |
The project began in September 2023. The winning bid gave the contractor 730 working days (78 days have since been adjusted and added to the schedule). The project is currently on schedule, and the anticipated completion date is late 2025/early 2026.
A primary key to ensuring the project remains on track is the frequent and consistent communication between LaDOTD and the contractor.
"We meet weekly for a status update, in addition to other communication that takes place between the weekly meetings," Buchanan said. "Issues and concerns are discussed in a timely manner and addressed as efficiently as possible to prevent running into lengthy delays that may impact the project timeline."
The team got off to an early start, and the project was ahead of schedule. However, weather issues caused them to lose some of the headway.
| Your local Yanmar dealer |
|---|
| WPI |
| CLM Equipment Co |
Once the project is complete, this section of I-20 will no longer be filled with bumps or potholes. The route will provide an enhanced travel experience for passenger vehicles and commercial motor vehicles. Another benefit is that investments in a significant transportation system like I-20 bring anticipated economic development opportunities. Companies are more likely to invest in areas where goods and personnel can be transported quickly and efficiently.
- Owner/Designer: Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development; Project Engineer, DeMarcion Evans
- General Contractor: JB James Construction, LLC, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Other Key Contractors: Progressive Construction, Boyce, Louisiana
