The $360 million project will provide a new four-lane bridge across the river in the communities of south Shreveport and Bossier City, doubling the current capacity as one of the metro area’s five integral river crossings.
“Infrastructure is a vital component to a healthy economy. Our roads, bridges, and transportation networks are what move our state’s people and commerce,” Landry said. “Strategic infrastructure investments — such as this new Jimmie Davis Bridge — are essential for our businesses to thrive in an increasingly global economy and for our residents to make safe and efficient commutes each and every day.”
Preliminary work such as the clearing and grubbing process along the river bank, as well as the beginning of roadway improvements on LA 511 began in late May 2024, but the ceremony was a celebration of a project that has been envisioned by local and state leaders for many years.
“The new Jimmie Davis Bridge is more than simply a bridge,” Donahue said. “This structure is truly a symbol of growth and development and is an incredibly substantial investment in our transportation system after years of dedication by numerous stakeholders to the project’s continued development.”
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As with many projects of such size and scope, the history of arriving at the construction phase often comes with several twists and turns along the way. The feasibility stage for a proposed new Jimmie Davis Bridge launched in 2008, later moving into the environmental phase that included several public outreach meetings to garner feedback from the community.
The environmental phase also included the evaluation of several various design alternatives before arriving at the current selection, which is a modernized four-lane structure with a concrete median divider. The interchange ramps that provide access to the bridge will also be rebuilt as part of this project.
In addition to the bridge, LA 511 on both sides of the river will be widened and reconstructed to accommodate the alignment of the new structure and to facilitate the anticipated increase in traffic volume as a result of the expanded capacity of the bridge.
The Jimmie Davis Bridge is among a growing number of design-build projects that DOTD is managing, which allows for an expedited timeline through the execution of design and construction simultaneously.
During construction, access will be maintained to all residential areas and businesses, though some traffic patterns may change while construction is underway. The new bridge is anticipated to be complete and open to traffic in early 2027.
