The existing LA 511 (Jimmie Davis Bridge) over the Red River in Shreveport-Bossier City has serviced millions of vehicles since its construction in 1968, and now it’s taking the first step toward its new role as a vibrant pedestrian and bicyclist destination.
The community received an early glimpse today of its transformation into Louisiana’s first linear park with the unveiling of a newly painted section of the overhead truss of the historic structure.
The containment system was removed by construction crews on Tuesday, September 15th to reveal the blue painted portion that had previously been under cover for months while sandblasting and painting operations were underway.
These operations – which help prevent rusting and corrosion – will now move to the next section of the truss to continue the rehabilitation process, preparing the structure to become a cornerstone of recreation, scenic overlook, and pedestrian connectivity for both residents and visitors.
This rehabilitation work represents an opportunity for the bridge to serve the community in a different way after six decades, and is an adaptive reuse of infrastructure that enhances quality of life for the region as a whole.
Adjacent to the existing Jimmie Davis Bridge, major construction work continues on the new $361 million 4-lane bridge, which recently hit another of its own milestones with the completion of the girder installation, creating a fully connected structure across the river.
Substantial reconstruction of the LA 511 approaches in both Shreveport and Bossier City also continues to take shape, as the roadway is widening and realigned to accommodate the new river crossing.
Crews are currently working 24/7 on the project, one of the largest across the state, ensuring construction remains on schedule for a mid-2027 completion, weather and other factors permitting.