The $362 million Jimmie Davis Bridge project is moving forward as planned despite funding changes.
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development says a portion of the state general obligation bond funding to be used for the project was removed from House Bill 2 in the 2023 regular legislative session. They say the $136 million that was removed won’t be needed immediately but will be needed in the last few years of the five-year project.
“There are other funds available for this project that are in use now, meaning that there’s plenty of money to ensure the project continues to move forward. We’re not halting or delaying work on the project,” spokeswoman Erin Buchanan said.
Current funds are secured from the American Rescue Plan Act ($100 million), federal bridge dollars ($108 million) and state bonds ($18 million).
Design work on the project has already started.
“News over the years that it might happen and it kind of doesn’t for various reasons but, you know, at this point, here we are with a contractor and the project is starting. So it’s very exciting for the area,” Buchanan said.
LaDOTD says they plan on submitting a capital outlay request to restore the funding that was removed. This will be included in the budget for approval in the 2024 regular legislative session.
Plans are to build a new bridge that connects Shreveport and Bossier City. “You’ll see a new four-lane bridge that’s situated directly north of where the existing bridge is,” Buchanan said.
And the current bridge will be transformed into a linear park featuring a pedestrian path, bicycle access and park benches.
Construction on the current Jimmie Davis Bridge is expected to begin sometime next year. And the new bridge is projected to be finished by late 2028.
https://www.ksla.com/2023/06/13/dotd-says-funding-changes-wont-impact-jimmie-davis-bridge-project/