News Summary
Shreveport is set to improve Ford Street with repaving efforts now possible following successful relocation of utilities. While state maintenance awaits legislative approval, the city has allocated significant funding for this long-overdue infrastructure project aimed at enhancing safety in the Allendale area.
Shreveport has taken significant steps towards the long-awaited repaving of Ford Street, with the completion of utility relocation paving the way for state maintenance on this deteriorating roadway. Shreveport’s infrastructure improvements mark a critical advancement in providing safe and reliable transportation for residents in the Allendale area.
The state Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) is prepared to commence repaving Ford Street following successful utility relocations, which included moving essential water, sewer, and gas lines. However, work will not begin until at least 2026 as it awaits approval for transportation department projects from the state legislature.
Initially, DOTD launched a project to repair Ford Street last year, delegating preliminary tasks to the city. As part of this effort, Shreveport enlisted a contractor to relocate its water main from under the road, a prerequisite for the state’s restoration work. Early in 2024, the Shreveport City Council allocated $4.4 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) specifically for utility relocations on Ford Street. Similar allocations have also been made for reconstruction efforts on Knight Street and other various city road projects.
Concerns regarding the equitable distribution of ARP funds were raised by council members in 2023. Additionally, a budget gap related to a delayed project from a 2011 bond issue election concerning Knight Street was addressed by the council. Interim Water and Sewerage Department Director announced the completion of the city’s work on Ford Street during a council meeting, indicating that the relocated water and sewer lines now allow DOTD to proceed with the repaving project.
DOTD’s plans include an overlay project that consists of milling off the old asphalt layer on Ford Street and replacing it with new material. To this end, the department has already allocated $750,000 for the project but expects the total costs will reach between $1 million and $1.2 million. Delta Utilities is also planning to relocate gas lines located beneath Ford Street prior to any commencement of the DOTD work.
Following budget approvals, DOTD intends to put the project out to bid in the next fiscal year, contingent upon state legislature approval. This timeline aims to ensure that all relocated utility lines are intact and free of leaks, which have significantly contributed to Ford Street’s current poor condition.
Community support remains crucial as the plans progress to enhance Ford Street, which has not seen repaving in a significant length of time. Local officials express eagerness to move forward with this necessary project, indicating that it has been an overdue undertaking for the residents dependent on this vital artery for travel.
In summary, with the successful relocation of vital utilities, Shreveport stands at the brink of a major infrastructure improvement on Ford Street. As state and local efforts align to address road conditions critically, residents can expect enhanced safety and usability on one of their city’s important thoroughfares.
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Additional Resources
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate
- KSLA News
- The Center Square
- KSLA News
- KTAL News
- Wikipedia: Shreveport
- Google Search: Ford Street repaving Shreveport
- Google Scholar: Ford Street Shreveport
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ford Street
- Google News: Shreveport infrastructure improvement
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
