News Summary
The North Louisiana Council of Governments (NLCOG) is seeking public input on regional traffic congestion as part of a five-year transportation plan update. An online survey aims to gather feedback about key intersections contributing to delays, such as Benton Road and Airline Drive, Youree Drive, and Mansfield Road. This initiative is crucial for addressing local road conditions, improving traffic management, and enhancing community connectivity. The survey will be open until August 15, allowing residents to report congestion issues through an interactive map.
Shreveport, Louisiana – As part of a comprehensive five-year update to the long-range transportation plan, the North Louisiana Council of Governments (NLCOG) is seeking public input on traffic congestion across the region. Residents are encouraged to participate in an online survey designed to identify factors contributing to local traffic delays, particularly at several key intersections.
The survey will be available until August 15, targeting congestion areas including Benton Road and Airline Drive in Bossier City, as well as 70th Street near the Jimmie Davis Bridge. Motorists often report significant traffic at the intersection of Youree Drive and East 70th Street in Shreveport, which highlights the growing concern around local road conditions.
NLCOG’s planning director has emphasized the need for community feedback on consistent congestion issues, commonly referred to as “choke points.” Motorists may report these issues using the survey’s interactive map feature. Key areas identified for potential improvement include Mansfield Road in Shreveport, along with neighborhoods in Caddo, Bossier, Webster, and DeSoto parishes.
Traffic congestion in Shreveport is presently ranked lower than regions like Lafayette and Baton Rouge, largely attributed to major traffic volumes on I-10 and I-12. However, local officials indicate a need for better management of traffic flow, focusing on improving road conditions, promoting neighborhood connectivity, and enhancing walkability to minimize congestion.
Historically, Mansfield Road at Bert Kouns had been considered a significant choke point. However, recent congestion has shifted primarily towards Bossier City. To tackle these issues, NLCOG highlights past infrastructure improvements such as Highway 3132 and Interstate 220, which have successfully alleviated some congestion in the area.
A study conducted by TRIP has raised alarms about the quality of roads in the region, indicating that 35% of major roadways in the Shreveport area are in poor condition, while an additional 25% are classified as mediocre. As motorists navigate these roads, many have reported experiencing detrimental conditions such as potholes, which can lead to costly repairs, including tire damage.
On average, Shreveport motorists incur annual costs of approximately $2,749 related to congestion and deteriorating road conditions. The same TRIP report also notes that 9% of the area’s bridges are in poor condition and require immediate repairs. Between 2018 and 2022, traffic fatalities in Shreveport averaged 57 per year, placing Louisiana as the 14th highest state for traffic-related fatalities.
Even amid these traffic concerns, the City of Shreveport is addressing other community needs, providing free sandbags to residents due to predictions of flooding and severe weather. Free sandbags are available from Tuesday to Friday, with a limit of 15 bags per vehicle.
In preparation for local events, such as the upcoming Independence Bowl scheduled for December 28, 2024, the Shreveport Police Department is implementing an enhanced traffic and safety plan. Residents and visitors are encouraged to stay informed on traffic guidelines and stadium policies to ensure a smooth experience during the event, including complying with safety measures and restrictions on prohibited items.
The feedback gathered from the public in the online survey will play a crucial role in shaping future congestion management strategies and ensuring effective transportation solutions throughout Northwest Louisiana.
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Additional Resources
- Shreveport-Bossier Advocate
- Wikipedia: Traffic congestion
- KSLA News
- Google Search: Louisiana road conditions
- Shreveport Times
- Google Scholar: Shreveport traffic congestion
- KTAL News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Transportation in Louisiana
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.
