July 19, 2025

NLCOG Seeks Public Input on Traffic Congestion in Northwest Louisiana

News Summary

The North Louisiana Council of Governments (NLCOG) is urging motorists to provide feedback on traffic congestion as part of its long-range transportation planning. The survey aims to identify routes with persistent delays, excluding areas affected by ongoing construction on Interstate 20. NLCOG is particularly interested in traffic conditions on key roads in Bossier City and surrounding areas. Feedback collected will guide future transportation initiatives to improve road quality and safety for residents in the region.

Bossier City, Louisiana – The North Louisiana Council of Governments (NLCOG) is urging motorists to share their experiences regarding traffic congestion in northwest Louisiana as part of its long-range transportation planning efforts. The initiative aims to identify which routes have recurring delays and inefficiencies that add time to daily commutes.

NLCOG specifically encourages feedback on traffic conditions unrelated to temporary construction projects, including the ongoing work on Interstate 20, which is anticipated to conclude in early 2026. Motorists are invited to report congestion issues during the survey, particularly on roads like Benton Road and Airline Drive in Bossier City, as well as 70th Street near the Jimmie Davis Bridge and State Road 3276 in Stonewall.

Chris Petro, the director of planning at NLCOG, has expressed particular interest in the congestion experienced at Youree Drive and Bert Kouns. In addition, congestion challenges have been noted in downtown areas of Desoto and Webster parishes.

The online survey offers a user-friendly interface where motorists can identify persistent congestion spots, referred to as “choke points,” by dropping pins on a map and leaving comments about specific areas of concern. This survey is crucial for NLCOG’s long-range planning, as the collected feedback will be instrumental in addressing the region’s transportation needs.

The survey is open until August 15 and is updated every five years, allowing for a continuous evaluation of traffic conditions in the region. According to Petro, local traffic congestion in Shreveport is currently considered less severe than in other areas such as Lafayette and Baton Rouge, although improving road conditions and enhancing neighborhood connectivity remain key issues of interest.

A recent report from TRIP indicated that approximately 35% of major roadways in Shreveport are rated in poor condition, while another 25% are classified as mediocre. These poor road conditions contribute to an average annual financial loss of $2,749 for motorists due to traffic congestion, rough road surfaces, and traffic accidents. Furthermore, the report highlighted that 9% of bridges in the Shreveport area are in poor condition and require urgent repairs.

Motor vehicle traffic fatalities are also a significant concern in the area. From 2018 to 2022, the average annual traffic fatalities in the Shreveport region stood at 57, with Louisiana ranking 14th in the nation for traffic-related fatalities. Addressing these safety issues is essential not only for community development but also for the future planning of transportation infrastructure.

NLCOG emphasizes the importance of enhancing road quality and connectivity as a means of improving the overall quality of life for residents in northwest Louisiana. The feedback gathered from the ongoing survey will assist in shaping future transportation initiatives to better accommodate the needs of local motorists and address existing challenges.

In summary, Bossier City’s NLCOG is reaching out to the public to participate in a survey aimed at combating traffic congestion and improving road safety and conditions across northwest Louisiana. Through community input, NLCOG hopes to build a more efficient transportation system that caters to the needs of its residents over the years ahead.