News Summary
In Shreveport, Louisiana, the major reconstruction of Knight Street is advancing, with phase one almost complete and phase two soon to commence. The first phase has successfully reopened both lanes from the Shreveport Barksdale Highway to South Pointe Parkway. The upcoming phase will focus on a section that will impact residential neighborhoods and necessitate closing southbound traffic for several weeks. City officials have also noted funding issues and increasing costs throughout the project, which is expected to continue for an additional year.
Shreveport, Louisiana
Major reconstruction of Knight Street is progressing, with phase one nearing completion and phase two set to begin soon. This extensive project aims to enhance traffic flow and infrastructure along Knight Street, a key thoroughfare in Shreveport.
The first phase of the Knight Street reconstruction started in June 2024, focusing on the section from the Shreveport Barksdale Highway to South Pointe Parkway. As of now, both lanes in this section have reopened to traffic. The final touch-ups, including street striping, are being completed. On the other hand, the second phase will run between South Pointe Parkway and Preston, an area adjacent to numerous residential neighborhoods, and is expected to significantly impact local traffic.
As phase two begins, southbound traffic on Knight Street in this new area will be closed for at least six weeks. City officials have alerted drivers to expect significant delays and to drive cautiously through construction zones as safety reminders are being emphasized during the project.
Funding and Project Details
The Knight Street project was initially approved as part of the 2011 Bond Issue, which allocated over $40 million for street improvements across Shreveport, including $3.5 million specifically for Knight Street. However, progress has been slow since the bond approval, primarily due to local companies’ limitations to handle multiple projects simultaneously. Additionally, utility relocation work did not commence until the past two years, causing further delays.
Since the project’s inception, construction costs have surged, doubling from the original estimates in 2011. Currently, the projected total cost for the Knight Street improvements has exceeded $7 million. The low bid for the ongoing work has been set at $6,540,000, approximately $2.4 million under budget, allowing for the inclusion of improved street lighting in the project. However, only two bidders participated in the current bidding process, with Turner and Turner successfully providing the lowest bid.
Future Expectations
City officials anticipate that the entire Knight Street reconstruction will require an additional year to complete. Blame for the prolonged timeline has been assigned to past city administrations, including those led by Cedric Glover, Ollie Tyler, and Adrian Perkins. The increasing volume of traffic on Knight Street is attributed to the recent openings of several businesses, including the BHP YMCA and Walmart, enhancing the area’s attractiveness for local residents.
Related Infrastructure Developments
In addition to the Knight Street project, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) is actively addressing heat-related repairs on I-220 and I-49 due to recent extreme temperatures causing concrete buckling. Lane closures will be implemented to manage the repair work whilst minimizing traffic disruptions. Also, a $3.8 million project to enhance Youree Drive is on the agenda and is slated to commence in February 2025, aiming to improve road conditions through full-depth patching, milling, and asphalt overlays, with an expected completion date in late June 2025.
Officials urge drivers to stay alert in construction zones, reminding them to maintain safety protocols during these infrastructure upgrades. Public awareness is crucial as projects progress, aiming to enhance both safety and traffic flow for Shreveport residents.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Caddo Parish School Board Proposes School Closures
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Additional Resources
- 710 KEEL: Knight Street Upgrade
- Google Search: Knight Street Upgrade Shreveport
- Shreveport-Bossier Advocate: Highways Buckle
- Wikipedia: Infrastructure
- 103.3 The Goat: I-220 West Lane Closure
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic
- KSLA News: Youree Drive Repairs
- Google News: Youree Drive Repairs Shreveport
- 103.3 The Goat: I-220 Repairs Update
- Google Scholar: Shreveport Infrastructure Projects
- KSLA News: Emergency Repairs in Shreveport
- Google Search: Emergency Repairs Shreveport
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.
