July 19, 2025

Knight Street Reconstruction Progresses in Shreveport

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.