News Summary
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development is set to begin a major road improvement project on Youree Drive in Shreveport, funded by a $7.5 million allocation from the state. The project, costing $3.8 million, will repair approximately three miles of roadway, from Stoner Avenue to Southfield Road. This initiative aims to enhance safety and durability while minimizing disruptions for commuters. The project is expected to be completed by late June 2025, along with announcements of another major infrastructure project to connect the Port of Caddo-Bossier to Interstate 49.
Shreveport, Louisiana – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LaDOTD) has announced a significant road improvement project that will commence on February 3, 2025, to repair a section of LA 1 (Youree Drive) within Shreveport, Caddo Parish. Funded by an additional $7.5 million allocation approved by the state legislature for the fiscal year 2024-2025, the project aims to enhance a vital residential and commercial corridor in the area.
The total cost of the Youree Drive project is $3.8 million, and it will cover approximately three miles, stretching from Stoner Avenue to Southfield Road. The scope of work includes full-depth patching, milling, and the application of an asphalt overlay. Full-depth patching will involve repairing severely damaged sections of the roadway down to the base, ensuring improved durability and safety for drivers. Following patching, the existing asphalt layers will be milled off to prepare for the fresh overlay.
During construction, intermittent lane closures are expected, although LaDOTD has committed to minimizing disruptions for commuters as much as possible. The project is projected to reach completion by late June 2025, dependent on weather conditions and other potential delays. Local residents and travelers are advised to exercise caution in construction areas and remain aware of work crews and their equipment.
As part of ongoing efforts to inform the public about traffic interruptions, notifications regarding any significant disruptions at major intersections will be communicated through the MyDOTD system. This initiative aims to keep the community updated and informed throughout the construction process.
In addition to the road repairs on Youree Drive, another major infrastructure project has been announced for north Louisiana. On October 16, 2023, plans for the I-69 Connector project were revealed, intended to link the Port of Caddo-Bossier directly to Interstate 49. This initiative is supported by a substantial $22.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation through its Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) program.
The I-69 Connector project is designed to alleviate increasing port traffic on local highways, including Highway 1, LA Highway 3132, Bert Kouns, and the Inner Loop. By establishing direct access for 18-wheelers from the Port to I-49, this connectivity aims to streamline logistics and enhance transportation capabilities in the region.
This connector will be known as the first leg of I-69 in Louisiana, which is part of a broader mid-continental highway network extending from Laredo, Texas, to Port Huron, Michigan. Construction for the I-69 connector is anticipated to begin as soon as late 2025, marking a significant milestone in reinforcing local infrastructure and supporting economic development in the area.
In summary, the upcoming road repairs on Youree Drive and the I-69 Connector project highlight important advancements in transportation infrastructure within north Louisiana. These developments are expected to improve traffic flow, enhance safety, and contribute positively to the region’s economic growth.
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Additional Resources
- KSLA: Youree Drive Project Announcement
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate: Highway Buckling Issues
- Shreveport Times: I-69 Extension Impact
- Google Search: Louisiana highway projects
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Transportation
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.
