I-20 Bossier: Airline Drive Ramps Closed 4 Months
Interstate travel through Bossier City has been a driver's nightmare for months, and though we are seeing some light at the end of the tunnel, we must remember, we are still in that tunnel.
Fueling our optimism regarding the I-20 reconstruction project in Bossier City, was the announcement from the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, that the I-20 eastbound off-ramp to Industrial Drive (LA 782-2) has been reopened to traffic following a full rebuild. We were additionally blessed with news that the westbound ramps will be opened in the coming weeks.
However, with this progression to the next level of work, DOTD hit us with the inevitable announcement that the I-20 eastbound on and off-ramps at the Airline Drive (LA 3105) interchange will be closed beginning today, Monday, May 12. This will allow the contractor to proceed with demolition of the ramps so they can be completely rebuilt.
Additionally, the I-20 eastbound off-ramp to Barksdale Blvd. (US 71) is currently closed and undergoing demolition in preparation for full reconstruction.
The I-20 eastbound on and off-ramps at the Old Minden Road (LA 72) interchange were recently reopened, with the westbound ramps being prepped for reopening soon.
Once the westbound ramps at both Old Minden Road and Industrial Drive have been reopened, the westbound on and off-ramps at the Airline Drive interchange will then close for reconstruction so the entire interchange can be rebuilt simultaneously.
The Airline Drive ramp closures are anticipated to be in place for approximately four months, weather permitting.
DOTD also had this special note for all commercial vehicles:
As a reminder, commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) such as 18-wheelers are currently prohibited under Louisiana Revised Statute 32:327 from driving through the rehab work zone (from Hamilton Road to Industrial Drive) due to narrow lane widths. As construction progresses and the new travel lanes are built, this prohibition will be assessed for its necessity. CMV drivers must utilize the primary detour of I-220.