SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) — While the I-20 rehabilitation project may alter your daily commute, businesses in the downtown area are concerned.
Shreveport’s Downtown Development Authority hosted a Q&A meeting Wednesday (Sept. 20) to discuss alternative routes and forms of communication.
Animation shows Interstate 20 rehabilitation project zone and primary and secondary detour routes
LaDOTD says the interstate has outlived its service life.
“We are completely removing all the way down to the dirt basically existing lanes on I-20 eastbound and westbound from Hamilton Road to Industrial (Drive) in Bossier City. It’s a complete reconstruction,” LaDOTD spokeswoman Erin Buchanan said.
In an effort to continue to inform the community and stakeholders about the project, Shreveport’s DDA — joined by LaDOTD and Shreveport’s and Bossier City’s chambers of commerce — held a meeting to answer questions.
“Well, you know, I don’t know if there’s any way to put anyone at total ease. But I think what helps in a big way is what DOTD is doing and that is getting the word out because we all feel better when we’re in the know,” said Liz Swaine, the DDA’s executive director.
“While the bulk of the construction is taking place in Bossier City, you know, we’re a married sister city here,” Buchanan said. “And so when you talk about traffic impacts, typically they’re going to impact both ends of the river, especially for a major construction project.”
One owner said she is concerned for her downtown Shreveport business.
“One of my main concerns is how it’s going to affect the traffic if my clients are going to be able to come in, the time frame they’ll have to leave, visibility concerns that I have if it’ll be more visible, less visible, so people can see where we at. Will it increase our business or will it decrease our business?”
LaDOTD urges business owners to encourage customers to take advantage of alternative routes and to keep customers in the know on social media, their websites and through newsletters. LaDOTD also suggests adjusting business hours to accommodate potential delays caused by rerouting.
The are more suggestions in the handout below provided by the DDA, the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce and the Shreveport-Bossier African-American Chamber of Commerce. It includes links to updates about the highway project:
Copyright 2023 KSLA. All rights reserved.