Shreveport Mayor Seeks State Help for Highway Lighting
Mayor Tom Arceneaux is requesting state aid to address safety issues on major city roads.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in City Hall
Live Poll
Should state agencies prioritize funding for lighting and safety improvements on local highways in your area?
Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux has formally requested state support to improve lighting and crosswalks on North Market and Hearne Avenue. The move aims to address high accident rates and pedestrian fatalities that have plagued these corridors.
Why it matters
Poor highway lighting is frequently identified as a primary factor in fatal crashes occurring on city roads. By engaging the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, local leaders hope to secure necessary upgrades that are currently underfunded.
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development reported that no prior traffic studies exist for the identified roads, though they now plan to initiate reviews. The state currently receives no specific federal highway funding for lighting projects.
The players
Tom Arceneaux
He is the Mayor of Shreveport who is leading the push for improved infrastructure and public safety measures.
Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development
This state agency is responsible for overseeing highway infrastructure, traffic safety studies, and transportation funding across Louisiana.
The details
Mayor Arceneaux presented these safety requests at an annual state Roadshow meeting, citing North Market as the most accident-prone area in Shreveport. Officials are also reviewing the state of Hearne Avenue, where multiple pedestrian fatalities have occurred.
Timeline
State officials plan to work over the next 12 months to secure the necessary funding for lighting projects.
Political Context
The mayor's request follows the established process of utilizing the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development annual Roadshow to escalate local infrastructure needs to the state level. Opposition or hesitation often stems from the limited availability of specific state-level highway lighting funds for municipal road segments.
Residents who frequently travel along North Market and Hearne Avenue may see future construction work or safety adjustments if state funding is approved. The focus on these areas could lead to better-lit roadways and safer pedestrian crosswalks in high-traffic sections.
The takeaway
Advocating for infrastructure improvements at state-level meetings is a critical step for cities dealing with road safety deficits. Residents can track these long-term developments by monitoring upcoming legislative budget sessions.
What happens next
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development will collaborate with the state legislature over the next 12 months to explore potential funding avenues for these lighting projects.
Further reading
For more on local governance and infrastructure initiatives, visit the City Hall section.
Live Poll
Should state agencies prioritize funding for lighting and safety improvements on local highways in your area?
