Jimmie Davis Bridge Structure Connects Across Red River
Louisiana DOTD has begun pouring concrete for the new bridge's driving surface, completing a fully connected structure over the Red River.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Construction
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Louisiana DOTD began pouring concrete for the driving surface of the new Jimmie Davis Bridge in Shreveport, and the bridge now has a fully connected structure across the Red River. The connection is the first across the river in nearly 60 years.
Why it matters
The new four-lane bridge is being built alongside the existing span, and completing the structure marks a major milestone for the project. Crews are still working to connect Louisiana Highway 511 on both sides to the bridge.
The fully connected structure is the first across the Red River in nearly 60 years, and the new bridge will carry four lanes alongside the existing span. Remaining work on Louisiana Highway 511, underground drainage, and travel lanes has not been given a completion date in the source.
The players
Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD)
The state agency responsible for the state's highways, bridges, and transportation infrastructure, overseeing construction of the new Jimmie Davis Bridge.
Louisiana Office of Culture, Recreation and Tourism
A state agency that promotes Louisiana's cultural, recreational, and tourism assets, consulted on the blue paint color selected for the existing bridge.
The details
Crews have begun pouring concrete for the driving surface of the new Jimmie Davis Bridge, which is being built alongside the existing bridge. Remaining work includes underground drainage installation, new travel lanes, raised concrete islands, and J-turns, while the existing bridge is being painted blue in coordination with the Louisiana Office of Culture, Recreation and Tourism and the governor's office.
Timeline
Mid 2027: New four-lane bridge expected to open to drivers.
Late 2028: Entire project, including transformation of the existing bridge into Louisiana's first linear park, expected to be complete.
Industry Context
The new bridge restores a Red River connection that has been missing for nearly 60 years, following the original Jimmie Davis Bridge that linked the Shreveport area across the river. The project's planned conversion of the existing span into Louisiana's first linear park reflects a shift toward reusing legacy infrastructure for public recreation.
Drivers crossing the Red River in Shreveport will eventually have a new four-lane option once the bridge opens in mid 2027. Until then, Louisiana Highway 511 connections and related lane and drainage work will continue on both sides of the river.
The takeaway
The new Jimmie Davis Bridge marks a long-awaited return of a direct Red River connection in Shreveport. Commuters should watch for updates on Highway 511 and the mid 2027 opening date.
What happens next
The new four-lane bridge is expected to open to drivers by mid 2027, and the entire project is expected to be complete by late 2028.
Further reading
For more on regional building projects, see Construction coverage across the Shreveport area.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KTALnews.
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