FIRST ALERT TRAFFIC: Road closures/lane shifts in the ArkLaTex

(KSLA) — Here are ongoing road closures and lane shifts in the ArkLaTex.

BIENVILLE PARISH - LOUISIANA

On Wednesday, May 31, the outside lane of I-20 W at Bear Creek just east of the US 80 interchange will be closed. This lane closure is scheduled to take place from approximately 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and is necessary to allow for pavement patching operations. Restrictions/Permits: There will be 12′ load width restrictions. This work will be performed weather permitting.
Beginning Thursday, March 31, 2022, the LA 4 bridge over drain near Friendship, approximately 0.14 miles east of LA 155 and approximately two miles west of Danville, is closed due to deficiencies found. This closure will be in effect until repairs can be made. Alternate Route: All vehicles must detour using LA 155 and LA 147.
Effective immediately, LA 154 just west of its intersection with LA 4 in Ringgold is closed. This closure is necessary due to a collapse in the roadway. DOTD is currently investigating the cause, and mobilizing to determine the appropriate repairs. There is no timeline on when repairs will be complete, but DOTD will issue further communication when additional information is available. Alternate Route: Detour signage will be in place. Restrictions/Permits: Total road closure at the railroad tracks. All vehicles must detour. This work will be performed weather permitting.

BOSSIER PARISH - LOUISIANA

Beginning Monday, June 5, there will be intermittent lane closures on I-20 eastbound and westbound from LA 3 (Benton Rd) to LA 782-2 (Industrial Drive) in Bossier City. These lane closures are scheduled to take place from Monday, June 5 through Friday, June 9 from approximately 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, and are necessary to allow for roadway maintenance activities. This work will be performed weather permitting.
Effective Monday, Feb. 13, a portion of Foster Road in the southern part of the parish has been closed by the Bossier Parish Police Jury highway department for replacement of a culvert. Road closure is located 0.3 mile south off of Sligo Road. Address ranges 2600 to 2678 Foster Rd. can be accessed from Sligo Road, while address ranges 2679 to 2680 Foster Rd. can be accessed from Barron Road.
The northbound outside lane of LA 3 (Benton Road) between US 80 and Shed Road in Bossier City is closed. This lane closure is necessary to allow for emergency maintenance work on the roadway at this location, and will remain in place until the work is complete. DOTD apologizes for any inconvenience and appreciates the public’s patience while this necessary work is underway. This work will be performed weather permitting.

BOWIE COUNTY - TEXAS

About 160 miles of northeast Texas highways will receive new surfaces starting in mid-May, according to plans awarded last fall by the Texas Department of Transportation. Contractor, Missouri Petroleum Products Company of Bullard, Texas, was awarded the contract to seal coat highways in all nine counties within the Atlanta District with a low bid of $10.8 million. The Atlanta District includes Bowie, Camp, Cass, Harrison, Marion, Morris, Panola, Titus, and Upshur counties. Seal coating a highway is a process that helps preserve the pavement structure. The cost-effective operation involves placing a layer of hot asphalt over the old pavement and then covering it with crushed stone. Once underway, the project is expected to be complete in about six weeks, weather permitting. The following highways will be affected:

FM 2149 from 2.3 miles west of SH 8 to SH 8
FM 3287 from 1.33 miles west of FM 989 to FM 989
SH 98 from US 82 to FM 1840
FM 2878 from FM 559 to IH 30 Frontage Road

New safety lighting is scheduled to be installed at area highway intersections. The nighttime lighting systems to be installed are safety enhancements that will provide LED lighting to increase visibility and awareness of the intersection. Work is expected to begin this spring and take about 11 months to complete, weather permitting.

Intersections scheduled for improvements include:

US 67 at SH 8
US 67 at FM 3098
US 67 at FM 2148 South
US 259 at FM 44
I-30 at FM 560
I-30 at Spur 86

The intersection of FM 559/Richmond Road and Galleria Oaks in Texarkana is scheduled to receive a traffic signal this summer. Improvements will assist motorists turning left onto Richmond Road from Galleria Oaks during busier times of the day. Work is scheduled to begin this May, and the project is estimated to take about four months to complete, weather permitting.
Beginning Monday, Jan. 23, FM 2148 will be closed at the I-30 intersection in Texarkana as crews begin construction of the new frontage road on the south side of I-30. Traffic will be unable to travel under I-30 from north to south once the project begins. The north frontage road (Hampton Road) will remain open, but access from Hampton Road to FM 2148 south toward US 82 will be closed. Access from Hampton Road to FM 2148 north to the Red Lick community will remain open. Also, FM 2148 from US 82 to Willow Ridge will remain open and property owners will have access on FM 2148 from Willow Ridge to I-30. Travelers in this area are advised to watch for road crews, expect some delays, and plan their commutes in advance while the closure is in effect. This project and road closure are subject to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

FM 2148 will be closed at the I-30 intersection in Texarkana.(TxDOT)

New sidewalks will be constructed along sections of Elm Street and Lion Drive in New Boston in 2023, according to plans approved in October by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). The new sidewalks will be constructed along Elm Street from Tapp Park to Front Street and along Lion Drive from College Street to Elm Street. The sidewalks will also include wheelchair ramps to make them meet all Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. Work on the project should begin in January of 2023 and take about seven months to complete.
I-30 ramps at US 259 in Morris County, as well as ramps at Spur 594 and FM 2253 in Bowie County are scheduled for rehabilitation early in 2022, TxDOT says. The ramps will be widened to better accommodate heavy traffic. The project also includes pavement repair and installing edge drain to help with drainage underneath the pavement along portions of I-30 between US 259 in Morris County and FM 989 in Bowie County. Work on the project should wrap up in 2024.
Garden Road in Hooks is closed to thru-traffic at the 200 block until further notice. Drivers should use an alternate route. If needed, drivers should travel north on FM 1398 to Garden Road/CR 2112.

WORK ONGOING THROUGH JUNE 3

I-30 – From FM 989 to Arkansas state line, widening highway. Reconstructing and widening highway. Eastbound traffic moved to the outside lanes.
I-30 – From FM 989 to FM 3419, extension of frontage roads
I-30 – Eastbound from FM 2253 past FM 3419, bridge work. One lane closed from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
SH 8 – At Sulphur River, replacing bridges
SH 98 – At Anderson Creek, replacing bridge. All traffic restricted to one lane with signal lights controlling traffic through work zone.

CADDO PARISH - LOUISIANA

On Sunday, June 4, there will be rolling lane closures on I-20 eastbound and westbound at the Missouri Pacific railroad overpass just east of Exit 5 (LA 511). These rolling lane closures are scheduled to take place from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m., and are necessary to allow for survey work to be conducted. Travelers should be prepared for some possible slow-moving traffic and delays during these operations. This work will be performed weather permitting.
Numerous traffic signals are being upgraded to feature the flashing yellow left turn arrows across the parish. These signals are currently being installed as part of Phases 1 & 2 of the FYA projects for the northwest region. Some of the signals are already operational and drivers should be on the lookout for more signals to activated in the coming weeks. The third project (Phase 3) provides for signal upgrades in the rest of the northwest district, which includes Bossier, Webster, DeSoto, Bienville, Claiborne, and Red River parishes. It is tentatively scheduled for letting in November of 2023. It’s important to understand how to navigate an intersection that features a flashing yellow left turn arrow. The FYA are in addition to the traditional red, yellow, and green signals. HOW THE SIGNALS OPERATE: When illuminated, the flashing yellow arrow allows waiting motorists to perform a left-hand turn after yielding to oncoming traffic. Oncoming traffic has a green light, so drivers must wait for a safe gap in the oncoming traffic before turning. Flashing yellow arrow signals provide more opportunities for motorists to make a left-hand turn and reduce delays when traffic is light. Motorists will eventually encounter the new flashing yellow arrows on all state-maintained traffic signals across Louisiana where a protected left turn already exists, as part of a federal standard for implementation of the signals. WATCH THE SIGNALS IN ACTION: Click here to watch a video explaining exactly how to maneuver through the intersection when you encounter a flashing yellow left turn arrow. READ MORE ABOUT THE SIGNALS: Do you want to know more background on why the signals are being installed? Click here for additional information and explanatory graphics on the FYA.
Intermittent lane closures will begin soon as part of a project to repair LA 789 in south Caddo Parish. Work is set to begin in early October of 2022. The $2.7 million project stretches on LA 789 from LA 169 to Preston Road, which is just north of the DeSoto Parish line. The project will provide a mill and asphalt overlay, along with clearing and grubbing, drainage structures, pavement patching, and other related work. Traffic along LA 789 will be maintained through the use of flagging operations so motorists should be aware of the possibility of slow-moving vehicles while construction activity is ongoing. The entire project is anticipated to be complete in spring of 2023, with progress dependent on weather conditions and other factors.

CASS COUNTY - TEXAS

A portion of US 59 N is scheduled to be resurfaced soon, according to plans awarded in February by TxDOT. The project will take place just north of Queen City. Work will take place in the northbound lanes starting at 0.2 miles north of State Loop 236 and extend to 0.5 miles south of FM 3129, an area covering over six miles. RK Hall, LLC of Paris was awarded the contract with a bid of $9,089,429. Weather permitting, work should begin in May of 2023 and take about five months to complete.

About 160 miles of northeast Texas highways will receive new surfaces starting in mid-May, according to plans awarded last fall by the Texas Department of Transportation. Contractor, Missouri Petroleum Products Company of Bullard, Texas, was awarded the contract to seal coat highways in all nine counties within the Atlanta District with a low bid of $10.8 million. The Atlanta District includes Bowie, Camp, Cass, Harrison, Marion, Morris, Panola, Titus, and Upshur counties. Seal coating a highway is a process that helps preserve the pavement structure. The cost-effective operation involves placing a layer of hot asphalt over the old pavement and then covering it with crushed stone. Once underway, the project is expected to be complete in about six weeks, weather permitting. The following highways will be affected:

SH 77 from FM 250 to 0.3 miles west of FM 994
SH 43 from railroad overpass to Marion County line
FM 249 from FM 249W to Arkansas state line

Intersections scheduled for improvements include:

SH 77 at SH 43
FM 1399 at FM 995
SH 43 at FM 125
FM 251 at FM 3129
FM 2791 at FM 96

A portion of US Highway 59 southwest of Atlanta is scheduled to be resurfaced in 2023. The resurfacing project will begin just south of FM 2328 North and end 1.9 miles south of FM 2328 South. The total project length is about 2.3 miles. The project will also include some improvements to the bridge rail in that section along with new pavement markings. Work is expected to begin in January of 2023 and should be completed in September of 2024.

WORK ONGOING THROUGH JUNE 3

SH 8 – At Sulphur River, replacing bridges
US 67 – Widening bridge at Jennings Slough. Signal lights controlling one-way traffic.
US 59 – From 1.2 miles south of FM 2328N to 1.9 miles south of FM 2328S, resurfacing road, bridge rail improvements. Southbound lane closure.
US 59 – From SL 236 to FM 3129, resurfacing road. Northbound lane closures.

CLAIBORNE PARISH - LOUISIANA

DOTD announces a project to replace ten rural bridges/structures along LA 534 and LA 534 Spur south of Haynesville. The $18.2 million project is scheduled to begin Tuesday, May 9, with a closure on the first site, which involves the replacement of two box culverts on LA 534 between LA 2 and LA 534 Spur. This first closure is anticipated to last approximately four months, weather permitting. Once the contractor is finished with that work, they will mobilize at the next site, and continue in that pattern until all bridges in the project have been replaced. The detour for the first site will be LA 534 Spur to LA 534. Signage will be installed to direct motorists. Local traffic will be able to access their destinations, but through traffic will need to detour. Since each location will have a different detour, updated information will be issued via the MyDOTD system when the contractor is ready to close the next bridge. This is a four-year project, with work on all structures anticipated to wrap up in spring of 2027. Progress is always dependent on weather conditions and other factors that can impact construction timelines.
Effective Friday, April 28, the LA 540 bridge (N 5th Street) over an unnamed waterway in the Town of Homer is closed. This closure is necessary due to the condition of the structure, and will remain in place until further notice. This bridge is located just west of the intersection with US 79. Alternate Route: Detour signage will be in place. Restrictions/Permits: Total road closure at the specified location. All vehicles will need to take an alternate route. This work will be performed weather permitting.
DOTD announces a project to replace three bridges on LA 9 over Middle Fork Bayou. Work on this $13.7 million project is scheduled to begin Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022. This will require a closure of LA 9 that will be in place for approximately nine months for this phase of work. Construction on the bridges is sequenced so that work on all three bridges takes place simultaneously in an effort to expedite the timeline. The entire project is anticipated to be complete in spring of 2025, with progress dependent on weather conditions and other factors that impact may construction timelines. Alternate Route: LA 2, LA 2 Alt, and LA 520. (Detour signage will be in place). Permits/Restrictions: Total road closure. All vehicles must detour.

DeSOTO PARISH - LOUISIANA

A heavily traveled connector route in Stonewall will soon undergo major improvements in the form of a $14.3 million repair project. Construction on LA 3276 (Stonewall-Frierson Road) is set to officially begin Tuesday, April 4. LA 3276 connects US 171 and I-49, and services an average of over 9,000 vehicles per day. The contractor, Earnest Contracting, llc. has already completed the full-depth patching portion of the project. Full-depth patching is a long-lasting method used to repair the base layers on certain sections of roadway and strengthen the existing pavement. This project will also be utilizing a technology called Geocell, which is used in construction to provide structural reinforcement for load support in the base of the roadway, a critical component of this particular project. Geocells are expandable panels made of high-density polymer material that when expanded, create a three-dimensional grid structure that can be filled with material and compacted. The Geocell grid for this project will be installed and then filled with stone, followed by two inches of stone on top of the grid, and then 6 inches of asphalt will be applied, creating a smooth driving surface and strong base underneath. All of the connecting driveways along this 4.6 mile stretch of LA 3276 will be adjusted for the increased height of the road due to the use of the Geocell technology, and then tied back into the highway. The project also includes drainage work, curb and gutter, and permanent signage and striping installation. During construction, lane width restrictions of no wider than 10 feet will be in place. The entire project is anticipated to be complete in early 2025, with progress dependent on weather conditions and other factors that may impact construction timelines.
As of Monday, Feb. 13, preliminary work has begun on LA 3276. There will be intermittent lane closures in place. This work will be performed weather permitting.

HARRISON COUNTY - TEXAS

Safety features will be added along SH 154, according to plans awarded in May by the Texas Department of Transportation. This project includes over 20 miles of roadway on SH 154 from FM 726 S in Upshur County to about four miles east of FM 2208 in Harrison County. The safety features to be added on driveway culverts are designed to reduce the severity of traffic incidents when vehicles leave the roadway. East Texas Bridge, Inc. of Longview was awarded the contract with a bid of $3,492,422. Work is expected to begin in August of 2023 and should be complete in about 13 months, weather permitting.
The intersection of Bomar Street and University Avenue in Marshall will be a four-way stop beginning Wednesday, April 26. Previously, the stop signs were only on University Avenue. The Marshall Police Department and the City of Marshall Street Department received multiple complaints about traffic issues at this intersection. City staff reviewed the area’s accidents and complaints and recognized the need for the four-way stop at the intersection. The Marshall Police Department urges drivers to pay extra attention at this location as officers will be enforcing the new stop signs.
The intersection of FM 449 and FM 2879 will become a four-way stop beginning Monday, March 6. Previously, only traffic on FM 449 had to stop. Stop signs, pavement markings, and warning signs will be placed on FM 2879. The stop signs have also been doubled on FM 2879 and stop ahead signs have been doubled in each direction. The overhead flashing beacons will flash red in all four directions. Motorists traveling through the intersection are advised to use extreme caution as drivers adjust to the new traffic pattern.
Cable median barrier will soon be installed along three sections of roadway in Harrison, Morris, and Titus counties, according to plans approved in September of 2022 by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). This safety project will place almost 10 more miles of cable barriers on area roadways. Cable barriers consist of several strands of high-tension cable and are designed to catch vehicles in the median before they cross over into oncoming traffic. The section of roadway scheduled to receive cable median barriers is US 80 from SL 281 to Tom Brown Parkway (5.5 miles). Work on the project is expected to begin in early 2023. Once underway, the project should take about 10 months to complete, weather permitting.
The bridge at Little Cypress Bayou Relief is scheduled to be replaced in late summer of 2022, according to plans approved in May by TxDOT. During construction, traffic will be limited to one lane across the bridge. Temporary signal lights will control traffic. Highway 19 Construction, LLC of Sulphur Springs was awarded the contract with a bid of $4,618,853. Work is expected to begin in August of 2022 and should take about 20 months to complete.

About 160 miles of northeast Texas highways will receive new surfaces starting in mid-May, according to plans awarded last fall by the Texas Department of Transportation. Contractor, Missouri Petroleum Products Company of Bullard, Texas, was awarded the contract to seal coat highways in all nine counties within the Atlanta District with a low bid of $10.8 million. The Atlanta District includes Bowie, Camp, Cass, Harrison, Marion, Morris, Panola, Titus, and Upshur counties. Seal coating a highway is a process that helps preserve the pavement structure. The cost-effective operation involves placing a layer of hot asphalt over the old pavement and then covering it with crushed stone. Once underway, the project is expected to be complete in about six weeks, weather permitting. The following highways will be affected:

FM 134 from Marion County line to SH 43
FM 134 from SH 43 to FM 1999
FM 449 from FM 450 to SL 390
FM 2625 from FM 31 to FM 9

WORK ONGOING THROUGH JUNE 3

US 59 – At I-20, replacing bridge. US 59 traffic shifted to southbound lanes.
I-20 – Concrete pavement repairs. Daytime lane closures.
SH 43 – At Kansas City Southern Railroad in Karnack, widening bridge over railroad. Signal lights controlling one-way traffic.
FM 3001 – At Little Cypress Bayou Relief. Replacing bridge. Temporary traffic signals in place, lane closure with two-way traffic.
FM 449 – From FM 450 to SL 390. Seal coat operations, lane closures.
I-20 – From US 80 to FM 134. Installing safety barrier cable.

HEMPSTEAD COUNTY - ARKANSAS

U.S. 371 will have alternating lane closures Monday through Saturday from sunrise to sunset beginning Aug. 22, 2022. These closures will be in effect for a 17.75-mile stretch of road between Blevins and Nashville. The closures, which are for mill and overlay, are ongoing until further notice.

HOWARD COUNTY - ARKANSAS

U.S. 70 will have alternating lane closures Monday through Saturday from sunrise to sunset beginning Sept. 13, 2022. These closures will be in effect for a 7.65-mile stretch of road between Atwood and the intersection of Highway 278 and U.S. 70. The closures, which are for mill and overlay, are ongoing until further notice.

MARION COUNTY - TEXAS

Construction on the bridge located on SH 155 over Lake O’ The Pines is scheduled to begin this summer, according to plans awarded in May by the Texas Department of Transportation. The 1.4-mile project will include a new bridge and new approaches. Construction will take place from Glendia Drive to 1.5 miles west of FM 729. The new bridge will feature four 12-foot travel lanes, a median and 10-foot shoulders. Motorists will continue to travel on the existing bridge while the new bridge is under construction. Longview Bridge and Road, Ltd. of Longview was awarded the contract with a bid of $53,799,919. Work is expected to begin in August of 2023 and should be complete in 2028.

MILLER COUNTY - ARKANSAS

I-30 will have alternating north and southbound outside lane closures from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday through Thursday beginning Jan. 4. These closures will be in effect for 0.25-mile stretch of road on the bridge over the Red River. The closures are for bridge inspection.

MORRIS COUNTY - TEXAS

About 160 miles of northeast Texas highways will receive new surfaces starting in mid-May, according to plans awarded last fall by the Texas Department of Transportation. Contractor, Missouri Petroleum Products Company of Bullard, Texas, was awarded the contract to seal coat highways in all nine counties within the Atlanta District with a low bid of $10.8 million. The Atlanta District includes Bowie, Camp, Cass, Harrison, Marion, Morris, Panola, Titus, and Upshur counties. Seal coating a highway is a process that helps preserve the pavement structure. The cost-effective operation involves placing a layer of hot asphalt over the old pavement and then covering it with crushed stone. Once underway, the project is expected to be complete in about six weeks, weather permitting. The following highways will be affected:

FM 144 from US 67 to US 259 N
SH 77 from US 259 to Cass County line

Cable median barrier will soon be installed along three sections of roadway in Harrison, Morris, and Titus counties, according to plans approved in September of 2022 by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). This safety project will place almost 10 more miles of cable barriers on area roadways. Cable barriers consist of several strands of high-tension cable and are designed to catch vehicles in the median before they cross over into oncoming traffic. The section of roadway scheduled to receive cable median barriers is SH 11 from 0.7 miles east of US 259 to 3.4 miles east of US 259 (7.7 miles). Work on the project is expected to begin in early 2023. Once underway, the project should take about 10 months to complete, weather permitting.

WORK ONGOING THROUGH JUNE 3

I-30 – Eastbound at Exit 178, US 259, ramp rehabilitation. Exit and entrance ramps closed, eastbound lane closure.

NATCHITOCHES PARISH - LOUISIANA

On Thursday, June 8 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting, Bridge# 083500533005011 on LA 491 over Cane River will be reduced to one lane for routine bridge inspection. The bridge is located near Cloutierville, LA, 0.15 MI. EAST OF LA 1.
On Tuesday, June 6 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting, Bridge# 083500530303351 on LA 1 over Cane River will be reduced to one lane for routine bridge inspection. The bridge is located near Chopin, LA, 0.8 miles north of south intersection LA 490.
On Monday, June 5, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting, Bridge# 083504550635551 and 083504550635552 on I-49 Northbound and Southbound over Johnson Chute Bayou will be reduced to one lane for routine bridge inspection. The bridge is located 6.29 miles north of LA 6.
Martin Luther King Jr. Drive from Lafayette Street to Berry Street in Natchitoches will be closed to vehicular traffic Wednesday, May 31 through Friday, June 2, from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. each day. This street closure is due to the work being done by Nuline Utility Services to replace gas lines in the area.
On Thursday, June 1 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting, Bridge# 083504550617701 and 083504550617702 on I-49 northbound and southbound bridges over Kisatchie Bayou will be reduced to one lane for routine bridge inspection. The bridge is located 7.29 miles north of LA 119.
On Thursday, April 20, Highland Park Drive will be closed from Virginia Street to Rowena Street beginning at 9 a.m. and continuing until further notice. This street closure is due to the City of Natchitoches Utility Department performing sewer line repair. When traveling near the work zone, motorists are advised to exercise caution and observe all warning signs and flagger instructions.
On Monday, April 17, construction will begin on LA 120. This work will begin at the Sabine Parish line and proceed southeast along LA 120 to its intersection with LA 6 in Robeline. The intent of this project is to replace existing drainage structures, cut an in-place cement treated subgrade and base course, apply lime treatment to the subgrade, and then place 6 inches of superpave asphaltic concrete, followed by permanent striping on the roadway and other related work. The contractor will be required to maintain thru traffic at all times, but periodic lane closures and delays can be expected. The public is advised to remain alert to construction signs and changing roadway conditions. The project was awarded to the low bidder, Madden Contracting Co., LLC, in the amount of $10,781,403.79. The work associated with this project should take approximately 190 working days to complete. Permit/Detour Section: Thru traffic will be maintained at all times with oversize and emergency vehicles allowed passage. There will be no detour routes for this project. This work will be completed weather permitting.
Beginning Monday, April 10, construction will begin on LA 485′s Site 4 Bridge and it will be closed to thru traffic. This work will take place on LA 485 1.9 miles east of the intersection of LA 485 and I-49. The intent of this project is to remove and replace seven bridges in four sites along LA 485. Three of the sites are located west of I-49 and one site is east of I-49. Each of the sites will be closed to thru traffic with no onsite diversions. Related work will include removing the existing timber trestle bridge, installing bedding material, setting reinforced concrete box culverts, pouring headwalls, placing riprap, back filling the roadway, class II base course, hot mixed asphalt pavement, permanent striping, and other related work. The public is advised to remain alert to construction signs and changing roadway conditions along LA 485. The project was awarded to the low bidder, Merrick, LLC, of Cottonport, LA in the amount of $13,727,495.43 and will take approximately 700 calendar days to complete all four sites. Site 4 is expected to be completed by the end of September of 2023. Permit/Detour Section: Northbound traffic will be detoured south on I-49 to LA 6 E to LA 1 N to LA 485. Southbound traffic will be detoured south on LA 1 to LA 6 W to I-49 N to LA 485.
DOTD announces Thursday, March 23 that the first of two projects to install the flashing yellow left turn arrow traffic signals in the central region. The first project (Part 1) includes the installation of the foundation, mast arm, and signal work for 30 locations in Natchitoches, Avoyelles, Sabine, Vernon, and Winn parishes. These upgraded signals will only be installed at intersections where a protected left turn (left turn arrow) and designated left turn lane already exist. Currently, the contractor for the $2.8 million project is installing concrete foundations for the new mast arms that hold traffic signals at various locations. Motorists can expect to see the new signals operational in the next few months. The second project (Part 2), anticipated to go to bid in April of 2024, includes signal upgrades in Rapides Parish. Please note that letting dates are often subject to change based on a variety of factors. Flashing yellow arrow signal indications feature a flashing yellow arrow, in addition to the traditional red, yellow, and green signals. When illuminated, the flashing yellow arrow allows waiting motorists to perform a left-hand turn after yielding to oncoming traffic. Oncoming traffic has a green light, so drivers must wait for a safe gap in the oncoming traffic before turning. Flashing yellow arrow signals provide more opportunities for motorists to make a left-hand turn and reduce delays when traffic is light. Motorists will eventually encounter the new flashing yellow arrows on all state-maintained traffic signals across Louisiana where a protected left turn already exists, as part of a federal standard for implementation of the signals. For more information on flashing yellow arrows, click here. To watch a video explaining the operation of the new signals, click here.
DOTD advises the public that on Monday, Nov. 28, 2022, construction will begin on LA 485′s Rocks Bayou Bridge, and it will be closed to thru traffic. This work will take place on LA 485 0.25 miles west of its intersection with I-49. The intent of this project is to remove and replace seven bridges in four sites along LA 485. Three of the sites are located west of I-49 and one site is east of I-49. Each of the sites will be closed to thru traffic with no on-site diversions, but only one site may be closed at a time. On Nov. 9, only the Rocks Bayou Bridge will be closed to traffic. Related work will include removing existing timber trestle bridges, installing embankment, constructing new concrete slab span bridges and concrete box culverts, class II base course, guardrail, hot mixed asphalt pavement, permanent striping, and other related work. The public is advised to remain alert to construction signs and changing roadway conditions along LA 485. The project was awarded to the low bidder, Merrick, LLC, of Cottonport, LA in the amount of $13,727,495.43 and will take approximately 700 calendar days to complete all four sites. Site Three is expected to be completed by the end of September of 2023. Permit/Detour Section: Northbound traffic will be detoured west on LA 6 to I-49 north to LA 485. Southbound traffic will be detoured south on I-49 to LA 6 East to LA 485.
On Wednesday, July 6, 2022, construction began on LA 485. This work began at the intersection of LA 485 and Mallard Hill Road at log mile 3.212 and proceed northeast for 1.297 miles to near the intersection of LA 485 and Gooche Bayou Road at log mile 2.822 in Allen. The intent of this project is to replace existing bridges that consists of four sites with seven bridges being replaced along LA 485. The project includes removal of existing bridges, embankment, two four-barrel box culverts, five slab span bridges, guardrail, class II base course, HMA pavement, and other related work. The contractor will be required to maintain thru traffic at this time, but periodic lane closures and delays can be expected. The public is advised to remain alert to construction signs and changing roadway conditions. This contract was let on Feb. 9 and awarded to Merrick, llc of Cottonport, La. for a contract amount of $13,727,495.43. This contract allows 700 calendar days to complete the above mentioned work (fall of 2024). Permit/Detour: Thru traffic will be maintained at this time with oversize and emergency vehicles allowed passage. There will be no detour routes for this project at this time.

PANOLA COUNTY - TEXAS

A portion of State Highway 149 is scheduled to be widened soon, according to plans approved in September by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). The length of this project will be 1.6 miles. It will start at 0.8 miles south of SH 315 and extend to US 59. Plans are for this roadway to be widened from a two-lane highway to a four-lane divided highway. Weather permitting, work is expected to begin in early 2023. The project is estimated to take about 20 months to complete.

About 160 miles of northeast Texas highways will receive new surfaces starting in mid-May, according to plans awarded last fall by the Texas Department of Transportation. Contractor, Missouri Petroleum Products Company of Bullard, Texas, was awarded the contract to seal coat highways in all nine counties within the Atlanta District with a low bid of $10.8 million. The Atlanta District includes Bowie, Camp, Cass, Harrison, Marion, Morris, Panola, Titus, and Upshur counties. Seal coating a highway is a process that helps preserve the pavement structure. The cost-effective operation involves placing a layer of hot asphalt over the old pavement and then covering it with crushed stone. Once underway, the project is expected to be complete in about six weeks, weather permitting. The following highways will be affected:

FM 1970 from US 79 to SH 315
FM 31 from US 79 to FM 123
FM 123 from FM 31 S to Louisiana state line
FM 2517 from FM 31 to FM 3359
FM 3359 from FM 2517 to Louisiana state line
FM 2517 from FM 3359 to Louisiana state line

WORK ONGOING THROUGH JUNE 3

US 59 (Loop) – From Business 59 North of Carthage to US 79 East, rehabilitating highway. Traffic shifted to outside lanes on US 59 and BU 59. Loop EB exit ramp closed, WB entrance ramp open.
SH 149 – 0.8 miles south of SH 315 to US 59. Widening road.
FM 1970 – From US 79 to SH 315. Seal coat operations, lane closures.
FM 2517 – From FM 31 to Louisiana line. Seal coat operations, lane closures.
FM 3359 – From FM 2517 to Louisiana line. Seal coat operations, lane closures.
FM 123 – From FM 31S to Louisiana state line. Seal coat operations, lane closures.

RED RIVER PARISH - LOUISIANA

On Monday, April 3, DOTD announced a project to replace four timber bridges with new concrete structures on LA 155 near Coushatta. The bridges, which were all built in 1972, cross Coney Bayou, Grand Bayou, Carroll Creek, and Brushy Creek (see map below). The $13.3 million project was awarded to Brown Industrial Construction, LLC., and is scheduled to start Monday, April 17. The contractor will begin with the removal of the structure over Grand Bayou, so that bridge will be closed. Once pile driving operations are complete for the bridge over Grand Bayou, the contractor will close the structure over Coney Bayou to begin removal and replacement of that bridge. Construction will then move to the bridges over Grand Bayou and Carroll Creek, and additional information will be issued at that time. During the closure of the first two bridges, traffic will be detoured via US 371, LA 786, LA 507, and LA 155. Detour signage will be in place. The entire project (removal and replacement of all four bridges) is anticipated to wrap up in fall of 2026, with progress dependent on weather conditions and other factors that may impact construction timelines.

Map indicates location of bridges to be replaced on LA 155 near Coushatta in Red River Parish.(DOTD)

SABINE PARISH - LOUISIANA

On Tuesday, May 30 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting, Bridge# 084303570101601 on LA 473 over Bayou Toro will be reduced to one lane for routine bridge inspection. The bridge is located 1.6 miles east of LA 191.
DOTD announces Thursday, March 23 that the first of two projects to install the flashing yellow left turn arrow traffic signals in the central region. The first project (Part 1) includes the installation of the foundation, mast arm, and signal work for 30 locations in Natchitoches, Avoyelles, Sabine, Vernon, and Winn parishes. These upgraded signals will only be installed at intersections where a protected left turn (left turn arrow) and designated left turn lane already exist. Currently, the contractor for the $2.8 million project is installing concrete foundations for the new mast arms that hold traffic signals at various locations. Motorists can expect to see the new signals operational in the next few months. The second project (Part 2), anticipated to go to bid in April of 2024, includes signal upgrades in Rapides Parish. Please note that letting dates are often subject to change based on a variety of factors. Flashing yellow arrow signal indications feature a flashing yellow arrow, in addition to the traditional red, yellow, and green signals. When illuminated, the flashing yellow arrow allows waiting motorists to perform a left-hand turn after yielding to oncoming traffic. Oncoming traffic has a green light, so drivers must wait for a safe gap in the oncoming traffic before turning. Flashing yellow arrow signals provide more opportunities for motorists to make a left-hand turn and reduce delays when traffic is light. Motorists will eventually encounter the new flashing yellow arrows on all state-maintained traffic signals across Louisiana where a protected left turn already exists, as part of a federal standard for implementation of the signals. For more information on flashing yellow arrows, click here. To watch a video explaining the operation of the new signals, click here.

SEVIER COUNTY - ARKANSAS

U.S. 71 will have alternating lane closures 24 hours per day, every day, beginning Nov. 14, 2022. The closures will take place on a 0.22-mile stretch of road between Forest Oak Road and Woodridge Road. The closures, which are for bridge preservation polymer overlay, will be in effect until further notice.
AR 41 will have alternating lane closures 24 hours per day, every day, beginning Sept. 13, 2022. The closures will take place on a 0.12-mile stretch of road near S Lakeside Circle. The closures, which are for bridge preservation polymer overlay, will be in effect until further notice.
U.S. 70 will have alternating lane closures from sunrise to sunset Monday through Saturday beginning Sept. 13, 2022. The closures will take place on a 7.5-mile stretch of road between U.S. 71 and Woolsey Creek. The closures, which are for bridge preservation polymer overlay, will be in effect until further notice.

TITUS COUNTY - TEXAS

Cable median barrier will soon be installed along three sections of roadway in Harrison, Morris, and Titus counties, according to plans approved in September by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). This safety project will place almost 10 more miles of cable barriers on area roadways. Cable barriers consist of several strands of high-tension cable and are designed to catch vehicles in the median before they cross over into oncoming traffic. The section of roadway scheduled to receive cable median barriers is US 271 from 1 mile south of SH 49 to 1 mile west of Business 271 (1.7 miles). Work on the project is expected to begin in early 2023. Once underway, the project should take about 10 months to complete, weather permitting.
Four bridges on Highway 271 will be replaced early in 2022, including those over Dickson Creek, Big Slough Creek, White Oak Creek, and White Oak Creek Relief. The new bridges will include two lanes in each direction, with a median and shoulders. The impact to traffic during construction should be minimal. Work on the project should begin in February of 2022 and take about three years to complete.

About 160 miles of northeast Texas highways will receive new surfaces starting in mid-May, according to plans awarded last fall by the Texas Department of Transportation. Contractor, Missouri Petroleum Products Company of Bullard, Texas, was awarded the contract to seal coat highways in all nine counties within the Atlanta District with a low bid of $10.8 million. The Atlanta District includes Bowie, Camp, Cass, Harrison, Marion, Morris, Panola, Titus, and Upshur counties. Seal coating a highway is a process that helps preserve the pavement structure. The cost-effective operation involves placing a layer of hot asphalt over the old pavement and then covering it with crushed stone. Once underway, the project is expected to be complete in about six weeks, weather permitting. The following highways will be affected:

US 67 from 0.1 miles east of FM 1734 to 0.1 miles west of US 271
US 67 from Morris County line to BU 271
FM 899 from 0.05 miles east of Blackland railroad to SH 49
FM 4000 from US 271 to FM 1735
FM 1896 from US 271 to Franklin County line

WORK ONGOING THROUGH JUNE 3

US 271 – At Dickson Creek, Big Slough Creek, White Oak Creek, and White Oak Creek Relief. Replacing bridges.
FM 1735 – From SH 49 to 2 miles south of SH 49, resurfacing road

WEBSTER PARISH - LOUISIANA

Beginning in late May, drivers should expect intermittent lane closures on I-20 eastbound and westbound as the project to replace the LA 531 overpass near Minden progresses. These lane closures are anticipated to last for approximately the next six months, as the contractor works to mobilize equipment and begin construction work on the new bridge. Some travel delays may occur, though DOTD works to reduce the inconvenience to the traveling public as much as possible while still allowing work to move forward on the project. The existing bridge will remain open to traffic while construction on the new structure is underway. To read more about the project, click here. This work will be performed weather permitting.
On Thursday, May 25, the inside lane of I-20 W at the LA 531 overpass near Minden will be closed. This closure is scheduled to take place from approximately 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is necessary to allow the contractor to mobilize equipment for the ongoing LA 531 overpass replacement project. This work will be performed weather permitting.
DOTD announces a project to replace a 63-year-old bridge along the I-20 corridor. The LA 531 overpass in Minden will be removed and replaced as part of a $19.3 million project, which will ensure continued access to businesses and surrounding communities for years to come. The contractor has already completed the clearing and grubbing portion of work to clear the site of vegetation and other material. The project is currently in the utility relocation phase, a period of time given to any companies that own utilities within the project limits to move those so construction work can begin. This phase is anticipated to last until mid-May of 2023. Following utility relocation, work on the new overpass will begin. The existing bridge will remain open to traffic while construction on the new structure is underway. This project also includes two single-lane roundabouts that will be built at each of the interchange ramps to ensure smooth traffic flow and improved safety while entering and exiting the interstate. Some lane closures on I-20 will be necessary as construction progresses, in addition to some nighttime ramp closures. The goal is always to keep traffic impacts to a minimum, while still allowing work on the project to move forward. Any lane or ramp closures will be communicated in advance via the MyDOTD email subscription system, and signage will be posted alerting motorists as they approach the work zone. The entire project is anticipated to be complete in mid 2025, with progress dependent on weather conditions and other factors that may impact construction timelines.
Beginning Monday, Feb. 6 at 8 a.m., Dorcheat Road (LA-3008) over Caney Creek, located between Topeka Trail and Methodist Camp Road, will be closed. This road closure is to allow the contractor to remove and replace the existing structure. This closure is expected to last six months. Alternate Route: Detour signs will be in place. This work will be performed weather permitting.
Beginning Monday, Jan. 30 at 8 a.m., Dorcheat Road (LA-3008) over Caney Creek, located between Topeka Trail and Methodist Camp Road, will be closed. This road closure is to allow the contractor to remove and replace the existing structure. This closure is expected to last six months. Alternate Route: Detour signs will be in place. This work will be performed weather permitting.
DOTD announces a project to replace four bridges in the parish, including the Dorcheat Bayou bridge on LA 160 that has been closed since June of 2021.This $9.3 million project was awarded to W.L. Bass Construction Inc., and is set to begin in early October of 2022. Work will start off with clearing and grubbing at the site of the Dorcheat Bayou bridge on LA 160, the largest of the four structures. The contractor will then begin the removal of the existing closed bridge, which is located approximately 1.6 miles west of the intersection with LA 3008. Other work associated with these bridge replacements includes grading, drainage structures, pavement patching, roadway base, and asphalt overlay. Once the first bridge is replaced, the contractor will mobilize to begin removal and replacement of the other three smaller bridges, also located along LA 160. The entire project (removal and replacement of all four bridges) is anticipated to be complete in spring of 2024. Construction progress is always dependent on weather conditions and numerous other factors. Motorists are currently detouring using US 371, LA 2, and LA 159.