For years motorists who cross the Jimmie Davis Bridge that connects Caddo and Bossier parish over the Red River have known the bridge's days were numbered and that another bridge in the area was a must.

Get our free mobile app

Work Was Scheduled To Start In 2016

Residents were told in January of 2016 that a project to refurbish the bridge would be delayed due to birds nesting under the bridge.  Shift the calendar to June of 2021 and motorists were advised that the bridge would be replaced due to its deteriorating condition.

We Went Down The Yellow Brick Road Again In 2022

Then again in March of 2022, citizens were led to believe that work would soon begin to replace, repair or reconfigure the Jimmie Davis Bridge and that Louisiana had dedicated $150 million for the project.  To date, we're unaware of any work moving forward to this end.

A New Player Entered The Game In 2021

However, in August of 2021, a new player with a new idea stepped up to the plate.  That's when residents were informed by the Bossier Parish Police Jury that an Alabama based company, Tim James, Inc. had proposed to build a privately funded roadway between Flournoy Lucas Rd. in Caddo Parish and U.S. Highway 71.

Bossier Parish Police Jury
Bossier Parish Police Jury
loading...

This alternative idea would include a new toll bridge to cross Red River and connect the southern ends of Caddo and Bossier Parish. Customers would only pay to cross the toll bridge. This proposal is an alternative route and does not replace any of the free roads and bridges located in Caddo and Bossier parishes.

It's Looking Like This Could Really Happen

It would appear as though this alternative route is now one step closer to becoming a reality.  In a report from KTBS, we learn that Tim James, Inc. (TJI) is currently seeking the required permits for the bridge and roadway project and Tim James, Sr. says, "We are confident that we will be awarded our permits and that we will begin construction in 2024.  We will work hand in glove with each parish, the LaDOTD, other governmental agencies and stakeholders during the design, development and construction of this project."

KEEP READING: Scroll to see what the big headlines were the year you were born

Here's a look at the headlines that captured the moment, spread the word, and helped shape public opinion over the last 100 years.

LOOK: Here are the best lake towns to live in

Many of the included towns jump out at the casual observer as popular summer-rental spots--the Ozarks' Branson, Missouri, or Arizona's Lake Havasu--it might surprise you to dive deeper into some quality-of-life offerings beyond the beach and vacation homes. You'll likely pick up some knowledge from a wide range of Americana: one of the last remaining 1950s-style drive-ins in the Midwest; a Florida town that started as a Civil War veteran retirement area; an island boasting some of the country's top public schools and wealth-earners right in the middle of a lake between Seattle and Bellevue; and even a California town containing much more than Johnny Cash's prison blues.

More From KISS Country 93.7