Watch For Narrower Lanes Beginning Monday on Busy DeSoto Highway

It wasn't that long ago when the biggest issue most residents of North Louisiana had with the state was the condition of our roads.

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Evidently the keepers of the state's purse strings were listening!

Just consider the ongoing projects in the area at present. Some of the noteworthy work includes:

• Replacement of the LA Hwy 1 bridge over Caddo Lake
• I-20 reconstruction project in Bossier City
• Bossier City's construction of the new Walter O. Bigby Carriageway
• Widening up to 5 lanes of LA Hwy 157 in the town of Haughton

While traffic delays and the search for alternate routes are frustrating, the only way to have the roads we feel we deserve, is to suffer through these construction projects, and now DeSoto Parish will soon see more changes to one of its busiest highways.

You might recall back in November of 2023 that the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development made the announcement of a huge project planned for LA 5 in DeSoto Parish.  Apparently, that work has progressed to the point where there will be a necessary change this coming Monday.

According to the DOTD, on Monday, March 18, lane widths on LA 5 from Thomas Road to LA 3015 will decrease to 10 feet.

This will allow the contractor to proceed with rebuilding this section of LA 5, which includes removing the existing pavement and replacing with new asphalt, including the roadway shoulders.

The entire $15.3 million project stretches from Thomas Road to Keatchie (approximately 11 miles), and is anticipated to be complete in Summer 2025, weather permitting.

Vehicles 10 feet wide or smaller will be allowed to pass through the work zone. All larger vehicles will need to detour.

DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution through the construction site and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment.

Area residents should exercise caution when driving, walking, or biking near an active construction zone.

Call 511, visit www.511la.org, or download the Louisiana 511 mobile app for additional information. Out-of-state travelers may call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511). Motorists may also monitor the LA DOTD website at www.dotd.la.gov, by selecting MyDOTD, or by visiting the DOTD Facebook and Twitter pages.