Why the I-20 Westbound Exit to Bert Kouns is Getting a Huge Upgrade

Apparently there's been enough history and research for traffic engineers to determine that there's a problem with the current configuration of the Bert Kouns exit ramp from I-20 westbound in west Shreveport.

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The good news is that there will be improvements made to this exit ramp in an effort to improve safety and traffic flow. The bad news is that the work will begin Monday, May 18 and won't likely be over until late this summer.

In a release from the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, we learn of the upcoming $947,007 project that will include grading, milling asphalt concrete, class II base course, lime treatment, asphalt concrete pavement, upgraded lighting, permanent roadway striping, and related work.

Canva/Google Maps/DOTD

All this is an effort to increase the length of the deceleration lane at the exit ramp from I-20 westbound to LA 526 (W. Bert Kouns Industrial Loop) which will allow for additional vehicle storage space.

Construction activities will require primarily intermittent shoulder closures, with some brief lane closures necessary at times at the I-20 westbound exit ramp.

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The purpose of this lane extension is to improve safety by reducing the conflicts between higher speed vehicles on the travel lanes and slower speed vehicles that are exiting. By providing this additional lane space, there is a reduction in the risk of rear-end crashes.

Longer deceleration lanes also reduce the “stop-and-go” impacts of exiting vehicles that can create congestion at high-volume interchanges.

With an estimated completion in the latter part of this summer (2026), DOTD reminds all that progress on this project is dependent on weather conditions and other factors that can impact construction timelines.

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. Remember to leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Call 511, visit www.511la.org, or download the Louisiana 511 mobile app for additional travel 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 X (Twitter) pages.