See the Final Route for the Red River Expressway in Shreveport-Bossier

One of the final hurdles has been complete for the proposed Red River Express (RRE) in southeast Shreveport and Bossier City. The Shreveport City Council has given the green light to this project.

Where Will the Red River Expressway Run?

This will be a new 9-mile limited access roadway connecting LA 3132 at Flournoy Lucas to LA 1, and then extending over the Red River to connect to US 71 via a toll bridge over the river.

The RRE will make travel to the Caddo-Bossier Port much more accessible.

The roadway will will be maintained by the Red River Express private company and not by local government.

Motorists will be able to use the roadway for free. The only time you would pay a toll is when you cross the bridge.

How Much Will the Red River Expressway Cost?

The projected cost is $115 million dollars and that cost is being paid for by the Tim James company which will build and manage the highway. They also built and maintained the Foley Beach Express near Gulf Shores, Alabama.

Attorney William Bradford tells KEEL News they hope to get the work started on this highway in the first quarter of next year. The goal is to complete the highway and the bridge by 2030.

The final approval is now needed from the Army Corps of Engineers on the bridge proposal. A wetland investigation was submitted to the Corps of Engineers, and other permits have been turned in.

If approved, it’s unclear if the Metropolitan Planning Commission will have jurisdiction over plat revisions in Esplanade, described as “an exclusive, gated community known for high-end custom-built homes.”

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Alabama-based Red River Expressway plans to construct an eight-mile road and bridge tollway over the Red River from Flournoy Lucas in Caddo Parish to Highway 71 in Bossier Parish, according to city documents.

The project is estimated to cost about $115 million.

Residents of Esplanade and 12 Oaks have had questions about this roadway and some concessions have been made to address those concerns. A wall is being built between the highway and the subdivisions. Also, the speed limited will drop to 35mph near these homes. 18-Wheelers will be restricted from using the highway from Flournoy Lucas to Highway 1 (Youree Drive).