I-20 Traffic Update: Benton Road Exit (Exit 20B) to Close All Year

The good news from the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development is that they are over 90% complete with the $127 million I-20 major rehabilitation project in Bossier City.

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The bad news is that the remaining 10% will come with some additional obstacles that Bossier City drivers will need to navigate.

Another dose of good news comes in the latest update from DOTD when they advised that later this evening, Thursday, August 28, the I-20 eastbound off-ramp to US 71 (Barksdale Blvd) will reopen to traffic.

But, to counter that good news, we also get word that immediately following the re-opening of the Barksdale Blvd. ramp, the I-20 eastbound off-ramp to (LA 3) Benton Road) will close for reconstruction of the approaches to the flyover bridge. This will be the final ramp to close as part of the project, and is estimated to be closed until late December 2025.

Eastbound motorists wishing to access Benton Rd. may do so via the Old Minden Road interchange. Appropriate detour signage will be in place.

DOTD goes on to state that concrete paving operations continue in order to re-build the LA 3105 (Airline Drive) on and off-ramps, as well as the I-20 westbound on-ramps from both Barksdale Blvd. and Benton Rd.

The Airline Drive ramps are estimated to re-open in late October/early November. The Benton Rd. and Barskdale Blvd. westbound on-ramps should re-open in late November, with all of these being weather permitting.

Other paving operations are progressing on the I-20 travel lanes in both directions, along with drainage improvements and other related construction activities.

The entire project remains on track to wrap up in late 2025/early 2026, with progress 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.

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 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.