The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LaDOTD) announced that the I-20 on and off-ramps at LA 72 (Old Minden Road) will be closed starting on Wednesday, May 29, until mid-August. The closure will have a significant impact on businesses in the Shreveport/Bossier area, prompting KSLA News 12 to interview several owners to gauge their concerns about the three-month shutdown.
One owner, Tekara Davis, expressed her worries about how the closure might affect her hairstyling business. She noted that she would need flexibility to navigate the changes brought on by the ramp closures as they are a crucial part of her commute to work. She mentioned that she hoped LaDOTD would consider extending the closure date beyond mid-August to allow businesses more time to adjust.
An official from LaDOTD highlighted the significance of the area, noting that it is a busy corridor with restaurants, financial institutions, and schools still in session. To mitigate the impact of this shutdown, LaDOTD has advised using Airline Drive and Benton Road as alternate routes during this period. The Bossier Chamber of Commerce has reached out to businesses in the area to prepare them for the closures and ensure they are monitoring their finances closely.
While concerns about decreased business due to the closures were expressed, Lisa Johnson from the Chamber emphasized that businesses in Old Minden Road remain open for business. She encouraged community members to continue supporting these businesses during this challenging time by choosing alternate routes or visiting them at different times when traffic congestion is reduced.
The entire construction project is expected to be completed by late 2025.
LaDOTD announced today that it will close all I-20 ramps leading onto LA 72 (Old Minden Road) starting Wednesday, May 29th until mid-August. Several business owners in Shreveport/Bossier were interviewed by KSLA News 12 about their concerns regarding this three-month shutdown’s impact on their operations.
One owner expressed worry about how this closure might affect his hairstyling business’s daily operations since he travels through Old Minden Road regularly for work purposes.
“I need flexibility because these ramp closures are essential parts of my commute,” said Tekara Davis.
An official from LaDOTD acknowledged Old Minden Road’s importance as a busy corridor with restaurants, financial institutions, and schools still in session.
“We advise drivers using Airline Drive and Benton Road as alternative routes during this period,” said an official from LaDOTD.
The Bossier Chamber of Commerce also reached out to businesses in Old Minden Road to help them prepare for these closures and monitor their finances carefully.
While some concerns about decreased business due to these closures were expressed by Lisa Johnson from the Chamber emphasized that businesses remain open for customers despite being located near Old Minden Road’s construction zone.
