SHREVEPORT, La. – The existing Jimmie Davis Bridge over the Red River in Shreveport-Bossier City has serviced millions of vehicles since its construction in 1968, and now it’s taking the first step toward its new role as a pedestrian and bicyclist destination.
The state highway department on Tuesday provided an early glimpse of its transformation into Louisiana’s first linear park with the unveiling of a newly painted section of the overhead truss of the historic structure.
The containment system was removed by construction crews to reveal the blue painted portion that had previously been under cover for months while sandblasting and painting operations were underway.
These operations –- which help prevent rusting and corrosion — will now move to the next section of the truss to continue the rehabilitation process, preparing the structure to become a location for recreation, scenic overlook, and pedestrian connectivity for residents and visitors…