The I-49 Inner City Connector has been one of those Shreveport projects that feels like it has lived in the “maybe someday” category for far too long. Now, Governor Jeff Landry is putting fresh attention on it, and for local drivers, business owners, and anyone tired of seeing that gap remain unfinished, that got people’s attention in a hurry.
Landry told KEEL News on Tuesday that he made it clear this is not some forgotten item on a long wish list. He said he had already taken the issue to Washington and pushed it as a major priority for northwest Louisiana.
A Project People Are Tired of Waiting On
Anyone who has lived here for long knows the frustration. The connector is a short stretch, but it carries a long history. It is meant to link I-49 at I-20 with I-49 North near I-220, finally completing that missing piece through Shreveport.
That is why this landed the way it did when Landry was asked about it. His answer was immediate: “I’m ahead of you.” That line alone told listeners he wanted people to know the conversation had already started behind the scenes.
What Governor Landry Says He Has Done
Landry said he called U.S. Rep. Sam Graves, the chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and raised the issue directly. He also said he traveled to Washington with a list of projects and made sure this one stood out.
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His strongest quote may have been this: “I pointed out to him that three mile stretch. And I told him that it was the most important stretch to you and Mike Johnson.”…