Bossier Parish leaders and state transportation officials celebrated a major funding milestone on September 17, 2026. The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded the parish a $25 million BUILD grant to move forward with the long‑planned east‑west corridor that will connect Winfield Road directly to Benton Road, creating a continuous route north of Interstate 220.
Project scope and local impact
The corridor, part of a broader $54 million investment, is designed to relieve commuter congestion, improve driver safety, and maintain critical access to Barksdale Air Force Base. Parish President Tom Salzer called the grant “a direct investment in the daily lives of the people we serve,” emphasizing how better roads benefit families and local businesses.
Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development Secretary Glenn Ledet explained that the grant will fund the final engineering, design, permitting, and the first phase of construction. “This $25 million grant is more than just funding – it’s the critical piece needed to kick‑start the project,” Ledet said.
History and funding timeline
The corridor concept originated in the Bossier Parish Police Jury’s comprehensive land‑use plan of 2002. After years of environmental reviews, public hearings, and right‑of‑way preservation, the project gained momentum in 2022 when Parish Engineer Eric Hudson secured $10 million from the Northwest Louisiana Council of Governments and $2.5 million from the police jury for engineering services.
Officials expect final engineering, design, environmental permitting, and land‑acquisition to be completed within the next two years. Road construction is projected to take three to five years, delivering a modern transportation link that will serve the parish for generations.
Local leadership voices
Vice President Julianna Parks highlighted that the route runs directly through her district, promising traffic relief and a safer commute for residents. Parish Administrator Ken Ward noted that the corridor will accommodate ongoing growth and strengthen regional connectivity.
U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson announced the award, marking a milestone for a project pursued by local leaders and state planners for more than two decades.
What’s next for Bossier Parish?
With the grant secured, the parish will move quickly to finalize designs and begin right‑of‑way purchases. Community members can expect regular updates as the project progresses, and local officials have pledged transparency throughout the construction phase.
The east‑west corridor stands as a tangible example of federal‑state‑local partnership delivering infrastructure that supports families, businesses, and the broader regional economy.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
