See Aerial Footage of the New I-49/I-220 Interchange

The guys at Twin Blends Photography have been at it again, this time capturing the completed I-49/I-220 interchange that's been in the works for four years!

I have to admit, while driving through the finished section the other day, I couldn't help but admire how nice it was. Then I hit the overpass that runs over North Market and I was jolted firmly back into reality! But I'm not complaining, we're seeing real progress. One thing I'd like to suggest moving forward... Can we maybe add some fleur-de-lis embellishments? Think of how Texas has 'stars' imprinted into their bridges and overpasses... I think that would be a nice touch!

State and local officials, including Governor John Bel Edwards, were on hand last Wednesday, October 17, 2018 for the official opening of the I-49 North Segment K Phase 2 project in Shreveport that cost $142 million to complete. The project, which began in 2014, faced several set backs due to serious flooding in both 2015 and 2016. The total cost to extend I-49 from I-220 to the Arkansas state line is approximately $650 million. 

According to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, the long term goal is for I-49 to, "be extended from Lafayette to New Orleans and north from Shreveport to Kansas City, MO, where it will connect with other interstates and provide a seamless link from Louisiana ports to the Canadian border."

Even though the interchange is now open for use, work continues along I-220 this week for permanent pavement marking, bridge work and pouring ditch pavement, weather permitting. Click here for updates from the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development.