Train Traffic Headaches in Bossier Coming to an End?

I recently had to go rescue my wife when her alternator gave out on her car.  She pulled over as she was traveling Benton Road in Bossier.  I came from downtown Shreveport down East Texas (Hwy 80) going east toward Benton Road where I got caught by a train crossing East Texas.  This is just after 5P, so the traffic was already heavy.

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Then, as that train cleared, traffic traveling north on Benton Road was backed up from Shed Road all the way south past East Texas.  You couldn't turn left onto Benton Road because another train was now crossing Benton Road at the Shed Road RR crossing.  What should have been a 15 minute drive took over 45 minutes.

Now, this is nothing new to Bossier residents who have been dealing with this for years.  And I'm not even really complaining because it happens.  But things will be changing for Bossier commuters pretty soon.

The Walter O. Bigby Carriageway is currently under construction to help alleviate that very problem.  The project includes a bridge/overpass being constructed over train tracks near Shed Road.  Hallelujah....

The project also includes two new roundabouts, in addition to one already finished on US 80 near the Old Benton Road.  The new ones are going to be located at Hamilton Road and Water Plant Road, and the other will be at the intersection of Shed Road and the new 4-lane roadway extension.

Walter O. Bigby served as democrat state representative for Bossier Parish from 1968 to 1979.

The project is expected to be completed by spring 2024.