Changes have been made to Bossier City’s newest major roadway.
The Bossier City Council approved design changes to the Walter O. Bigby Carriageway and to postpone planned improvements to legs of the project at its Feb. 4 meeting.
The council approved a resolution to eliminate proposed roundabouts at Hamilton Road and Shed Road, and to postpone improvements to the Hamilton Road leg and Shed Road leg of the project until future phases of the Walter O. Bigby Carriageway.
Bossier City Public Information Officer Traci Landry said old estimates and higher costs for construction and materials have resulted in a budget shortfall, resulting in the delay of the two legs.
Landry did note that even with hold on the additional phases, the first phase that is under construction is still scheduled to wrap up this year.
“Phase one remains scheduled to wrap up this summer and phase two is still expected to bid this year,” said Landry.
In order to keep the project in budget, the city council moved money around, and talked about phase changes.
Originally, the $57 million project was expected to be completed in two phases. Now city leaders believe it could take three to four phases.
“The Round-A-Bouts are still a part of the master plan, but they won’t be part of the next phase. They will become phase 3 and 4,” said Pam Glorioso, Bossier City CAO.
When phase one wraps up, drivers can expect a wider road from Traffic Street to Old Benton Road, new lighting, wider sidewalks, and the first roundabout will be open.
