By Stacey Tinsley, newsroom@bossierpress.com
South Bossier residents are rejoicing after seeing a long-awaited traffic light is due to be installed very soon at a busy intersection.
Located at Robert E. Lee Boulevard and Barksdale Boulevard (U.S. Hwy. 71), the traffic light has been on the agenda of local officials for several years. Several requests have been submitted to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) to study the intersection.
South Bossier resident Jackie Henderson said, “I feel real super about that light because it is going to help prevent a lot of wrecks and save a lot of lives. It is a very dangerous intersection. I have worked at Taco Bell across Southgate for one year. We have seen a lot of wrecks. One of my employees who lives in Southgate, tried to cross the intersection a while back and was in a bad wreck. Her car was totaled.”
According to information obtained from Bossier City Public Information Officer Traci Landry, the Bossier City Police Department has worked 20 reported crashes at the intersection of Robert. E. Lee and Barksdale Boulevard from Jan. 1, 2017 through August 1, 2018.
Southgate resident Hanna Powers said, “Every single person I have ever come in contact with from south Bossier has said nearly the same thing (about needing a light). How many people have to die before the city decides to put up traffic lights? I’m disappointed it took this long for anything to happen, but I am so glad it’s finally happening, and I pray that this will cut down on the number of tragic accidents in that part of South Bossier.”
Previous traffic studies conducted by (DOTD), dating back to 2010, indicated the intersection did not meet the necessary warrants for the installation of a new traffic signal.
The most recent study, beginning in January 2017 and completed in April 2017, shows that traffic conditions have changed and the installation of a signal is now warranted.
After working tirelessly for 10 years, hearing concerns and comments from local residents living in south Bossier and calling upon for assistance from Gov. John Bel Edwards, Bossier City Councilman Scott Irwin has kept his promise to the community his district of south Bossier.
“ I am very pleased to see that the light is being installed. It’s going to help the residents in all the subdivisions connected to Southgate. I think it’s going to be beneficial to help residents travel safely. The people have been asking for this for 10 years, and I represent the people.” Irwin said.
There is not an exact date on when the traffic light will be operational.
Public Information Officer for DOTD Erin Buchanan said, “When the traffic light is fully operational, DOTD will notify the public via MyDOTD system. We ask that motorists be mindful of the change in traffic pattern once the signal is operational.”
You can sign up for MyDOTD for free at this link.
