The wait continues for a much-needed and long-awaited traffic light at a busy south Bossier intersection.
The light at Barksdale and Robert E. Lee boulevards could be installed soon, but the state is “at the mercy of the railroad” right now.
“We are still waiting on [Kansas City Southern] to complete their preemptive work,” said Erin Buchanan, DOTD Public Information Officer. “They said, at the end of March, they had expedited this specific project and were expecting to have materials shipped to them April 20.”
Once materials are received, Buchanan said they estimate KCS to finish their part in six to nine weeks. Then the state can take over and begin its part of the project.
Their timeline is broad, too.
“It just depends on where the project falls on the state’s list,” Buchanan said, reassuring that the light is still coming.
The Barksdale and Robert E. Lee intersection has been the site of numerous car accidents over the years. Because of its proximity to the railroad tracks, other traffic mitigation tools, such as roundabouts and J-turns, were not feasible.
The traffic light became a priority for Bossier City Councilman Scott Irwin back in 2010. He made it a renewed priority when he was re-elected last year.
Irwin said the project is urgent, with the area growing and traffic increasing as people move south.
Residents have long complained about how dangerous it is to leave their neighborhoods. Robert E. Lee is the primary corridor feeding traffic from Southgate, Golden Meadows and other subdivisions onto Barksdale Boulevard.
need a stop light at the i220 on and off ramps on swan lake.
Absolutely!
Agreed!
Yes!!!
They should have made this traffic light higher priority than whatever the heck they did along Barksdale/ Sligo Road intersection. That was a waste of money.