The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) says commercial vehicles are banned from a construction zone starting Thursday night due to safety concerns.

Starting at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 21, commercial vehicles are banned from driving through the I-20 reconstruction zone in Bossier City, officials announced on Thursday morning.

Commercial vehicle drivers should use primary detour of I-220.

Commercial vehicle drivers caught on the I-20 construction zone after 7:30 p.m. may be issued a citation under Louisiana Revised Statute 32:237.

Previously, commercial vehicle drivers were strongly urged but not banned from the I-20 construction zone. However, “the current traffic configuration includes several narrow bridges that have proven difficult for large commercial vehicles to navigate, resulting in incidents that impact traffic for long periods of time.”

Transportation officials will use digital signage at the I-220 interchange in Shreveport and Bossier City, as well as at the on- and off-ramps at the interchanges within the reconstruction zone to direct trucks not to enter I-20.

“This change is also aimed at ensuring major reconstruction work continues to make significant progress, as incidents involving 18-wheelers can impact this work due to the nature of the clean-up and removal process,” the Louisiana DOTD said.

For additional information, please click here.