Semi-Truck Drivers Reminded It’s Illegal to Travel I-20 in Bossier

Are the rumors on Facebook all true? Can some diesel truck drivers really not read English?

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One would have thought that the numerous flashing neon road signs indicating that all commercial vehicles, such as semis or 18-wheelers, were mandated to exit I-20 and avoid the construction zone through Bossier City, would have been enough.

However, oddly enough, these drivers have disregarded those messages and in just this week alone, reeked total havoc on the traffic in Bossier City, with at least two of them overturning.

According to Erin Buchanan, spokesperson for the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development,

“They’re ignoring it. It’s not a lack of signage. These are on our large digital message boards. This is not a small static sign we’re talking about. They’re placed all over as you enter the work zone on either end of it in both Shreveport and Bossier.”

Now, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development is putting in another plea to these drivers to remember that large commercial motor vehicles are currently prohibited from traveling through the construction zone on I-20 in Bossier City.

DOTD adds that numerous recent crashes involving 18-wheelers have forced the closure of a portion of I-20, which is already reduced to one lane in the rehabilitation zone from Hamilton Road to Industrial Drive.

Not Only Do Accidents Delay Traffic For Hours, They're Slowing Construction

These closures often last for several hours as the operations required to remove these vehicles are extensive, significantly impacting traffic flow in the region. Additionally, these incidents can impede construction progress.

Since the major reconstruction project started in September 2023, DOTD and LSP have urged both motorists and truck drivers to utilize the primary detour of I-220.

The Decision To Prohibit These Large Trucks Was Made Weeks Ago

In December 2023, the decision was made to prohibit large commercial motor vehicles from traveling through the work zone, as phase 2 of construction included concrete barriers and more narrow bridge crossings.

This ban was enacted with the safety of all motorists in mind, as well as with the goal of ensuring progress can continue to be made on the project itself.

Louisiana State Police Have Issued Hundreds of Warnings and Citations

Since then, LSP has issued more than 200 warnings and citations to drivers who have disregarded the numerous signs informing motorists that trucks are prohibited on I-20 and to use the I-220 detour.