On Jan. 7, 2026, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development Secretary Glenn Ledet, Jr., along with state and local officials, turned ceremonial dirt to mark the official kick-off of construction on the $39.2 million project to replace the LA 544 (Tech Drive) overpass over I-20 in the city of Ruston, Lincoln Parish.
Preliminary work has already begun, which includes clearing and grubbing to clear the project site of vegetation and prepare for construction, as well as utility relocations. Utility relocation operations are conducted by the company that owns each utility located within the construction zone.
Once the preliminary work is finished, construction on the new LA 544 overpass will begin. The existing structure — built in 1963 — will be kept in place and open to traffic while construction on the new bridge takes place.
In addition to the new modernized bridge, the contractor — JB James Construction LLC — will be building a new MSE (mechanically stabilized earth) wall that is used as a retaining structure to prevent erosion and support heavy loads as vehicles cross the bridge.
Other work on the project includes new three new concrete roundabouts (two north of I-20 & one south) to replace signalized intersections; concrete paving for the roadway tie-ins; street lighting; and permanent roadway striping and signage.
Some operations will take place adjacent to and over the interstate, such as the construction of the MSE walls, drilled shaft foundations, bridge girders, bridge deck and pier protection/guardrail. This work will necessitate alternating lane closures on I-20 to ensure the safety of both workers and the traveling public.
This type of investment in the state's transportation system serves to enhance quality of life for travelers and support continued economic growth for the region. Projects like this also are driven forward by DOTD's continued transformation initiative — T4LA.
Through T4LA, DOTD is emphasizing on-time delivery, clear accountability and data-driven decision making, along with strong partnerships that are crucial to providing the types of successful construction projects that our communities expect and deserve.
The entire LA 544 overpass project is anticipated to wrap up in late 2029, weather and other factors permitting.
For more information, visit dotd.la.gov.
