To: Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD)
Cc: Governor of Louisiana, Louisiana State Legislature, Local Government Officials

We, the undersigned residents, commuters, and concerned citizens of Shreveport, Bossier City, and surrounding areas, formally petition the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) to conduct an immediate safety review and implement necessary roadway improvements on Interstate 220 between the North Market exit and the Cross Lake Bridge (approximately between Exit 5 & 6 traveling West around Hillary Huckaby).

 
Statement of Concern
Pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 48:21 (Duties of the Department of Transportation and Development) and Title 32:235 (Authority of the Department in Matters of Highway Safety), DOTD has a legal duty to ensure that all state-maintained roadways are safe for public use.

For at least the past year, this section of I-220 has exhibited a pattern of frequent, severe, and preventable accidents, particularly during rainstorms. Accidents involving 18-wheelers, SUVs, and personal vehicles occur at an alarming rate, resulting in serious injury, extensive property damage, and prolonged traffic congestion.

 
State Negligence and Legal Liability
Under La. R.S. 48:35, DOTD is required to identify and prioritize hazardous highway conditions for remediation. Furthermore, La. R.S. 32:237 mandates that the state correct dangerous roadway conditions when they are known to pose a risk to public safety. Failure to act on known hazardous conditions constitutes gross negligence under Louisiana law, exposing the state to potential liability for injuries, fatalities, and damages caused by preventable accidents.

Given the overwhelming historical evidence of frequent crashes on this specific stretch of highway, DOTD’s continued inaction despite clear and present dangers could be construed as willful disregard for public safety. Allowing hazardous conditions to persist, knowing that they pose a significant threat to motorists, is not just negligent—it is a reckless failure to uphold the state’s fundamental duty to protect its citizens.

 
Drivers Are Now Avoiding I-220 Due to Safety Concerns
The dangers of this section of I-220 are so well known within the community that many drivers now actively avoid this route whenever it rains, despite it being a major interstate intended to provide efficient east-west travel across Shreveport and Bossier City.

As a result:

• Commuters are taking longer, less direct routes to avoid this hazardous section, adding unnecessary time and mileage to their daily travel.
• Many drivers have returned to I-20, despite ongoing construction, leading to increased congestion and renewed strain on that highway.
• The diversion of traffic onto city streets is causing additional stress on local infrastructure, increasing travel delays for businesses and emergency responders.

The fact that drivers fear for their safety on a state-maintained highway is unacceptable. Louisiana taxpayers pay for safe, functional roadways, yet many no longer feel safe using this major route.

 
Unrepaired Barriers Further Increase Danger
Another critical concern is that after these frequent accidents, the middle barriers along I-220 are not being repaired in a timely manner. These barriers serve as a critical safety measure to prevent vehicles, particularly 18-wheelers, from crossing into oncoming traffic. When these barriers remain damaged or missing, the risk of catastrophic accidents increases significantly.

With no protection between opposing lanes of traffic, a car or truck leaving the roadway could cross directly into oncoming vehicles, leading to devastating head-on collisions. This is an urgent safety issue that must be addressed immediately.

 
Call to Action
Under Louisiana law and established DOTD obligations, we demand that the department:

1. Conduct an immediate safety audit of I-220 between North Market and the Cross Lake Bridge, analyzing accident data, roadway design, and contributing risk factors.
2. Examine and remedy roadway hazards, including resurfacing, drainage improvement, signage enhancements, and any necessary engineering modifications.
   Immediately assess and repair all damaged middle barriers to restore proper highway safety protections.
3. Release a public report on the findings of the safety audit within 30 days, including a timeline for implementing corrective actions.

Implement proactive safety measures immediately to reduce further loss of life and property damage.
 
Community and Economic Impact
This issue extends beyond roadway safety—it negatively impacts local businesses, employees, and emergency response times. Frequent crashes cause gridlock, economic losses due to work delays, and increased strain on public resources. Commuters between Shreveport and Bossier City should not be forced to risk their lives every time it rains on I-220.

 
Conclusion
The State of Louisiana cannot continue to ignore this growing public safety crisis. DOTD’s failure to act constitutes gross negligence and places innocent lives in unnecessary jeopardy.

If the state allows fatalities to occur despite clear warnings and repeated accidents, it will be a deliberate abdication of responsibility and an egregious dereliction of duty.

We demand immediate intervention before tragedy strikes. One life lost is one too many.

We request a formal response outlining DOTD’s plan of action within 30 days of receipt of this petition.