by Malcolm Butler
With the day approaching for the start of construction on a new Cooktown Bridge and subsequent roundabouts associated with it, some preliminary work has begun along the road in an effort to prepare for the larger project.
(CLICK HERE to read July story on new Cooktown Bridge)
For the past month crews have been working to the north of the Cooktown Bridge (Tech Bridge) on both the east and west sides of the road.
According to Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker, there are a multitude of things occurring.
“There is a lot of things going on over there right now,” said Walker, who said work on the actual new bridge itself would most likely begin in early 2026. “People driving through that area need to really slow down and be careful.”
According to Ruston Public Works Director John Freeman, workers are preparing for utility lines (fiber, gas, electrical) on the east side of Cooktown Road as the crew are boring under I-20 to run the lines.
“The majority of the work (on that side) is utility relocations,” said Freeman.
On the west side of Cooktown Road, most of the work is on additional right of ways that will be used to widen the road that will eventually lead to the new bridge itself. The new Cooktown Bridge will include roundabouts on both the north and south sides.
“Because of the advent of roundabouts and the space they will take up — in addition to what is already there lane and space-wise — the DOTD acquired some additional right of ways,” said Freeman.
