Red River Flood Forecast: Impacts on Shreveport-Bossier and I-35 Construction

Recent severe storms and rainfall across the Red River basin, including areas in Arkansas, Texas, and Oklahoma, are contributing to rising water levels in Shreveport and Bossier City. The NOAA/National Weather Service is closely monitoring the situation, with forecasts predicting the Red River to cross into flood stage this week. Upstream, significant flooding has already been observed at the I-35 crossing on the Texas/Oklahoma border, impacting the construction of a new bridge. The rising waters have submerged equipment and caused delays to the $480 million project, which aims to improve traffic flow on this vital transportation corridor. The project includes widening I-35 in both Oklahoma and Texas to accommodate the expected increase in daily traffic. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) is partnering with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) on this project. ODOT estimates that widening all of I-35 to six lanes in Oklahoma would cost nearly $2.5 billion, highlighting the scale of the overall project.

As of May 5, 2025, the Red River is less than a foot below "Action" flood stage.

The NOAA/National Weather Service predicts the river will reach flood stage by Thursday.

Floodwaters have submerged equipment and caused delays to the project.

The project aims to widen I-35 and accommodate increasing traffic volume.

Do you think this flood forecast will materialize? How will it affect your commute or travel plans? Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!