During a recent government meeting, officials discussed ongoing improvements to the city's lighting infrastructure, particularly focusing on the Cross Lake Bridge project. Gary, a city representative, reported that while the bridge itself is nearing completion, delays in material delivery are affecting the finalization of interchanges at both ends. He indicated that there will be temporary electricity shutdowns for service changes, which could leave some areas dark for one to two nights. Notifications will be sent out to keep the public informed.

Council members expressed concerns about inadequate street lighting in various neighborhoods, emphasizing the safety risks posed to residents, especially the elderly. Councilwoman Bowen highlighted the volume of complaints received regarding dark areas, prompting discussions about the need for a systematic approach to identify and address these lighting issues.

In response, city officials revealed a partnership with the Shreveport Police Department to conduct nighttime assessments of street lighting across the city. A map detailing the locations of non-functioning lights has been created, with plans to provide district-specific data to council members for better tracking and resolution of the issues.

The meeting underscored the importance of effective communication between the city and utility providers, as officials acknowledged a disconnect that has hindered timely repairs. The discussions concluded with a call for more proactive measures, including regular nighttime inspections by city staff to ensure that lighting issues are promptly addressed.