Existed: 1921 – 1955 Constructed 1921 | Length 207.3 km | |
South end: US 71 / US 165 / US 167 in Alexandria North end: US 79 / US 80 in Shreveport | ||
Louisiana State Route 20 (LA 20) was one of the 98 original state highways that were established in 1921. It ran in a south to north direction for 128.8 miles (207.3 km), spanning from Alexandria north to Shreveport.
Route description
Beginning at Shreveport through Caspiana, Westdale, Lake End, Natchitoches, down East Bank of Cane River to Dr. Pratt's Bridge over said Route, West Bank of Cane River to Natchez Lane, thence to Bermuda Bridge to Cypress, Montrose, Derry, Cloutierville, Monette Ferry Bridge, Lena, Rapides line Boyce to Alexandria. - 1924 Louisiana Legislative Route Description
A route meant to parallel LA 1 and LA 10 across the Red River, LA 20 began as a city street in Alexandria. It intersected LA 21 and LA 1 before leaving the city, following the railroad north through small towns. The first major state route intersected was LA 75, where LA 20 turned to cross the Cane River.
LA 20 followed the old river north to Natchitoches, meeting LA 6 as well as LA 1 once more. LA 20 crossed no major routes until it met LA 9, a road running between Mansfield and Coushatta. US 84 also met LA 20, joining it north from LA 9 to a newer alignment, with LA 20 never meeting another major route until downtown Shreveport.
Downtown Shreveport was where LA 20 met US 71, US 79, US 80, LA 4, LA 8, and LA 55 all at the same intersection.