Road Information

Interstate 49 in Louisiana    
Total Mileage in State: 247 miles
Northern End: At Arkansas state line
Southern End: At I-10, in Lafayette
Mileage covered in Photos: 247 miles
Parishes covered in Photos: Lafayette, St. Landry, Evangeline, Avoyelles, Rapides, Natchitoches, DeSoto, Caddo
Major Junctions in Photos: I-10, in Lafayette
US 71/US 165, in Alexandria
I-20, in Shreveport
US 71, in Hosston
Control Cities in Photos: Lafayette, Opelousas, Alexandria, Shreveport

Northbound

Sections:
  • Section 1: Lafayette (Interstate 10) to Alexandria (Exit 84)
  • Section 2: Alexandria (Exit 84) to Natchitoches (Exit 138)
  • Section 3: Natchitoches (Exit 138) to Shreveport (Exit 206)
  • Section 4: Northern Segment - Interstate 220 (Exit 210) to Arkansas Border

Section 1: Lafayette to Alexandria (Exit 84)

   

Approaching the beginning of Interstate 49 North in Lafayette on US 167 North, the speed limit starts out at 60 mph. (Photo taken 5/22/18).

Interstate 49 North at Exit 1A: Interstate 10 East - Baton Rouge (Photo taken 5/22/18).

Interstate 49 North at Exit 1B: Interstate 10 West - Lake Charles (Photo taken 5/22/18).

Interstate 49 North as traffic from Interstate 10 West merges with it on the right. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Approaching Exit 1C, the speed limit increases to 70 mph. This is the standard speed limit on most, but not all, rural Interstate highways in Louisiana. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Interstate 49 North at Exit 1C: Pont Des Mouton Rd (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Interstate 49 North at Exit 2: LA 98 - Gloria Switch Road (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Interstate 49 North reassurance shield. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Interstate 49 North at Exit 4: LA 726 - Carencro (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Interstate 49 North at mile marker 5. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Mileage sign on Interstate 49 North. It's 2 miles to the next exit (LA 182) and 11 miles to Opelousas. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Interstate 49 North at Exit 7: LA 182 (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Another Interstate 49 North reassurance shield. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Interstate 49 North as it enters St. Landry Parish. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Interstate 49 North at Exit 11: LA 93 - Sunset / Grand Coteau (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Interstate 49 North at mile marker 13. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Take any of the next 4 exits to Opelousas. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Interstate 49 North at Exit 15: LA 3233 - Harry Guilbeau Road (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Interstate 49 North at Exit 17: Judson Walsh Drive (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Take Exit 18 to the Racetrack. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Interstate 49 North at Exit 18: LA 31 - Creswell Ln (Photo taken 5/23/18).

In the event of a closure on Interstate 10 East, US 190 East via Exit 19A can be used as a viable detour route. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Take Exit 19A to Port Barre. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Interstate 49 North at Exit 19A: US 190 East - Baton Rouge (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Interstate 49 North at Exit 19B: US 190 West - Opelousas (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Mileage sign on Interstate 49 North. It is 60 miles to Alexandria from this point, just north of Opelousas. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Interstate 49 North at Exit 23: US 167 North / LA 744 - Ville Platte (Photo taken 5/23/18).

The speed limit increases to 75 mph just north of Exit 23 on Interstate 49 North. It remains 75 mph until I-49 North nears Shreveport. Currently, this is the only stretch of Interstate in Louisiana to have a speed limit greater than 70 mph. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Interstate 49 North at Exit 25: LA 103 - Washington / Port Barre (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Interstate 49 North at Exit 27: LA 10 - Lebeau (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Interstate 49 North reassurance shield. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

View on Interstate 49 North at mile marker 29. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Interstate 49 North at mile marker 32. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

The speed limit remains 75 mph. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Rest Area on Interstate 49 North in St. Landry Parish. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Interstate 49 North at mile marker 38. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Interstate 49 North entering Evangeline Parish. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Interstate 49 North at Exit 40: LA 29 - Ville Platte (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Another Interstate 49 North reassurance shield. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

The speed limit remains 75 mph. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Interstate 49 North at mile marker 44. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Take either of the next 2 exits to Bunkie. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Interstate 49 North as it enters Avoyelles Parish. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Take Exit 46 to Chicot State Park and Arboretum. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Interstate 49 North at Exit 46: LA 106 - St Landry (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Mileage sign on Interstate 49 North. It's 6 miles to the interchange of LA 115 and 32 miles to Alexandria. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Interstate 49 North at mile marker 51. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Take Exit 53 to the Audubon Golf Trail. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Interstate 49 North at Exit 53: LA 115 - Bunkie (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Entering Rapides Parish on Interstate 49 North. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Interstate 49 North at Exit 56: LA 181 - Cheneyville (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Interstate 49 North at Exit 61: US 167 - Turkey Creek / Meeker (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Another Interstate 49 North reassurance shield. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Interstate 49 North at mile marker 64. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Interstate 49 North at Exit 66: LA 112 - Forest Hill / Lecompte (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Alexandria now lies just 13 miles ahead on Interstate 49 North. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Interstate 49 North at mile marker 70. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Take Exit 73 to LDWF Outdoor Education Center and LDAF Indian Creek Recreation Area. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Interstate 49 North at Exit 73: LA 3265 / PR 22 - Woodworth (Photo taken 5/23/18).

The speed limit remains 75 mph on Interstate 49 North. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Interstate 49 North at mile marker 76. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Take Exit 80 to LSU at Alexandria. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Also take Exit 80 to the Zoo & Recreation Complex. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

The speed limit decreases to 60 mph as Interstate 49 North nears Alexandria. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Interstate 49 North at Exit 80: US 71 / US 167 South - MacArthur Dr (Photo taken 5/23/18).

View on Interstate 49 North at mile marker 82, approaching Alexandria. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Interstate 49 North at Exit 83: Broadway Ave (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Interstate 49 North at Exit 84: US 167 North / LA 28 East / LA 1 - Pineville Expwy / Casson St (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Section 2: Alexandria (Exit 84) to Natchitoches (Exit 138)

   

Take Exit 85A to Alexandria Riverfront Center. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Interstate 49 North at Exit 85A: ML King Dr / Downtown Alexandria (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Interstate 49 North at Exit 85B: Monroe St / Medical Center Dr (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Interstate 49 North at Exit 86: US 71 / US 165 / LA 28 West - MacArthur Dr (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Interstate 49 North at mile marker 87. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

The speed limit remains 60 mph through the Alexandria area. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Mileage sign at mile marker 87.6. It's 3 miles to the junction of LA 498, 50 miles to Natchitoches, and 113 miles to Shreveport. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Take Exit 90 to Audubon Golf Trail. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Approaching Exit 90, the speed limit of 75 mph resumes as Interstate 49 leaves the Alexandria area to the north. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Take Exit 90 to Alexandria International Airport and England Airpark as well. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Interstate 49 North at Exit 90: LA 498 - Air Base Rd (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Interstate 49 North at mile marker 92. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

A Louisiana Welcome Center and Tourist Info Center exist off Exit 94 ahead. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Interstate 49 North at Exit 94: PR 23 - Rapides Station Rd (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Take either of the next 2 exits to Boyce. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Interstate 49 North at Exit 98: LA 1 - Boyce (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Take Exit 99 to Colfax. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Interstate 49 North at Exit 99: LA 1200 / LA 8 East - Boyce (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Interstate 49 North at mile marker 100. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Interstate 49 North reassurance shield. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

The speed limit remains 75 mph on Interstate 49 North. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Interstate 49 North at Exit 103: LA 8 West - Flatwoods (Photo taken 5/23/18).

View on Interstate 49 North at mile marker 106. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Interstate 49 North at Exit 107: Lena (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Interstate 49 North at mile marker 111. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Interstate 49 North at Exit 113: LA 490 - Chopin (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Mileage sign on Interstate 49 North. It's 4 miles to the junction of LA 119, 23 miles to Natchitoches, and 86 miles to Shreveport. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

View on Interstate 49 North at mile marker 117. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Take Exit 119 to Cane River Creole National Historic Park. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Also take Exit 119 to Derry. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Interstate 49 North at Exit 119: LA 119 - Gorum / Cloutierville (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Interstate 49 North at mile marker 122. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

View on Interstate 49 North at mile marker 124. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Exit 127 also provides access to Cane River Creole National Historic Park. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Interstate 49 North at Exit 127: LA 120 - Flora / Cypress (Photo taken 5/23/18).

As you might expect, the speed limit remains 75 mph. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Interstate 49 North at mile marker 130. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Interstate 49 North at Exit 132: LA 478 (Photo taken 5/23/18).

View on Interstate 49 North at mile marker 135. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Take Exit 138 to Toledo Bend Reservoir and Northwestern State University. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Interstate 49 North at Exit 138: LA 6 - Many / Natchitoches (Photo taken 5/23/18).

   
Interstate 49 North at Exit 142: PR 547 - Posey Rd (Photo taken 5/23/18).
Interstate 49 North reassurance shield. (Photo taken 5/23/18).
Mileage sign on Interstate 49 North. It's 5 miles to the junction of LA 485 and 57 miles to Shreveport. (Photo taken 5/23/18).
Interstate 49 North at mile marker 147. (Photo taken 5/23/18).
Interstate 49 North at Exit 148: LA 485 - Allen / Powhatan (Photo taken 5/23/18).
View on Interstate 49 North at mile marker 152. (Photo taken 5/23/18).
Interstate 49 North at Exit 155: LA 174 - Ajax / Lake End (Photo taken 5/23/18).
Interstate 49 North at mile marker 159. (Photo taken 5/23/18).
Entering DeSoto Parish on Interstate 49 North. (Photo taken 5/23/18).
Take Exit 162 to Evelyn. (Photo taken 5/23/18).
Interstate 49 North at Exit 162: US 371 / LA 177 - Pleasant Hill / Coushatta (Photo taken 5/23/18).
Interstate 49 North at mile marker 165. (Photo taken 5/23/18).
Interstate 49 North at Exit 169: Asseff Rd (Photo taken 5/23/18).
Interstate 49 North at mile marker 171. (Photo taken 5/23/18).
Take Exit 172 to Toledo Bend Reservoir and Mansfield State Historic Site and Civil War Battlefield. (Photo taken 5/23/18).
Interstate 49 North at Exit 172: US 84 - Mansfield / Grand Bayou (Photo taken 5/23/18).
View on Interstate 49 North at mile marker 176. (Photo taken 5/23/18).
Interstate 49 North at Exit 177: LA 509 - Carmel (Photo taken 5/23/18).
The speed limit remains 75 mph on Interstate 49 North. (Photo taken 5/23/18).
Mileage sign on Interstate 49 North. It's 8 miles to the junction of LA 175 and 22 miles to Shreveport. (Photo taken 5/23/18).
Interstate 49 North at mile marker 180. (Photo taken 5/23/18).
View on Interstate 49 North at mile marker 182. (Photo taken 5/23/18).
Approaching Exit 186, the speed limit decreases to 70 mph on Interstate 49 North. (Photo taken 5/23/18).
Interstate 49 North at Exit 186: LA 175 - Kingston / Frierson (Photo taken 5/23/18).
Interstate 49 North reassurance shield. (Photo taken 5/23/18).
Interstate 49 North at mile marker 188. (Photo taken 5/23/18).
Interstate 49 North at Exit 191: LA 3276 / PR 16 - Stonewall (Photo taken 5/23/18).
View on Interstate 49 North at mile marker 194. (Photo taken 5/23/18).
Interstate 49 North entering Caddo Parish. (Photo taken 5/23/18).
Interstate 49 North at Exit 196: Southern Loop (Photo taken 5/23/18).
Another Interstate 49 North reassurance shield. (Photo taken 5/23/18).
Take Exit 199 to LSU Shreveport. (Photo taken 5/23/18).
Approaching the Shreveport area, the speed limit decreases to 60 mph on Interstate 49 North. (Photo taken 5/23/18).
Interstate 49 North at Exit 199: LA 526 - Bert Kouns-Industrial Loop (Photo taken 5/23/18).
Interstate 49 North at mile marker 200. (Photo taken 5/23/18).
Interstate 49 North at Exit 201: LA 3132 - Dallas / Texarkana (Photo taken 5/23/18).
View on Interstate 49 North at mile marker 201. (Photo taken 5/23/18).
Take Exit 202 to Audubon Golf Trail. (Photo taken 5/23/18).
Interstate 49 North at Exit 202: LA 511 - East 70th St (Photo taken 5/23/18).
Interstate 49 North at Exit 203: Hollywood Ave / Pierremont Rd (Photo taken 5/23/18).
Interstate 49 North at mile marker 204. (Photo taken 5/23/18).
State-named Interstate 49 North reassurance shield in Shreveport. (Photo taken 5/23/18).
The speed limit remains 60 mph. (Photo taken 5/23/18).
Take Exit 205 to Shriners Hospital and NSU College of Nursing. (Photo taken 5/23/18).
Interstate 49 North at Exit 205: Kings Hwy (Photo taken 5/23/18).
Interstate 49 North approaching Exit 206 - 1/2 mile. (Photo taken 5/23/18).
Take Exit 206 and follow Interstate 20 East to Bossier City. (Photo taken 5/23/18).
Approaching the junction of Interstate 20 and the northern terminus of Interstate 49's southern segment in Louisiana, the speed limit decreases to 50 mph. (Photo taken 5/23/18).
Interstate 49 North at Exit 206: Interstate 20 - Dallas / Monroe (Photo taken 5/23/18).
View of the ramp to Pete Harris Dr and Murphy St, on the left. (Photo taken 5/23/18).
The ramp for Exit 206 splits here. Keep left to go onto Interstate 20 West toward Dallas. (Photo taken 5/23/18).
View of the ramp to Interstate 20 West. (Photo taken 5/23/18).
Another view on the ramp, as Interstate 20's westbound lanes come into view. (Photo taken 5/23/18).
The ramp to Interstate 20 West also provides access to Lakeshore Dr, as seen here. (Photo taken 5/23/18).
View as the ramp meets the westbound lanes of Interstate 20. (Photo taken 5/23/18).

Section 4: Northern Segment - Interstate 220 (Exit 210) to Arkansas Border

   

Merging onto the northern segment of Interstate 49 North via Exit 6 on Interstate 220 East in the Shreveport area. Currently, there is a 5-mile gap in I-49 in Shreveport, thus leaving it in two separate segments. The connection between the two segments in Shreveport is planned, but remains controversial locally. (Photo taken 12/10/20).

View on the ramp for Exit 6 from Interstate 220 East, as the northern segment of Interstate 49 begins. (Photo taken 12/10/20).

Overhead reassurance signage as Interstate 49 North passes over Interstate 220. (Photo taken 12/10/20).

Advance signage for Exit 211, which is the first exit on the northern segment of Interstate 49 North. (Photo taken 12/10/20).

View on Interstate 49 North as traffic from Interstate 220 West merges into it on the right. (Photo taken 12/10/20).

The speed limit on the northern segment of Interstate 49 North starts out at 70 mph in the Shreveport area. (Photo taken 12/10/20).

Interstate 49 North reassurance shield approaching Exit 211. (Photo taken 12/10/20).

Interstate 49 North at Exit 211: LA 3194 - Martin Luther King Jr. Dr (Photo taken 12/10/20).

Mileage sign on Interstate 49 North. It's 4 miles to the junction of LA 1 and 63 miles to Texarkana. (Photo taken 12/10/20).

View on Interstate 49 North at mile marker 214. (Photo taken 12/10/20).

Interstate 49 North at Exit 215: LA 1 - North Market St (Photo taken 12/10/20).

Interstate 49 North at mile marker 216. (Photo taken 12/10/20).

North of mile marker 216, the speed limit increases to 75 mph once again on Interstate 49 North. (Photo taken 12/10/20).

View on Interstate 49 North at mile marker 217. (Photo taken 12/10/20).

Mile marker 218 on Interstate 49 North in Caddo Parish. (Photo taken 12/10/20).

View on Interstate 49 North at mile marker 219. (Photo taken 12/10/20).

Interstate 49 North at Exit 221: LA 173 - Blanchard / Dixie (Photo taken 12/10/20).

Interstate 49 North at Exit 223: LA 169 - Mooringsport (Photo taken 12/10/20).

Another Interstate 49 North reassurance shield. (Photo taken 12/10/20).

Mileage sign on Interstate 49 North. It's 4 miles to the junction of LA 530 and 52 miles to Texarkana. (Photo taken 12/10/20).

View on Interstate 49 North at mile marker 225. (Photo taken 12/10/20).

Interstate 49 North at Exit 228: LA 530 - Oil City / Belcher (Photo taken 12/10/20).

The speed limit remains 75 mph for all traffic on Interstate 49 North. (Photo taken 12/10/20).

Interstate 49 North at mile marker 230. (Photo taken 12/10/20).

Interstate 49 North at Exit 231: LA 170 - Vivian / Gilliam (Photo taken 12/10/20).

View on Interstate 49 North at mile marker 232. (Photo taken 12/10/20).

Interstate 49 North at Exit 234: US 71 - Hosston / Gilliam (Photo taken 12/10/20).

Interstate 49 North reassurance shield. (Photo taken 12/10/20).

Mile marker 235 on Interstate 49 North in Caddo Parish. (Photo taken 12/10/20).

Advance signage for Exit 237 on Interstate 49 North. (Photo taken 12/10/20).

Take Exit 237 to Vivian. (Photo taken 12/10/20).

Interstate 49 North at Exit 237: LA 2 - Hosston / Plain Dealing (Photo taken 12/10/20).

View on Interstate 49 North at mile marker 238. (Photo taken 12/10/20).

Interstate 49 North at mile marker 240. (Photo taken 12/10/20).

Interstate 49 North at Exit 241: CR 16 - Mira (Photo taken 12/10/20).

Another Interstate 49 North reassurance shield. (Photo taken 12/10/20).

Speed limit sign at mile marker 242. The speed limit remains 75 mph. (Photo taken 12/10/20).

View on Interstate 49 North at mile marker 244. (Photo taken 12/10/20).

Interstate 49 North at Exit 245: LA 168 - Rodessa / Ida (Photo taken 12/10/20).

Interstate 49 North at mile marker 246. (Photo taken 12/10/20).

Mileage sign on Interstate 49 North as it approaches the Arkansas border. It's 6 miles to Doddridge and 30 miles to Texarkana. (Photo taken 12/10/20).

Interstate 49 North as the Arkansas border, and the welcome sign posted on it, come into view and I-49 North prepares to leave Louisiana. (Photo taken 12/10/20).