NEW ORLEANS – Today, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of roadway repairs on historic St. Charles Avenue from Nashville to South Carrollton Avenue. The ceremony was held at Temple Sinai Reform Congregation where DOTD Secretary Sherri H. LeBas was joined by federal, state and local officials. The repairs to St. Charles Avenue are part of the South Louisiana Submerged Roads Program.

"St. Charles Avenue is vital to the city as a major transportation and tourism route, and I am excited to be here today to celebrate the completion of such an important project and recovery effort for the city of New Orleans. The Submerged Roads Program requires the coordination of numerous agencies to repair and improve our infrastructure. I would like to thank DOTD’s federal and local partners for supporting this initiative and working together to repair South Louisiana’s hurricane-damaged streets," said Secretary LeBas.

The $2.6 million repair project, which began in July 2009, included patching, resurfacing and the construction of wheelchair-accessible (ADA) ramps at intersections along the route. In addition, the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board and the New Orleans Regional Planning Commission coordinated with the Submerged Roads Program to include sewer and waterline work and curb repairs during construction to minimize impacts to the public.

"I’m happy to be here today celebrating the end of construction on this vital and historic thoroughfare in our city," said Mayor Mitch Landrieu. "These improvements add so much to the quality of life for residents, elementary, high school and college students, area business owners and visitors alike. I applaud this collaboration across Federal, State and local agencies as we recognize the importance of safe and appealing streets throughout New Orleans."

Guest speakers at the ceremony included Mayor Landrieu, Federal Highway Administration Project Delivery Team Leader Carl M. Highsmith, New Orleans Regional Planning Commission Executive Director Walter Brooks, State Representative Cameron Henry, State Representative Neil Abramson, Legislative Aide Happy Johnson from the office of State Representative Walker Hines.

The South Louisiana Submerged Roads Program is repairing and resurfacing more than 55 streets damaged as a result of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in Orleans, Jefferson and St. Bernard parishes. The program is 100-percent funded by the Federal Highway Administration’s Emergency Relief Program at an investment of $100 million.

For more information regarding the South Louisiana Submerged Roads Program, call the public information line at 1-800-574-7193.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) is committed to delivering transportation and public works systems that enhance the quality of life. In addition to more than 16,600 miles of roadway, including over 890 miles of interstate, DOTD supports the development of the state’s aviation, marine and rail infrastructures. Through this work, we are able to facilitate economic development, create job opportunities, improve vital evacuation routes, and make critical freight corridors safer and more efficient.

For more information, please visit www.dotd.la.gov, email dotdcs@la.gov, or call DOTD’s Customer Service Center at (225) 379-1232 or 1-877-4LADOTD (1-877-452-3683). Business hours are 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Motorists can access up-to-date travel information by dialing 511 or by visiting www.511la.org. Out-of-state travelers can call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511).