NEW ORLEANS – As part of the South Louisiana Submerged Roads Program, Magazine Street, from U.S. 90 Business to Nashville Avenue, is scheduled to receive much needed repairs for damages sustained during Hurricane Katrina. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) will accept bids for the project on October 20.

"Magazine Street is such a historic and vital economic corridor in the heart of New Orleans," DOTD Secretary Sherri H. LeBas said. "The upcoming improvements will improve traffic flow and promote continued economic development in the area."

The estimated cost of construction is $5 million to $7.5 million. The repair work includes patching, resurfacing and constructing handicap-accessible (ADA) ramps. Construction is scheduled to begin early next year as to not disrupt holiday shopping.

"The road improvement to Magazine Street will ensure it remains a major economic engine for the city," said Greg Dombourian, President of the Magazine Street Merchants Association. "We appreciate the efforts of DOTD and the City of New Orleans to partner with local businesses by adjusting their construction schedule to accommodate our busiest shopping seasons."

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, please 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).