NEW ORLEANS – Today, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) hosted a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the start of roadway repairs on Magazine Street, from US 90B (Calliope Street) to Nashville Avenue. The ceremony was held at Cafe Rani, where DOTD Legislative Liaison Roy J. Quezaire, was joined by federal, state and local officials. The repairs to Magazine Street are part of the South Louisiana Submerged Roads Program.

"Magazine Street is critical to the city as a major transportation and tourism route and economic engine," said DOTD Secretary Sherri H. LeBas. "We’ve been working with the City of New Orleans and our local partners to minimize the construction impacts on local businesses and residents. I am excited to see the start of construction and look forward to the successful completion of this project."

The $6.7 million project consists of patching, resurfacing, repairing curbs and installing new ADA handicap ramps. At some locations, storm water drain pipe repairs and other miscellaneous work will occur. The contractor for the project is Plus Concrete, Inc.

"Magazine Street is a vital and historic thoroughfare for our city and these improvements will improve the quality of life for residents, area business owners and visitors alike," said New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu. "I applaud this collaboration across federal, state and local agencies as we recognize the importance of safe and appealing streets throughout New Orleans."

Speakers included DOTD Legislative Liaison Roy J. Queziare, New Orleans Deputy Mayor Cedric Grant, New Orleans Regional Planning Commission Executive Director Walter R. Brooks, State Representative Walt Leger, III, and State Representative Neil C. Abramson.

The project construction is divided into three separate zones to minimize impact on businesses and residents.

Zone 3: US 90B to St. Andrew Street (0.68 miles)
Zone 2: St. Andrew Street to Napoleon Avenue (1.79 miles)
Zone 1: Napoleon Avenue to Nashville Avenue (1.05 miles)

Construction on Zone 3 began this week and will last until Mardi Gras. Work will take a brief pause for the Mardi Gras holiday. Zone 2 is expected to begin construction Ash Wednesday. Zone 1 is expected to begin construction in summer 2011. The DOTD and the City of New Orleans worked with local merchants by adjusting the construction schedule to accommodate busy shopping seasons and ensure the project will begin after Christmas 2010 and will be complete by Thanksgiving 2011.

The $118 million South Louisiana Submerged Roads Program is a comprehensive road repair program to repair and resurface roads damaged as a result of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The program is funded by the Emergency Relief Program of the Federal Highway Administration. It is administered by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development.

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.