NEW ORLEANS, La. — The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) will hold a public meeting for a project that will repair and resurface Magazine Street from US 90B to Nashville Avenue. Construction will begin in early January.

A meeting will be held on Thursday, Dec. 16 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at St. Vincent’s Guesthouse,1507 Magazine Street, to discuss construction and repair details about the first phase of construction, from US 90B to St. Andrew Street.

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)

Additional meetings will be held to discuss the repair and resurfacing of Zones 2 and 1 prior to the start of construction in each zone. Zone 2 is expected to begin construction after Mardi Gras. 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.

These meetings are being held to allow the public to learn more about the project and to sign-up to receive periodic e-mail updates on the project’s progression. Representatives from DOTD and Plus Concrete, Inc. will be available to answer questions from the public.

Work on the $6.7 million project includes removing two inches of old asphalt pavement, patching as required, placing back new asphalt pavement, curb repairs, new striping and markers, and new ADA handicap ramps. At some locations, storm water drain pipe repairs and other miscellaneous work will occur.

The project is part of the $118 million South Louisiana Submerged Roads Program, 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 (FHWA). It is administered by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD).

If you require special assistance due to a disability in order to participate at this meeting or if you need additional information, call the public information line at 1-800-574-7193.

###