NEW ORLEANS – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), federal, state and local officials today celebrated the completion of roadway repairs to St. Bernard Avenue from I-610 to Filmore Avenue. The repairs are part of the South Louisiana Submerged Roads Program.

The $18.2 million contract for the Submerged Roads Program street repair in the Gentilly area includes:

Work on St. Bernard Avenue, which began in April 2010, consisted of patching, resurfacing, repairing curbs and installing new ADA handicap ramps. At some locations, storm water drain pipe repairs and replacement also occurred. The contractor for the 1.3-mile long project was RMD Holdings.

"We are pleased by the progress of the Emergency Relief Program here in New Orleans," said Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Project Delivery Team Leader Carl M. Highsmith. "The continued repairs of the roadways are definitely assisting with the recovery effort of the city. The newly-repaired streets will help in restoring confidence in those who live and work here and those who will come to visit. We are particularly pleased with the combined efforts of the federal, state and local governments to come together to solve some of the transportation issues that the city is facing."

The St. Bernard Avenue project represents a $3.7 million investment in the Gentilly area, including more than $560,000 in ARRA funding. Specifically, 4,629 square yards of sidewalk repair, the planting of 41 trees, 4,580 feet of shared-use bike lanes and 8,000 feet of dedicated-use bike lanes were incorporated into the project through ARRA funding.

"St. Bernard Avenue is an important thoroughfare for our city and these improvements will improve the quality of life for residents and area business owners," said New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu. "I applaud this collaboration across federal, state and local agencies as we recognize the importance of safe streets throughout New Orleans."

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. It is administered by 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.