NEW ORLEANS – Today, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of roadway repairs on Magazine Street, from US 90B (Calliope Street) to Nashville Avenue. The ceremony was held at Whole Foods Market at 2 p.m., where DOTD Secretary Sherri H. LeBas was joined by state and local officials. The repairs to Magazine Street are part of the South Louisiana Submerged Roads Program.
"It was vital to the success of this project to partner with local businesses, be involved in the community and address any concerns that were brought up along the way,” said Secretary LeBas. “The collaborative work between federal, state and local agencies has contributed to Magazine Street being completed ahead of schedule and under-budget.”
The $6.7 million project consisted of patching, resurfacing, repairing curbs and installing new ADA handicap ramps. At some locations, storm water drain pipe repairs and other miscellaneous work occurred. The project was awarded to Plus Concrete, Inc., funded by Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Emergency Relief program and administered by DOTD.
“From start to finish, this was a collaborative project that took the close coordination of federal, state and local partners,” said New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu. “These repairs will not only improve the quality of life for residents, merchants and visitors, but will stimulate economic growth and provide improved safety on this important street in New Orleans.”
“Thank you to DOTD, the City of New Orleans and everyone who worked diligently on this project to complete it so quickly. Magazine Street is an economic engine and historic part of New Orleans that provides an array of shops, restaurants and entertainment. These repairs will have a positive impact on residents, tourists and visitors alike,” said Magazine Street Merchant Association board member and former president, Greg Dombourian.
Speakers included DOTD Secretary LeBas, New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, State Senator Karen Carter-Peterson, State Representative Walt Leger, III, State Representative Neil C. Abramson, New Orleans Regional Planning Commission Executive Director Walter R. Brooks and Magazine Street Merchants Association board member and former president, Greg Dombourian.
The project construction was divided into three phases to minimize impact on businesses and residents.
Phase 1: US 90B to St. Andrew Street (0.68 miles)
Phase 2: St. Andrew Street to Napoleon Avenue (1.79 miles)
Phase 3: Napoleon Avenue to Nashville Avenue (1.05 miles)
The DOTD and the City of New Orleans worked with local merchants by adjusting the construction schedule to accommodate busy shopping seasons. The project began January 2011 and was completed more than a month ahead of the November 2011 scheduled completion date and finished under-budget.
“The completion of Magazine Street will have a positive impact on safety in the area and provide the opportunity to expand business and economic growth,” said Representative Walt Leger III, District 91.
“The repaving of Magazine Street enhances travel and provides an added benefit for visitors to the City of New Orleans to showcase the more than 250 businesses along the route,” said State Senator Karen Carter-Peterson, District 5.
“I look forward to seeing the positive impact these repairs will have on our community,” said Representative Neil Abramson, District 98.
“We are excited to see the completion of this project,” said New Orleans Regional Planning Commission Executive Director, Walter Brooks. “We are proud of the collaboration and partnership that has grown between the Submerged Roads Program and its local partners.”
Additional improvements and enhancements to Magazine Street included:
• The New Orleans Regional Planning Commission and the City of New Orleans Department of Public Works provided funding for sidewalk repairs at selected locations.
• The City of New Orleans contributed funding to install new blue and white street name tiles at nearly every intersection from Calliope Street to Nashville Avenue. The installation of these distinctly New Orleans symbols was approved by the State Historic Preservation Office and will enhance this already historic and unique corridor. In addition to the City’s contribution, several neighborhood and community organizations intend to assist with contributions.
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.
Learn more about the Magazine Street project by visiting www.magazinestreetrepair.com. You can also find us on Twitter @magstrepair or follow the Magazine Street project on Facebook at www.facebook.com/magstrepair.
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).
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