NEW ORLEANS, La. – Today, Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) Secretary Sherri H. LeBas, along with City of New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, New Orleans Regional Planning Commission and the Federal Highway Administration, announced a new $90 million transportation improvement program, Paths to Progress, aimed at repairing, restoring and enhancing more than 60 roadways throughout Orleans and Jefferson parishes.

Continuing the progress made through the investment in the greater New Orleans area, Paths to Progress will rely on the coordinated efforts of DOTD, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), New Orleans Regional Planning Commission, the City of New Orleans, Jefferson Parish and the City of Kenner, for its success.

At the press conference located at District 8 Police Department on Royal Street, Secretary LeBas was joined by DOTD’s federal and local transportation partners to celebrate the program’s kickoff. Speakers included City of New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, Jefferson Parish President John Young, New Orleans Regional Planning Commission Executive Director Walter Brooks, Federal Highway Administration Project Delivery Team Leader Carl Highsmith, City of Kenner Mayor Mike Yenni, and Councilmember District C, Kristin Gisleson Palmer.

Secretary LeBas said, “We are excited to further the progress that has already been made in Orleans and Jefferson parishes through the Paths to Progress Program. Not only will the upcoming repairs create smoother and safer roadways for motorists, but a better quality of life for our citizens.”

New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu commented, “The repairs to these major roadways in New Orleans are attributed to strong partnerships and support from numerous agencies. These roadway and sidewalk improvements will enhance the quality of life and experience for residents and visitors alike.”

The first roadway segments scheduled to begin repair include Mayo Road, Morrison Road, Hayne Boulevard, Alvar Street, Forstall Street, and Tupelo Street. DOTD will accept bids on these segments in mid-April and will plan community meetings to engage residents and businesses prior to construction.

Many of the roadways included were damaged during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and used as major haul routes for post-storm recovery operations. All of the roadways included in Paths to Progress will benefit residents and business owners in Orleans and Jefferson parishes, and the exciting events bringing tourists to the city, including the Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

Repairs will include resurfacing, pavement patching, repairing curbs and installing ADA-compliant accessible ramps. FHWA Project Delivery Team Leader Carl Highsmith commended the partnership’s exemplary synergy and cooperation. “We are pleased to see the continuation of programs with the common goal of providing recovery to the New Orleans area. Paths to Progress is on a strong track to success, with much of that due to the cooperation and partnership between local, state and federal agencies.”

Jefferson Parish President John Young stated, “The work being done across Jefferson and Orleans parishes will be a significant benefit to the future of residents and businesses in South Louisiana. We are happy to begin the path to rebuilding our region with better infrastructure.”

“These improvements are a critical component in the continued development of Greater New Orleans into one of America’s great cities,” said New Orleans Regional Planning Commission Executive Director Walter Brooks.

Paths to Progress is a transportation improvement program to rehabilitate, restore and enhance more than 60 roadway segments in Orleans and Jefferson parishes. With a combined investment of over $90 million, Paths to Progress is a collaborative effort between the Federal Highway Administration, Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, New Orleans Regional Planning Commission and City of New Orleans.

For more information about Paths to Progress, please email Paths2Progress@gmail.com, call the information line at 1-800-574-7193 or follow us on Twitter at @Paths2Progress and Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Paths2Progress.

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 about DOTD, 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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www.dotd.la.gov