NEW ORLEANS, La. – Today, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) hosted a Paths to Progress groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the start of repairs to ten street segments in the French Quarter. The ceremony was held at the Old U.S. Mint, where DOTD Secretary Sherri H. LeBas, was joined by federal, state and local officials.
"These streets are vital to the city as major transportation and tourism routes. With upcoming events drawing the attention of the nation to New Orleans, these projects couldn’t be more appropriate in showcasing our continued efforts to improve the infrastructure for both residents and visitors of this great city," said DOTD Secretary Sherri H. LeBas.
The repairs to the French Quarter roadways are the largest investment of improvements to the area since the 1984 New Orleans World’s Fair. The improvements are being made at an investment of more than $2 million from the City of New Orleans with the remaining funds as a combined investment from the Regional Planning Commission and DOTD.
Construction is proposed to begin Monday, July 16 and to be complete in December 2012. The projects were awarded to Plus Concrete, Inc. at a total of $11.3 million. The projects include resurfacing, repairing curbs and installing ADA-compliant accessible ramps and blue and white street name tiles at project corners.
The following street segments are included for repairs:
Burgundy St. (Canal St. - Esplanade Ave.)
Dauphine St. (Canal St. - Esplanade Ave.)
Esplanade Ave. (N. Peters St. - N. Rampart St)
Toulouse St. (Decatur St. - Dauphine St.)
Toulouse St. (Dauphine St. - N. Rampart St.)
Saint Louis St. (Decatur St. - Dauphine St.)
Saint Louis St. (Dauphine St. - N. Rampart St.)
Decatur St. (Saint Louis St. - Dumaine St.)
N. Peters St. (Canal St. - Saint Louis St.)
Royal St. (Canal St. - Esplanade Ave.)
These improvements will benefit residents and business owners, and the exciting events bringing tourists from across the nation to New Orleans, including the Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
"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," said New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu.
"The French Quarter is important to the continued economic growth and development of the city of New Orleans. We are glad to be a part of improving New Orleans for local residents, businesses and tourists," said Regional Planning Commission Executive Director, Walter Brooks.
"Improvements to the roads in the French Quarter will provide safer, more efficient travel and enhance not only driving, but improve the quality of life in this area," said Federal Highway Administration Project Delivery Team Leader, Carl Highsmith.
"The Greater New Orleans Hotel and Lodging Association fully support the much needed improvements to our French Quarter sidewalks and streets. Although we know that some temporary inconveniences will be part of this improvement process, the result will enhance the beauty and overall experience of the French Quarter for our visitors and residents. We want everyone's experience visiting New Orleans to be unforgettable. This is one more positive step forward in maintaining New Orleans' momentum and position as one of the top travel destinations in the world," said Mavis Early, Greater New Orleans Hotel and Lodging Association.
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.
To contact Paths to Progress please call 1-800-574-7193 or email paths2progress@gmail.com , visit www.pavingLAroads.com, find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/paths2progress or follow us on Twitter at @paths2progress.