New Orleans – Today, the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) released an update on Crescent City Connection (CCCD) activities relating to recovering from Hurricane Isaac.
Ferry Service: DOTD is committed to ensuring ferry service resumes as quickly as possible following the damage caused by Hurricane Isaac. The ferry and landing ramp used to service the Canal Street/Algiers Point crossing was damaged during the storm. Additionally, the M/V Armiger's steering pump failed after the storm while assisting in pumping water from the Lower Algiers barge. Parts have been ordered and are in route.
At the Algiers Point Terminal, the covered pedestrian ramp at the terminal was damaged by the storm. Today, DOTD crews completed the construction of a temporary ramp at the Algiers Terminal to allow an alternative loading point. This will allow ferry operations to resume more quickly while long-term repairs are scheduled. Ferry personnel expect to resume operations by the weekend. DOTD will notify the public immediately as to when services are able to resume.
After numerous repairs, the Chalmette/Lower Algiers ferry resumed service on its normal published schedule. The Canal Street/Gretna route was interrupted prior to the storm and remains out of service.
Tolling and Traffic Mitigation: Power has been restored to the CCCD building and DOTD crews are working to bring the tolling system back online. DOTD projects that tolling on the CCC bridge will resume by the weekend. The public will be notified once a schedule is firm. With the toll operations suspended, additional traffic mitigation is needed to help traffic flow. To assist in this effort, DOTD deployed an additional Motorist Assistant Patrol (MAP) truck and wrecker truck to move traffic as efficiently as possible.
DOTD brought in a generator to get the HOV lane at General DeGaulle fully operational which provided for improved traffic flow. Traffic lights at the base of the HOV lanes are still without power. This is causing traffic to back up for vehicles coming off the HOV Lane. Temporary stop signs are currently in place.
Maintenance: Debris removal, grass cutting, and litter collections began early this week with supplemental ferry staff assisting in clean-up efforts while maintenance is completed on the boats and ferry landings. Numerous lighting issues exist related to wind damage from the storm. DOTD is currently working to get necessary repairs underway.
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 visitwww.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.