NEW ORLEANS, La. – Today, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development’s (DOTD) Paths to Progress celebrated the completion of roadway repairs on street segments located in the Lower Ninth Ward at a ribbon-cutting at Light City Church.

The contractor for the $2.4 million project was Barriere Construction, Co. Street segments included:

Lower Ninth Ward roadways were the first to receive and complete repairs under Paths to Progress. DOTD Secretary Sherri H. LeBas said, "The coordination between our federal, state and local partners has contributed to the success of rebuilding South Louisiana. Our progress continues with many more projects to revitalize infrastructure and improve transportation under Paths to Progress."

New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu stated, "The completion of repairs in the Lower Ninth Ward provides quality-of-life enhancements and benefits to the residents of this community."

"Lower Ninth Ward residents are eternally grateful to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development for including our community as part of its $90 million Paths to Progress project. These much needed improvements to our roadways are yet another step toward our recovery and a better quality of life for the residents of this Lower Ninth Ward community," said Vanessa Gueringer, Vice President and Chair of A Community Voice.

Repairs included resurfacing, repairing curbs and installing ADA-compliant accessible ramps. Work on the project began in July 2012 and was completed on schedule for October 2012.

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.