NEW ORLEANS, La. –Paths to Progress announces the completion of resurfacing and sidewalk improvements on eight street segments located in the French Quarter.

Additionally, through the state’s successful project management, savings were realized that will allow the City of New Orleans to further the progress made in the area. Specifically, due to cost savings within the project and collaborative efforts with the City of New Orleans and Regional Planning Commission, improvements such as additional pedestrian safety islands were added and will be completed prior to the Super Bowl.

"The significant improvements will be long-lasting and provide direct benefits for the many businesses, residents and tourists of the French Quarter," DOTD Secretary Sherri H. LeBas said. "Through our successful project management, the state has been able to realize saving for the City of New Orleans and provide them the opportunity to continue to invest in this historic tourist district."

"The French Quarter area deserves high quality infrastructure," Mayor Mitch Landrieu said. "As we prepare to host a record tenth Super Bowl, residents and visitors alike will now be greeted by newly repaved roads and sidewalks in this historic area. We are putting our best foot forward and gearing up to once again welcome the world."

The $11.3 million improvements were made possible by a combined investment from the City of New Orleans and Regional Planning Commission, with project management provided by DOTD.

The roadway asphalt overlay and sidewalk removal and replacement began in July 2012 and were completed in December 2012. The projects included resurfacing, repairing curbs, removing and replacing damaged sidewalks, installing ADA-compliant accessible ramps and blue and white street name tiles at project corners. The projects also include shared bicycle lanes on all street segments, with a portion of dedicated bicycle lane on Decatur Street.

The following street segments were included for repair:

   • 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.)

"We are excited to see the completion of this project. We are proud of the collaboration and partnership that has grown between Paths to Progress and its local partners," said New Orleans Regional Planning Commission Executive Director, Walter Brooks. "The rehabilitation of these eight roadways improves the community’s quality of life, will boost the economic engine of the French Quarter and welcome visitors for the City’s many events. "

"The improvements made to the infrastructure in this historic New Orleans community provide safer, more efficient travel and enhance the driving experience for residents, businesses and tourists alike," said Federal Highway Administration Project Delivery Team Leader, Carl Highsmith.

"The French Quarter Business Association applauds the efforts of our City leaders and the Department of Transportation and Development in completing the Paths to Progress French Quarter project. Thanks to the project leader’s exemplary communication and teamwork, several French Quarter sidewalks and streets now have a much needed fresh new look," said Annie Flettrich, Executive Director of FQBA.

Minor punch-list items including street name tiles remain and will be completed prior to the Super Bowl.

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.