NEW ORLEANS, La. – In anticipation of the large crowds expected for the 30th anniversary of the French Quarter Festival, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) announces this weekend’s ferry schedule, which includes a second ferry at the Algiers/Canal Street route Friday, April 12 through Sunday, April 14.
To accommodate the expected increase in ridership, DOTD will temporarily operate the Gretna/Canal Street ferry, in addition to the Algiers/Canal Street ferry. The Algiers ferry will operate its normal schedule, 6 a.m. to 12:15 a.m., with a second vessel added from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m., each day. For the festival dates only, the Gretna ferry will transport pedestrians only and operate from 12:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., each day.
On Saturday April 13 and Sunday, April 14, vehicular traffic on the Algiers ferry will be suspended at 12:45 p.m., with the last vehicle carried from Algiers Point at 12:30 p.m., and from Canal Street at 12:45 p.m. After this time, no motorized vehicle will be carried on the vessel – including scooters. The vehicular traffic suspension will be in effect on Saturday and Sunday only.
Riders should be advised that pedestrian traffic on Canal Street could interrupt the ability of the ferries to continue boarding vehicles. The revised schedule is only in effect April 12-14. DOTD will provide enhanced security at the Algiers Point and Canal Street terminals, and will have personnel in the terminals to assist with passenger boarding. Gretna ferry operations will be temporarily supplemented with personnel from other marine operations sections from around the state.
The Chalmette Ferry, which services the route to and from Lower Algiers, will operate its normal schedule and make its last trip from Lower Algiers at 8:30 p.m., and its last trip from Chalmette at 8:45 p.m. The Algiers ferry will return to its normal operating schedule at 6 a.m., Monday, April 15. The Gretna ferry will be suspended following the special event.
More information about the ferries can be found at www.dotd.louisiana.gov/operations/cccd/ or by calling (504) 376-8100. Travelers can also follow the ferries on Twitter.com at Canal_Ferry, Chalmette_Ferry and Gretna_Ferry. For traffic information, dial 511 or visit www.511la.org. Out-of-state travelers can call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511).
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 930 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 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