NEW ORLEANS, La. – Today, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) celebrated the completion of roadway repairs on City Park Avenue and Esplanade Avenue at a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The ceremony was held at Cabrini High School, where DOTD District Administrator Michael Stack was joined by state and local officials.
The contractor for the $5.1 million project was Barriere Construction Co. Street segments included:
City Park Avenue from Canal Boulevard to Orleans Avenue
Esplanade Avenue from Moss Street to N. Claiborne Avenue
"These road improvements are attributed to the exceptional collaboration between our federal, state and local partners," said DOTD Administrator Michael Stack. "The strong partnerships demonstrated throughout the Paths to Progress program have helped improve transportation needs for our citizens," he added.
New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu said, "The roadway repairs and the addition of newly designated bicycle lanes on both City Park Avenue and Esplanade Avenue will make more traveling options available in New Orleans. These infrastructure improvements will enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike."
"The Paths to Progress program continues to create safer streets and to improve the traveling experience for people who work and live here, and those who visit the area," said Regional Planning Commission Executive Director Walter Brooks.
Repairs included resurfacing, repairing curbs and installing ADA-compliant accessible ramps. New features and amenities were also added through the construction process, including a portion of a shared bicycle lane striped on City Park Avenue. In addition, Esplanade Avenue from Moss Street to Claiborne Avenue was restriped as one travel lane in both directions with a bicycle lane and parking lane.
Work on the project began in March 2013 and was completed on schedule for June 2013. The installation of bicycle signs and symbols is projected to reach completion by the end of this month.
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.