City to Begin Phase 2
of Bourbon Street Reconstruction
with an Entirely New Approach
NEW ORLEANS — On Monday, September 17, at 8 a.m., the City of New
Orleans, Department of Public Works and Sewerage & Water Board will begin
fully reconstructing the roadway and sidewalks on Bourbon Street from St. Louis
to Dumaine streets (500-800 blocks). Work will occur sequentially from the 500
– 800 block, with only one block closed at a time to vehicular traffic
throughout construction. All businesses along this corridor will remain
open and accessible throughout construction.
The $9.5 million cost-shared project, which is anticipated to run
through June 2019, was designed by Mott McDonald, LLC and will be constructed
by Hard Rock Construction, LLC. Project partners also include Entergy
Electric, Entergy Gas, Cox Communications and AT&T. Public safety is the City's top priority; Residents and commuters are reminded to use caution when
driving, bicycling and walking near this construction site.
“Before moving ahead with Phase 2, our administration made it a priority to do extensive outreach to businesses and residents in the Quarter--- and to listen to their concerns,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “We took the time, we listened, and we made changes to the whole approach. We bid the project out in such a way as to create financial penalties if the work is not completed on schedule. With input from the community and with their support: we are building a stronger, safer and more beautiful Bourbon Street."
Lessons Learned
The project team has incorporated lessons learned from
Phase 1 of the project into the framework for an entirely new Phase 2
approach. Improvements include a more efficient work plan, contractor
incentive/liquidated damages, Entergy Gas and Entergy Electric working in
advance of the City’s project, improved fencing and a complete demobilization
two weeks in advance of Mardi Gras.
As part
of the improved fencing plan, the City partnered with the Arts Council to
create the design for a more aesthetically pleasing wrap that illustrates the
historical significance of the project. The custom fence wrap will give
passersby a basic understanding of the project as well as where and how they
can find out more.
More
details about the Phase 2 improvements were provided during a pre-construction public
meeting presentation on August 28.
Design and Construction Elements
The project calls
for removing and replacing the existing pavement, replacing and upsizing the
existing drain lines and catch basins, adding screens in front of the catch
basins, replacing the existing water lines, repairing and/or replacing the
existing sewer lines, replacing the existing low pressure gas lines with high
pressure gas lines, replacing and/or repairing the existing underground electrical
duct banks, installing a movable bollard system in the 500-700 blocks,
replacing sidewalks and adding Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant curb
ramps at intersections. A full description of the project and weekly updates
are available at: http://roadwork.nola.gov/bourbon/
Week One Work Plan
On Monday, Hard
Rock Construction, LLC will start work on the lakeside and riverside sidewalks
in the 500 block of Bourbon Street to prepare for future lining of sewer house
connections. Beginning on Wednesday (weather permitting), Hard Rock
Construction, LLC will re-route river-bound traffic from the 500 block of Bourbon Street between St. Louis
and Toulouse streets. A traffic advisory will be issued in advance of this
closure. The intersection of St. Louis and Bourbon streets and the 500 block of Bourbon Street will be
closed as construction crews begin excavation to reconstruct the roadway and
its underground utilities. At the time of closure, drivers may use Decatur
or North Rampart streets as alternative routes to reach their destination.
Questions about our French Quarter
Infrastructure Improvement Project may be directed via e-mail to roadwork@nola.gov or to our RoadworkNOLA hotline 504.658.ROAD (7623).
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