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New Orleans proposes removing vehicular traffic on Bourbon Street

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City to hold further discussion on Wednesday

In April, the City of New Orleans commissioned a study to evaluate efficient ways to handle traffic congestion on Bourbon Street. This reconsideration of traffic flow is part of Mayor Mitch Landrieu’s $40 million Citywide Public Safety Improvements Plan.

Earlier today, the City released its French Quarter Safety & Security Traffic Study. Proposed recommendations include controlling vehicular access via movable bollards at Bourbon Street intersections. No traffic would be allow on Bourbon Street between Iberville and St. Ann Street, from 5 p.m. to 4 a.m. Side street access will remain open to vehicular traffic.

Other consideration include:

  • Decreasing vehicle speeds;
  • Making pedestrian crossings more visible;
  • Improving parking;
  • Reducing traffic congestion; and
  • Improving accessibility for emergency responders to access locations within the French Quarter.

In April, the department of Public Works investigated four other alternatives to redirect traffic flow on Bourbon Street. The department of Public Works did not mention any updated information on turning the 100 to 800 block of Bourbon Street to a proposed pedestrian mall.

The reflow of traffic will follow a $6 million overhaul on Bourbon Street, which include resurfacing asphalt and replacing water and drainage lines.

City of New Orleans Public Works will continue to accept concerns from residents via email about vehicular traffic changes on Bourbon Street until Friday, July 7, at 5 p.m.

Public Works will hold a public meeting to elaborate on the recommendations proposed in the recent study on June 28 at 6 p.m. The meeting will take place in the Old U.S. Mint (third floor) at 400 Esplanade Avenue.