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If you’re commuting to or from downtown today, be aware that a number of roadways may be closed for Connect the Crescent volunteers, who will be out painting temporary road striping, installing signs, and discussing the project with passersby. Installations are ongoing today (Sept. 13) until 5 p.m. in the following areas:
- Baronne Street from Canal Street to Howard Avenue
- Howard Avenue from Baronne Street to South Rampart Street/Dryades Street
- Dryades Street from Howard Avenue to Calliope Street
While New Orleans’ bike infrastructure has improved dramatically (more than 100 miles of bike lanes have been added in the last decade), cyclists still deal with dangerous intersections, unprotected or nonexistent lanes, and paths that end abruptly in the middle of busy streets.
The Connect the Crescent project is a volunteer-powered test run for roadway renovations that will reconfigure, connect, and add bike lanes to the downtown area, making the city easier and safer for cyclists to navigate. It’s a collaboration between Bike Easy, The City of New Orleans, and community partners including Friends of Lafitte Greenway. The program is completely funded by grants and scholarships.
Connect the Crescent will also test a few new “demonstration” lanes. These new lanes will connect the Lafitte Greenway to the French Quarter; add bike lanes to Decatur and N. Peters streets and extend them to the Algiers Ferry; redesign the Baronne Street bike lanes; and connect Jackson Avenue and Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard.
Roadway renovations will be in place for three months as a test run, so residents can offer feedback and suggestions before the City of New Orleans installs permanent bike infrastructure.
Installation continues from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15 and Sunday, Sept. 16. Sign up to volunteer for Connect the Crescent and learn about Bike Easy’s upcoming events.