Bourbon Street’s reconstruction halts; will resume after Mardi Gras

On Bourbon Street, where a $9.5 million reconstruction process is ongoing, the deep trenches have been filled, the fencing has been removed, and the construction workers’ labor has been halted in preparation for Mardi Gras. This means the narrow street will be easier for pedestrians and cars to navigate—and businesses blocked by the construction sites will enjoy easier access—as we enter the parade- and crowd-heavy weeks leading up to Fat Tuesday.

“Bourbon Phase 2 is on schedule and completely demobilized two weeks before Mardi Gras,” Mayor LaToya Cantrell said in an emailed statement. “I’m grateful to the businesses along Bourbon for their patience, and to all of the men and women working hard on this project to help move our city forward.”

Construction began in 2017 and is more than 50 percent complete. The project will replace and repair Bourbon Street’s crumbling infrastructure, including underground sewer, electrical, gas, and water lines. Bourbon Street will be repaved and new catch basins, sidewalks, ADA-compliant curb ramps, and movable bollards will be installed. Construction is scheduled to be completed in June.

The multi-phase project is complete in the 100-400 blocks, which look bright and new—more like Memphis’ Beale Street than Bourbon Street. Reconstruction of the 500-600 blocks was completed at the end of January. When construction resumes on March 7, it will target Bourbon Street’s 700-800 blocks.

Updates are available here.