Nola Reporter

NEW ORLEANS — The City of New Orleans today announced that the Department of Public Works (DPW) and construction contractor, Impetus Infrastructure, LLC,have begun work on the $6 million DeSaix Boulevard (Bayou St. John Bridge) Replacement and roadwork project in the Fairgrounds neighborhood.

“With the recent hiring of Rick Hathaway as Director and Shannon Oldfield-Banks as Deputy Director, DPW has leadership in place who understands the importance of investing in our infrastructure which is critical to the future of our city," said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. "This two-block, $6 million City bond-funded project that touches District A and District D is another example of welcomed improvements to our aging infrastructure, one block at a time. Although this might seem like a small project, it will have a major impact on mobility and safety in the City Park and Bayou St. John neighborhoods. While we realize infrastructure projects can be challenging for residents, the results will benefit our city for decades to come.” 

The DeSaix Blvd. (Bayou St. John Bridge) project is an infrastructure improvement project funded by City of New Orleans bonds. This project will rebuild and replace the existing bridge at DeSaix Boulevard and Bayou St. John, as well as patch mill and overlay on Moss Street to improve roadway conditions. Street repairs and resurfacing work in the 1700-1800 block of Moss Street have now been completed. Crews are currently preparing for the DeSaix Bridge to close beginning Wednesday, Jan. 31. The closure will allow crews to perform a full reconstruction of the bridge and complete the necessary utility work.  

"As the new Director for the Department of Public Works, I'm excited to announce that the $6 million DeSaix Boulevard Project is among the first under my watch,” said DPW Director C. Rick Hathaway. “With streetscape and road repairs wrapped up, we're gearing up for the bridge reconstruction beginning on Jan. 31. This milestone underscores our commitment to a safer, stronger community, and I'm truly thankful for your support as we collaborate to ensure a safer and more resilient New Orleans together." 

DeSaix Boulevard marks the border between Council Districts A and D, meaning this project will help improve accessibility and quality of life for residents of both Districts. Since May 2018, 55 projects valued at $317 million have been completed in District A, with an additional 21 projects under construction valued at $253 million. Additionally, since May 2018, 52 projects valued at $211 million have been completed in District D, with 18 projects under construction valued at $256 million.  

“It is exciting to have an infrastructure project of such significant size breaking ground in our neighborhood, and we are all looking forward to the day when we can use the new DeSaix Bridge,” said DeSaix Area Neighborhood Association President Jake LeBeau. “This bridge is one of the most identifiable physical features in our part of New Orleans, and our neighbors take great pride in it. The new bridge will offer a protected pedestrian lane, giving our neighbors easier and safer access to City Park and all its amenities.” 

Residents are encouraged to stay informed about roadwork projects by signing up for text or email updates about major road closures, emergency water shutoffs or other potentially significant impacts with Roadwork NOLA. To sign up for text or email updates, text ROADWORK (one word) to 77295, or go to ready.nola.gov/alerts.

Original source can be found here.