NEW ORLEANS, LA — The City of New Orleans announces that its contractor, Hard Rock Construction, LLC, has resumed work on the Bourbon Phase 2 project. The project had been delayed since early March due to high water levels in the Mississippi River. The city was recently notified that a waiver had been granted allowing work to resume as long as water levels in the Mississippi River remain below 17 feet at the Carrollton Gauge.

Crews have begun installing fencing in the 750 block of Bourbon Street roadway between Orleans and St. Ann streets. Crews have also begun repairs in the 600 block river side sidewalk between Toulouse and St. Peter streets and replacement of the sidewalks in the 700 block between St. Peter and Orleans streets. The project will continue with a seven-day work week from 8 a.m. until sunset each day.

Before beginning Phase 2 construction in September 2018, the project team engaged French Quarter residents and business owners to develop the framework for an entirely new 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 to minimize conflicts, improved fencing and lighting, as well as a full demobilization for Mardi Gras.

The city is more than 50 percent complete with the Bourbon Phase 2 project. The contractor has fully reconstructed the roadway between St. Louis and Orleans streets (500-700 blocks) with up-sized drainage, improved sewer system, new sidewalks and new, smoother pavement. Additionally, the lighting and security have been upgraded between St. Louis and St. Peter streets. Entergy Gas and Entergy Electric have also completed upgrades to their services in those blocks.

The cost-shared project is scheduled to last through early fall 2019. It was designed by Mott McDonald, LLC and project partners include Entergy Electric, Entergy Gas, Cox Communications and AT&T.