NEW ORLEANS, LA — Mayor LaToya Cantrell recently joined other city officials and community partners for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the $9.5-million Bourbon Street Revitalization, Phase 2 project in the French Quarter. The project began in September 2018 and spans the 500-800 blocks of Bourbon Street (from St. Louis to Dumaine).

"This is a historic day for some historic infrastructure improvements along Bourbon Street. We were able to get work done faster and even better under our administration," Cantrell said. "Bourbon Street is an iconic street, it's a world-class street that everyone knows around the world. So we were intentional about ensuring that all of our businesses along Bourbon Street were not only listened to but they were taken into consideration, particularly during this second phase of Bourbon Street construction. Making sure they remain viable in this city is a top priority, and we just appreciate how they worked with us and through this construction."

The cost-shared project was designed by Mott McDonald, LLC and was constructed by Hard Rock Construction, LLC. Project partners included Entergy Electric, Entergy Gas, Cox Communications and AT&T, in close coordination with tourism partners. The Department of Public Works also worked with the New Orleans Police Department on security improvements during the project. The contractor fully reconstructed the roadway between St. Louis and Dumaine streets (500-800 blocks) with upsized drainage, a better sewer system, new sidewalks and new, smoother pavement.

Additionally, the lighting and security were upgraded between St. Louis and Dumaine streets. Entergy Gas and Entergy Electric also completed upgrades in those blocks.

"It has been a monumental effort that truly is a model for our infrastructure work across the city," said Ramsey Green, Deputy CAO for Infrastructure.

The project benefits include:

• Replacing/repairing of existing underground electrical duct banks (Entergy Electric)
• Removing and replacing the existing pavement
• Replacing and upsizing the existing drain lines and catch basins
• Replacing the existing water lines
• Repairing/replacing the existing sewer lines
• Installing a moveable bollard system

Cantrell and Green were joined by Ghassan Korban, Executive Director, Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans; New Orleans Police Department Supt. Shaun Ferguson; Kristian Sonnier, Vice President of Communications and Public Relations, New Orleans & Co.; Lori Paige, Vice President, French Quarter Business Association; Keith LaGrange, Director, Department of Public Works; Josh Hartley, Deputy Director, Department of Public Works; and contractors Mott MacDonald LLC and Hard Rock Construction.