NEW ORLEANS, LA — Mayor LaToya Cantrell recently joined other officials to mark the completion of the $3.8-million St. Claude Group A roadwork project.

“We are pushing forward with infrastructure projects across the city, and the completion of the St. Claude Group A project is a perfect example of continuing to repair our streets even while responding to the COVID-19 outbreak. This project impacts City Council districts C and D, covering at least 30 streets across the St. Claude neighborhood,” Cantrell said. “With today marking the beginning of hurricane season, we are reminded of the importance to improve our aging infrastructure and strengthening our resilience during a particularly vulnerable time of the year for our city.”

This FEMA-funded project also included $651,000 in funding from the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO).

“The city has a laser focus on improving the infrastructure of the St. Claude neighborhood," said Ramsey Green, Deputy CAO for Infrastructure. "Including the completed project, there are nine projects valued at $42.8 million in the St. Claude area. We are completing this work while being mindful of the safest practices, including social distancing and the wearing of face coverings to protect our workers and our residents."

“Projects such as this one in St. Claude go to show how important it is that we invest in the upkeep and upgrading of our infrastructure,” said Ghassan Korban, Executive Director at SWBNO. “It’s a great sign for New Orleans’ future to see these projects get underway, and we look forward to many more starting in the coming months.”

“We have reached another milestone in the $2-billion effort to repair the city's roadways," said Jared Brossett, City Councilmember, District D. "After more than a year of hard work, the St. Claude Group A project has reached substantial completion. The project brings improvements to 30 streets in St. Claude and is one more clear sign that we are all working together to move New Orleans forward."

"With the completion of this project, residents and business owners within the St. Claude corridor have already noticed and praised infrastructure and drainage improvements in the area," said Kristin Gisleson Palmer, City Councilmember, District C. "As our city prepares for hurricane season, the upgraded drainage will be vital in reducing flooding during heavy rain events, and I am happy we continue moving forward with critical capital projects in District C and across the city despite the challenges of a health crisis."

The City of New Orleans, Department of Public Works began construction on the $3.8-million St. Claude Group A project in February 2019 and recently reached substantial completion. While construction on the project varied block by block, its scope of work included:

• Replacing damaged underground water, sewer, and drainage lines
• Repaving asphalt roadways
• Patching roadways with asphalt or concrete
• Repairing or replacing damaged sidewalks and driveway aprons
• Installing Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant curb ramps at intersections

Contractors included Hard Rock Construction, LLC and engineer firm Rahman and Associates.

Including St. Claude Group A, there are nine projects valued at $42.8 million in the St. Claude neighborhood. Mayor Cantrell was also joined by Susan Brady of the New St. Claude Association of Neighbors.