Revitalization work on New Orleans' iconic Bourbon Street has been completed.
A contractor has fully rebuilt the roadway between St. Louis and Dumaine streets with upsized drainage, a better sewer system, new sidewalks and new and smoother pavement. Lighting and security were also upgraded in the area.
The now completed Phase 2 of the project also included replacing and repairing existing underground electrical duct banks and the implementation of a movable bollard system.
Mark Wilson, Manager of the Bourbon Orleans Hotel, which has a bar on Bourbon Street, says it means a return to business as usual on the famed street. And, he says he's relieved to finally have the job finished.
"We don't have the kind of street traffic interruptions anymore that so many businesses suffered with. It's great to have the whole street back. And it's also great to have it in the condition that it's actually safe to walk on the sidewalks and in the street."
"It's a rejuvenation of Bourbon Street," says Wilson. "It's terrific."
The second phase of the multi-million dollar project began in September 2018 and spans the 500 to 800 blocks of Bourbon Street. High water levels on the Mississippi River halted the project in early March. It resumed in late May.
"There's still a little work being done down by St. Ann Street, but I think it's in much better condition," says Wilson. "It's a safer street, it's safer to walk on, it's safer to patrol and it's cleaner, in terms of sidewalks and potholes. So I think we went from, maybe a D product to a B+."
"Everybody likes to talk about 'New Orleans is so much more than Bourbon Street and the French Quarter'. But, let's face it, most guests do come down to this area at some point during their visit, and it showcases well for the city."
The project's second phase was designed by Mott McDonald LLC and constructed by Hard Rock Construction LLC. The team worked with Entergy Electric, Entergy Gas, Cox Communications and AT&T.
