Evacuation zone around Hard Rock collapse shrinks

75756A5E-120A-4932-810C-2FD980DB785E
With the two massive cranes at the site of the Hard Rock hotel construction collapse demolished, the city is shrinking the evacuation zone and reopening streets that had been closed off. An evacuation zone still remains in the immediate blocks surrounding the site.

"Perimeter fencing will be erected around the site to secure surrounding properties ahead of demolition operations," the New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness announced today. "Once fencing is installed, the New Orleans Fire Department will begin to shrink the evacuation zone as long as it is safe to do so.

"Basin Street has reopened to vehicle traffic in both directions. Roosevelt Way from Common to Canal Streets has reopened to vehicle traffic. Traffic must turn right onto Canal Street. Residents and visitors are asked to remain patient and to expect heavier than normal traffic in this area."

The following street closures remain in effect.

  • Canal Street from Basin to Dauphine streets
  • Iberville Street from North Rampart to Burgundy streets 
  • Bienville Street from Basin to Burgundy streets
  • North Rampart Street from Conti to Common streets
  • Burgundy Street from Conti to Canal streets

While the city tries to return the area to normal, work continues in the rubble to find and recover the remains of two workers killed in the October 12 collapse.

"The recovery of the two victims in the collapsed structure remains the top priority for Mayor LaToya Cantrell and the City of New Orleans. The Louisiana Task Force 1 Urban Search and Rescue Team will be leading recovery efforts as soon as it is safe to do so. The Task Force is working closely with the demolition contractors to begin the necessary debris removal that will allow access to the locations of the deceased."