The NOPD shut down all vehicular access to the French Quarter Friday afternoon, citing safety concerns.
Several walking parades have drawn bigger crowds than anticipated, the NOPD said, so no traffic was allowed in, from Rampart St. to Decatur St. and Canal St. to Esplanade Ave., until 3:30 p.m.
NOPD then resumed letting vehicles with passes -- French Quarter residents, businesses, delivery vehicles, hotel and restaurant guests -- into the neighborhood.
NOPD says they will reopen the French Quarter to regular street traffic at six this evening -- but vehicles will not be allowed on or allowed to cross Bourbon St.
"Those wishing to enter the French Quarter in a vehicle after 6:00 p.m. will be able to do so, but will be prohibited from driving down Bourbon Street or crossing Bourbon Street between Iberville and Dumaine Streets," said NOPD. "Vehicles are also prohibited from entering the 700/800 blocks of Iberville, Bienville, Conti, St. Louis, Toulouse, Orleans, and St. Ann Streets."