Mardi Gras is shifting into high gear for the weekend. The city of New Orleans is shifting with it.
Public safety measures get a little tighter this weekend, said New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno.
"The weekend leading up to of course Fat Tuesday, we will be at a SEAR 1," the mayor said.
That's "Special Event Assessment Rating One," meaning the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is giving Mardi Gras the same level of attention it gives events like the Super Bowl, "bringing greater, enhanced federal coordination resources" said Michael Harrison, the deputy mayor for public safety.
Moreno said the city will also be closing off a major part of the French Quarter to motor vehicles.
"That's when we will have the hard closure of Bourbon Street, and so that, right there, no more cars going in and out, no more 'five 'clock, we shut it,' no, it's hard closure from February 13th until Ash Wednesday," she said.
The city posted:
Access to the French Quarter will be managed through designated interior and exterior closures during peak crowd periods. Wedges will be used to block all traffic flowing towards Bourbon Street and will be manned by the Louisiana National Guard. Entry will be limited to residents, hotel guests, and individuals traveling to restaurants or permitted events. Taxi cabs, rideshare, limousines and small buses will be allowed to enter. Bourbon Street crossings will be limited to emergency response operations only.