NEW ORLEANS — Mayor LaToya Cantrell today was joined by Acting Director of the Department of Public Works (DPW) Sarah Porteous, Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans Interim General Superintendent Ron Spooner and District D Councilmember Eugene Green to celebrate the completion of the $7.4 million Gardena Drive roadwork project between St. Bernard and Paris Avenues.
“The City began this work in September 2022 and completed it in less than a year, which is a testament to us not slowing down on infrastructure work,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “Under my administration, DPW has leveraged funding from the $2 billion FEMA settlement for Hurricane Katrina and put it directly into making neighborhoods safer and more secure from future disasters by utilizing innovative green infrastructure and resilient practices. That is especially important today because, as evidenced by the ongoing extreme heat, our climate is not changing – it has already changed. The City of New Orleans will continue leveraging federal, state and local dollars to prioritize the improvement of our aging infrastructure and ensure the safety and improved quality of life of all residents.”
The scope of work included repaving the asphalt roadway from curb to curb and repairing damaged sidewalks, removing damaged portions of the concrete and asphalt roadway and replacing it with new smooth pavement, repairing damaged sidewalks, driveway aprons and curbs within the public right-of-way, installing American with Disabilities Act-compliant curb ramps at intersections and repairing and replacing water, sewer and drainage lines.
“It’s an honor to be here today alongside Mayor Cantrell, Councilmember Green and Ron Spooner to celebrate the completion of this construction project,” said Porteous. “Today, we have about 50 roadwork projects underway around the city that equate to $650 million worth of construction, which is really incredible and exciting for our city. We’re celebrating a sign of progress for residents here, who are now experiencing better overall service and improved quality of life, which is our goal with infrastructure improvements around the city.”
This project was funded with City Bond funds and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds.
“This project includes $1.5 million worth of Sewerage and Water Board infrastructure installed, replacing water lines, upgrading sewer lines and installing large drainage lines with DPW,” said Spooner. “The existing utilities had been installed in 1948, which is why we need to continue investing in replacing our aging infrastructure.”
Since May 2018, 52 roadwork projects have been completed in District D, with a total estimated value of $199 million. Today, there are currently 14 roadwork projects under construction, valued at $224 million. There are an additional 15 upcoming roadwork projects in the bid and award phase, with an estimated value of $114 million.
“The amount of roadwork projects going on right now in District D is an accomplishment,” said Councilmember Green. “As I drive throughout our district and see the street repairs and the comprehensive, technical work being done, the progress in our city right now is significant. I am appreciative to the Cantrell Administration and the people she has put in place who work closely with us that all have the same commitment I do – enhancing the quality of life in our city and making it a better place to live.”
###