French Quarter drivers, take note: the streets of New Orleans are set for some navigational upheaval next week. The City of New Orleans Department of Public Works has announced a rescheduling of full street closures on Iberville and Exchange Place, now set for Tuesday, from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m, weather permitting. This change comes after severe weather threw a wrench into the original plan. The closures affect Iberville Street, from Royal Street to Chartres Street, and Exchange Place from Canal Street to Bienville Street.
The decision was made to ensure the safe inspection of the underground drainage lines, necessary check-ups ahead of impending street paving work. "This work is part of the DPW773 Right of Way (ROW) Improvement Project and was originally scheduled for May 7 and May 9," details a recent announcement on the City of New Orleans' website. As the streets go under the microscope, or rather the closed-circuit TV (CCTV) inspections, motorists will be temporarily rerouted.
For those cruising down Iberville Street, expect to be detoured onto Royal Street, then Canal Street. Though cars may need to seek alternate routes, pedestrian pathways will stay open, and street parking will be available in locations not directly impacted by the closures. Clear signage and a detour plan will be in place to guide traffic around the affected areas.
The upheaval is a small price to pay for longevity, the unseen arteries beneath the storied streets ensure the city's resilience against the siren's call of floods. "The City appreciates your patience and cooperation as we work to improve infrastructure in the French Quarter," reads the City of New Orleans' notice, underscoring the importance of this infrastructural health check. Those looking for more information on this project can visit nola.gov/dpwprojects or contact the DPW at (504) 658-8000.
