New Orleans

New Orleans Announces Road Closures for Mardi Gras Celebrations, Commuters Urged to Plan Ahead

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Published on February 06, 2026
New Orleans Announces Road Closures for Mardi Gras Celebrations, Commuters Urged to Plan AheadSource: Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development

Brace yourselves New Orleans residents and visitors; the city is ramping up for its annual Mardi Gras celebrations, which spells significant changes for local traffic patterns. According to a recent announcement from the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, Westbound Calliope St (US 90 BUS), spanning from Magazine St to Annunciation St, is set for a full closure to accommodate the influx of festivities and processions this February. Commuters are advised to take note of these disruptions and plan their routes accordingly.

The road will be inaccessible from Friday, starting at 11:00 AM, until Sunday, February 8, 2026, at 11:00 PM, when the special event closure for Mardi Gras Traffic Control takes effect. Motorists looking to navigate around the closure can use the elevated US 90 BUS as a detour Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announced. These arrangements are of course, contingent on the whims of weather, which have been known to be as unpredictable as the spirit of the carnival itself.

But wait, there's more. In a move reminiscent of last year's schedule, the same stretch of road will see another full closure just one week later; starting from Friday, February 13, at 11:00 AM through to Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 11:00 PM. Once again, this is for the purpose of Mardi Gras Traffic Control, ensuring a safer and more streamlined experience for all those participating in the revelry.

These closures serve as an annual reminder of the vibrant culture that thrives in the heart of New Orleans. Residents and tourists alike are encouraged to embrace the celebratory atmosphere, but also to remember to navigate these temporary changes with patience and planning. For updated information on road closures and detour routes, make sure to check the official Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development website and stay ahead of any possible transit delays or hiccups.