St. Patrick's Day in New Orleans is set to be loud, crowded and a headache behind the wheel, as parades roll through the French Quarter and downtown on Tuesday. With heavy foot traffic, packed sidewalks and police watching the curbs, drivers can expect snarled traffic, intermittent road closures and strict parking enforcement through the afternoon. If you live or work near the parade route, move your car early or figure out another way in and out.
Closures, enforcement and towing
The New Orleans Police Department is warning drivers about traffic disruptions and temporary "No Parking" and tow-away zones in the French Quarter and downtown. Cars left in restricted areas risk getting hauled off to the city auto pound at 400 North Claiborne Avenue. To get a towed car back, owners will need a valid form of identification. These details were outlined by WWL-TV.
Parade route and timing
The parade will line up at Frenchmen Street and Royal Street, then move down Esplanade, N. Peters and Decatur before crossing Canal and Magazine and continuing along Gravier and Tchoupitoulas toward Girod. The parade will disband at Lucy's at 701 Tchoupitoulas Street. While crowds are thick, the NOPD is urging everyone along the route to "follow officers' instructions and celebrate responsibly." The route and enforcement details were shared publicly through WWL-TV.
How to get around
Drivers should brace for rolling closures and spotty delays as the parade moves through the city. Public transit and rideshares will likely beat driving on most routes. If you absolutely have to drive, give yourself extra time, try not to cut across the parade footprint, and pay close attention to any temporary signs and cardboard "No Parking" boards, which take priority over meters. Businesses and delivery drivers near the route should plan for short interruptions to access.
Quick tips for drivers
Avoid parking along the parade route, in formation zones or in disband areas, since enforcement will be active and tow trucks get an early start. If your vehicle does get towed, head to the city auto pound with a photo ID and be prepared for possible processing delays. Police are asking drivers to stay patient, follow directions and keep emergency lanes open so first responders can get where they need to go.
