A pedestrian was struck and killed while crossing westbound Interstate 10 near the Morrison Road on-ramp in New Orleans East, police said, in an incident that shut down westbound lanes and caused heavy traffic. The New Orleans Police Department said the pedestrian was declared dead at the scene after the crash was reported around 12:23 p.m. on Saturday, September 19.
According to NOLA.com, cars were turning off the interstate near Crowder Boulevard amid heavy traffic at the time, and the outlet reported that NOPD had no additional information to share as the investigation continued. The department said it is investigating the death of the pedestrian. NOLA.com reported that the man was running across the interstate when he was struck. NOLA.com's report on the fatality was written by staff writer Willie Swett.
As part of the investigation, NOPD closed all westbound lanes of I-10 between Morrison Road and Chef Menteur Highway, according to WWL-TV. Drivers were directed to exit at Morrison Road while officers worked the scene, causing heavy traffic along one of the East's main commuter arteries.
Interstates Are Controlled-Access Roads
Interstate highways are controlled-access roads rather than shared spaces.
The New Orleans Regional Planning Commission's corridor evaluation documented heavy pedestrian activity near Crowder Boulevard, noting that residents frequently walk along vehicle lanes because continuous sidewalks are missing between apartment complexes and shopping centers.
A City Where Pedestrians Bear the Brunt of Fatal Crashes
Infrastructure problems have affected pedestrians in New Orleans East.
Pedestrian safety is part of the discussion around the corridor.
Infrastructure Fixes Have Stalled Amid Funding Setbacks
Infrastructure improvements along this stretch have been delayed.
A broader fix has hit a wall. The city's Connecting New Orleans East infrastructure project, intended to build shared-use paths, lighting and safe crossing options along the I-10 service roads, was scaled back and moved into preliminary design using about $2.2 million after losing approximately $58.2 million in federal grants, according to the New Orleans Department of Public Works. City officials said they are still searching for funding to move the project forward. Hoodline previously reported on dark streets turning errands risky for residents navigating the same corridor without adequate sidewalks or lighting.
No further details on Saturday's pedestrian fatality had been released as of publication.
