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CITY BEGINS NEW RECONSTRUCTION STREET PROJECTS ON ROBERT E. LEE BOULEVARD

Section: Community

Approximately 2640 Feet Between Wickfield Drive and Elysian Fields Avenue To Be Repaired

NEW ORLEANS, LA (August 8, 2008) – The City’s Department of Public Works recently began the fourth reconstruction project on Robert E. Lee Boulevard since Hurricane Katrina. Repairs estimated to total more than $7 million began earlier this month between Wickfield Drive and Elysian Fields Avenue and are expected to be completed in approximately 13 months.

“Robert E. Lee is a major roadway for citizens traveling from east to west in New Orleans’ northern neighborhoods, making this project an essential element in the recovery process,” said Robert Mendoza, Director of Public Works. “In addition, this project coincides with the University of New Orleans’ Strategic Plan to develop the area between Leon C. Simon Drive and Robert E. Lee Boulevard to meet the university’s housing needs.”

As part of the reconstruction project, the existing roadway will be replaced with new asphalt and will include construction of a new concrete curb and gutter bottom, rehabilitation of water and drain lines, and construction of driveways, sidewalks and handicap ramps.

The project will cover 2,640 feet (.5 miles) of roadway at an estimated cost of $6.9 million, of which 88 percent will be federally funded and 12 percent will be funded by the City of New Orleans. In addition, $389,000 will be funded by the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans for rehabilitation of water and drain lines.

Barriere Construction Co., LLC, was selected as the general contractor as part of the City’s public bid process. The design and construction plans were prepared by Design Engineering, Inc. Crews will work Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“During reconstruction projects, we know that detours tend to cause discomfort to residents. However, we ask for the patience and cooperation of our residents during this time to help expedite the completion of this project. We recommend drivers use Leon C. Simon Drive as an alternate route,” said Mendoza.

Two additional segments of Robert E. Lee Boulevard are scheduled for rehabilitation within the next 18 months. As a part of the Submerged Roads Program, areas from the St. Bernard Parish Line to Paris Avenue and Paris Avenue to Pratt Street will undergo a full reconstruction. Public Works completed work on the first segment from Ponchartrain Boulevard and Wisner Boulevard in March 2008.

Alternate Routes

During the first phase of the project, Robert E. Lee Boulevard from Waldo Street to St. Anthony Avenue will be closed
Traffic detoured to Leon C. Simon Drive via Waldo Street and St. Anthony Avenue
For more information, dial 311 or visit www.cityofno.com

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