NEW ORLEANS — The entire French Quarter was closed to vehicular traffic Friday as several walking krewes have drawn larger than expected crowds in what is expected to be a huge weekend leading up to Mardi Gras Day.
NOPD re-opened the French Quarter only to vehicles with passes around 3:30 p.m. Vehicles with passes include: French Quarter residents, businesses, delivery vehicles, hotel and restaurant guests.
Other vehicles will be prohibited from entering until 6:00 p.m. this evening when the regular Bourbon Street shut-down goes into effect.
"Those wishing to enter the French Quarter in a vehicle after 6:00 p.m. will be able to do so, but will be prohibited from driving down Bourbon Street or crossing Bourbon Street between Iberville and Dumaine Streets. Vehicles are also prohibited from entering the 700/800 blocks of Iberville, Bienville, Conti, St. Louis, Toulouse, Orleans, and St. Ann Streets."
NOPD said the restrictions are due to safety concerns for large crowds in the French Quarter.
The NOPD quickly closed the streets as of 1 p.m. Friday. The closure expands what is usually a limit on vehicles and the complete closure of Bourbon Street to vehicles. No vehicles are being allowed in, but those already in the Quarter are being permitted to leave.
“This (the closure) is due to several permitted walking parades that have drawn larger crowds than expected, causing safety concerns for pedestrians,” said the NOPD in a statement.
The last walking krewe scheduled Friday is for 3:15 p.m. and police anticipate reopening the Quarter streets by 5 p.m.
“The NOPD apologizes for any inconvenience and asks for the public's patience and cooperation as we ensure that everyone is safe during these carnival celebrations.”
