NEW ORLEANS — Since the start of May, there has been less space on the Crescent City Connection. The far-right lanes in both directions are closed as workers rehab the decorative lighting system on the bridges.
“It was a system that was in place for over 30 years. We had high-pressure sodium fixtures in there,” said DOTD District Two engineer administrator Scott Boyle.
Thanks to Hurricane Ida, that system no longer works. When plans started more than a year ago to bring back the lights, Boyle got to work.
“We’re very proud of this project,” said Boyle. We’re excited for what this will bring for the city and the region, so it’s really a big deal.”
It's a big deal that could mean a big headache for drivers. Fewer lanes mean more congestion, especially during rush hour. In July, the two closed right lanes will reopen. Then, the far-left lanes on each bridge will close for a while.
“Now one of those will be on the HOV, on the newer bridge going to the East Bank,” said Boyle.
Lane closures should end around mid-August.
The Tchoupitoulas Street onramp on the East Bank will be closed until then as well. Boyle says sandwiching work between the end of school and the height of Hurricane season was on purpose.
“Over the last few years hurricanes have come towards the latter part of the year,” said Boyle.
When the entire project is complete, Boyle says 1,600 LED lights will light up the Crescent City Connection.
“This would be something of a Mardi Gras theme,” said Boyle as he pointed to a purple, green, and gold lighting display on one of the renderings.
All those lights are programmable, like the ones at the Superdome. They’ll be controlled by the city of New Orleans, which is paying half of the $20 million price tag. The state is paying the rest.
“Once the project has been fully completed and it’s been accepted and inspected, the city will assume maintenance of the lighting,” said Boyle. “That includes the electric bill, any type of fixtures that need to be repaired or replaced.”
The goal is to be done by mid-December, in time for next year’s Super Bowl in New Orleans.
“This is an iconic structure in the city. The is a showpiece,” said Boyle.
If you know you’ll be driving across the Crescent City Connection between now and mid-August, give yourself a little extra time, especially during rush hours.
You’re also asked to look out for workers on the bridge.
► Get breaking news from your neighborhood delivered directly to you by downloading the new FREE WWL-TV News app now in the IOS App Store or Google Play.