NEW ORLEANS — A couple of traffic situations in downtown New Orleans that have been causing frustration are expected to continue for some time, according to Beau Tidwell, the city’s director of communications.
The intersection of Rampart St. and Canal Street has now been closed since the Hard Rock collapse and there is no firm timetable for when it will be open nor a firm explanation as to what work needs to be done that requires such a protracted shutdown, only that there is a “tremendous amount of work that needs to be done.”
“We can’t provide a window as to when Rampart will open back up… We certainly don’t want to rush it,” said Tidwell.
Adding to the driving issues is the fact that several traffic lights in the Central Business District aren’t operating properly, stuck on flashing red. Rush hour traffic has been particularly problematic with drivers either uncertain of the rules when lights are out or just disregarding them.
“I drive through it every day,” said Tidwell. “It can be quite nerve-wracking. There’s not an easy fix. There’s not a quick solution to that.”
The lights have been out since Hurricane Ida as the storm’s strong winds caused problems with wiring that connects the lights to the ground below. The city estimates that repairs will cost $500,000.
Tidwell said there is no timetable to the lights being fixed as he said the emergency contract up for bid has not been fulfilled and even when it is, it will be another 4-6 weeks to make the repairs.
That likely means the traffic lights will be an issue well into November, if not longer.