News Summary

New Orleans is facing significant traffic congestion as it prepares for Mardi Gras festivities. Lane closures, stalled vehicles, and construction are causing delays across the city. Drivers should plan alternate routes and take precautions as heavy traffic continues, especially in areas like S. Claiborne Ave and the Bonnet Carre Spillway. While safety measures are being implemented, revelers can expect added challenges during the busy season, including a bizarre float incident that blocked traffic. Stay informed and safe while navigating through the hustle and bustle.

Traffic Congestion Hits New Orleans Amid Mardi Gras Hustle and Bustle

New Orleans is buzzing with excitement as Mardi Gras preparations kick into high gear, but it’s not all glitter and beads out there. If you’re hitting the roads in the Crescent City, brace yourself for some serious traffic congestion and lane closures happening all over town.

Fog Woes Gone

Good news for drivers! The dense fog advisory has been canceled, so visibility should be much better as you navigate the streets. However, don’t let your guard down just yet—ongoing congestion in various areas is making travel tricky for many.

Lane Closures and Delays

Heads up if you plan to travel on S. Claiborne Ave.—important lane closures are in effect from Milan to 2nd Street thanks to some construction work being done by the Sewerage and Water Board. This could lead to some hefty delays, so it’s best to find an alternate route.

Speaking of delays, the Bonnet Carre Spillway is experiencing significant backups. Expect to add about 35 minutes to your travel time from Laplace to Kenner. For those on the eastbound side of Airline Hwy, the Department of Transportation and Development is assisting a stalled vehicle, which is only adding to the confusion. Consider taking Airline Hwy as an alternate route if you want to avoid the mess.

West Bank Woes

Traffic on the West Bank from Gretna to the Central Business District is causing about 9 minutes of delays, while I-10 Westbound is seeing hold-ups of approximately 19 minutes from Read Blvd. to the Flyover. Yikes! Keep your cool out there.

Bridge and Ferry Updates

On a brighter note, all bridges are operational, although congestion is reported around the Claiborne and St. Claude bridges. If you’re planning to take a ferry, rejoice! All ferries, including those on the Canal/Algiers, Chalmette, and Belle Chasse routes, are running smoothly—so that’s one less thing to worry about.

Float Trouble

In a bizarre twist, a Mardi Gras float tipped over on US 90 West at the Tchoupitoulas Exit earlier today, blocking two lanes. This incident led to significant rush-hour traffic delays that started around 2:30 p.m. and continued until just before 4 p.m. Keep your eyes peeled for float-related obstacles as parades heat up!

Safety First

In preparation for the festivities, St. Charles Avenue is closed heading Uptown at Calliope Street for safety barrier installation. Over 400 concrete barriers have been strategically placed along the Uptown parade route to enhance security, especially following increased safety concerns stemming from a New Year’s Day attack on Bourbon Street. These barriers are designed in a serpentine layout to slow down traffic while still permitting vehicles to pass through—an important precaution given the bustling crowds expected during Mardi Gras.

Neighborhood Traffic Effects

Residents living near St. Charles are feeling the pinch as steady traffic flows through their neighborhoods. Streets like Prytania are experiencing heavier traffic than usual, making it essential for locals to plan their trips wisely. Traffic may be a headache, but Mardi Gras magic is worth it!

Upcoming Events

Mark your calendars! Three parades that had to be rescheduled due to inclement weather are set to roll through Uptown New Orleans this Tuesday. With the excitement levels peaking and safety measures in place, this is sure to be a memorable Mardi Gras season filled with all the fun, festivities, and maybe a little traffic chaos along the way.

So there you have it, folks! Stay safe, keep your spirits high, and let’s enjoy the magic of Mardi Gras while navigating through the hustle and bustle of New Orleans.

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Author: HERE New Orleans

Tagged New Orleans Mardi Gras news, New Orleans traffic updates