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RECONSTRUCTION OF WOODLAND DRIVE IN ALGIERS BEGINS

Mayor's Press Office - Press Release

City of New Orleans
1300 Perdido Street, Suite 2E04
New Orleans, Louisiana 70112

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JUNE 29, 2009

Nearly Half of a Mile to Receive New Roadway and Utilities

NEW ORLEANS, LA - The City of New Orleans, Department of Public Works today announced the beginning of construction on Woodland Drive from General DeGaulle Drive to Tullis Drive in Algiers. Started last month, the project will include complete reconstruction of the concrete roadway and all affected underground utilities.

"We are happy to partner with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development and the Algiers Development District to move this project forward," said Robert Mendoza, Director of Public Works. "By coordinating with the Algiers Development District to provide the needed 20 percent local funding match, we are finding more creative ways to bring the citizens of New Orleans better roadways."

The estimated $3.5 million project will be 80 percent funded by the Federal government and 20 percent funded by the Algiers Development District. It will include the removal and replacement of approximately .4 miles of concrete pavement roadway, driveways and sidewalks, and the replacement of sewer lines, water lines and drain pipes, including new catch basins and manholes. In addition, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) complaint ramps will be installed in sidewalks at all associated intersections. The project began construction in May 2009 and is estimated to last 7 months.

Hard Rock Construction Co. was selected as the general contractor in February 2009 through the City's public bid process. ECM Consultants, Inc., provided design services and will provide construction inspection services.

"During construction periods, we understand the inconvenience that is placed on residents and businesses," said Mendoza. "We ask the residents of Algiers to be patient during this time and use alternate routes as often as possible."

The reconstruction of Woodland Drive is one of multiple projects to restore the major roadways in Algiers. Earlier this year, the Department completed the rehabilitation of eight miles of Patterson Drive and a section of General DeGaulle Drive for approximately $4.7 million. Last year, Whitney/L.B. Landry Avenue was rehabilitated as part of the South Louisiana Submerged Roads Program and the reconstruction of Kabel Drive from General DeGaulle Drive to MacArthur Boulevard was completed.

Currently, the $14 million reconstruction of MacArthur Boulevard from Kabel Drive to Woodland Drive is underway and the reconstruction of a section of Lang Street is nearing completion for a total of approximately $350,000.

The Department is also continuing the design process for reconstruction projects on Holiday Drive, Berkley Drive, Huntlee Drive, LeBoeuf Street, Slidell Street, Sumner Street and Somerset Street and the streetscape project on General Meyer Avenue.

For more information, visit www.cityofno.com.