New Orleans City Council discusses Bourbon Street becoming pedestrian-only

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — It’s been nearly six months since the New Year’s terror attack and city leaders are still discussing whether parts of Bourbon Street will be pedestrian-only.

“Whatever we decide, it needs to be automatic every day, and then we need to adjust to that new reality,” said New Orleans Councilman JP Morrell.

Since March, the New Orleans Police Department has been placing barriers along Bourbon Street every day, taking up to two hours.

It’s a task Councilwoman Helena Moreno suggests could be handled by the Department of Public Works or Parking Enforcement.

“Too much is being put on an NOPD on commissioned officers that really should be out there responding to crime and preventing crime from happening, instead of putting out different equipment throughout the French Quarter and barriers and structures,” said Moreno.

However, Public Works Director Rick Hathaway explains he doesn’t have the people to do it.

“It takes the entire staff, to move those into place. If we had to do that every day, then we would not be able to fill potholes and dig,” said Hathaway.

Following the attack, consultants recommended only allowing emergency vehicles and delivery trucks on Bourbon Street during peak hours.

The recommendations also suggest extending the pedestrian-only plan into residential areas. This is something the people who live there are concerned about.

“We should have free access to come and go. I’m 90 years old. You have to consider the residents. We are the backbone of the French Quarter. We have preserved the buildings,” said a French Quarter resident.

Overall, everyone agrees a traffic study needs to be done, one that takes into consideration everyone’s needs.

City officials say the traffic study can’t be done during the slower summer months, and September is the earliest it should be conducted.

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