State testing new Crescent City Connection lighting system, says lanes will open next week

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – Commuters using the Crescent City Connection can expect some relief from traffic congestion starting next week.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development plans to halt the bridge’s peak traffic time lane closures, which have been ongoing for several months, as part of a project to replace the aging lighting infrastructure.

Scott Boyle, DOTD’s District Engineer Administrator, explained that the closures were necessary due to the nature of the work being done.

“Overhead work was to be commenced, and it was not feasible for traffic to be driving under those type of conditions where there were tools and heavy infrastructure that could cause any kind of safety concerns,” Boyle said.

The new LED lighting system, tested recently, replaces the old infrastructure severely damaged during Hurricane Ida. Boyle noted that the lighting system had been in place for over 30 years before the damage occurred.

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“This project is replacing damaged and aged lighting infrastructure that had been in place for over 30 years,” he said.

While the halt to peak-time lane closures is expected to improve traffic flow, especially for commuters heading to the Westbank in the evening, the project is incomplete. Work will continue in areas beneath the bridge to connect the lighting system to power sources.

Despite the impending relief, some drivers remain frustrated with the timing of the work.

One commuter commented, “It’s horrible that they’re doing it at the most inconvenient time for commuters.” Others expressed confusion over the focus on the bridge’s lighting amid broader infrastructure concerns in the city.

“The streets in New Orleans have got potholes everywhere. But we’re worried about lights on the bridge?” one driver remarked.

The lane closures on the Crescent City Connection during peak hours are expected to end next week. Still, closures during nighttime hours will persist until the project’s completion, scheduled for December.

Boyle expressed optimism that the changes would ease traffic. “We’re anticipating traffic will significantly decrease for commuters that are specifically traveling home to the Westbank in the evening time,” he said.

However, some residents remain skeptical, with one saying, “The Super Bowl is coming, and the hype’s about all that, but they’re going to the Superdome, they’re not going to the bridge to look at lights.”

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