Traffic Study Will Guide Future of Bourbon Street After Council Nixes Full Closure

City Council Eyes Safety Improvements Without Cutting Off Local Access

The New Orleans City Council voted on June 18 to reject the idea of permanently closing Bourbon Street to vehicle traffic. Instead, the council is considering longer, but still temporary, street closures as part of ongoing efforts to improve safety and security following the New Year’s Day terrorist attack that highlighted vulnerabilities on this popular and historic stretch.

Council’s Plan: Phased Safety, Not Permanent Closure

City leaders agree a full-time pedestrian mall on Bourbon Street “would split the French Quarter in half,” according to Council President JP Morrell. The council’s current plan includes:

• Extending vehicle-free hours to 16–18 hours daily between Canal and Dumaine streets
• Full-day barricades during major events, about 50 to 60 days per year
• A comprehensive traffic study to be conducted by the Department of Public Works starting in September to guide future decisions

This phased approach seeks to protect pedestrians during peak hours and high-traffic events; however, until barricades are consistently enforced, intersections remain potentially dangerous.

Barricade Enforcement Remains a Challenge

Enforcement of street closures is a significant hurdle. Currently, the New Orleans Police Department handles barricade placement and removal, but this strains their resources. Council members have discussed shifting these duties to the Department of Public Works or Parking Enforcement.

However, Public Works Director Rick Hathaway warns that daily barricade management would divert staff away from critical tasks, such as pothole repairs and drainage maintenance. The council has requested a staffing plan to assess the additional resources needed if Public Works were to take on this role full-time.

Lessons from Royal Street’s Pedestrian Mall

Nearby Royal Street offers a successful model for balancing safety, culture, and commerce. The pedestrian mall there operates on set hours (weekdays until late afternoon and extended into the evening on weekends) and has delivered clear benefits:

• Dramatically reduced pedestrian accidents
• Increased foot traffic supporting local musicians and businesses
• Created a people-first design that benefits the community and visitors alike

Council President Morrell emphasized that Bourbon Street’s future safety plans should “mirror Royal, not the opposite.”

While many support enhanced pedestrian safety, some residents of the French Quarter worry about losing vital vehicle access, especially on residential streets.

One resident emphasized the need for open streets on her block for grocery access and emergency services due to her health issues. At the same time, another urged that closures focus on entertainment areas to avoid making residential zones “unlivable.”

Why Safety Improvements Matter

Bourbon Street remains a hub in New Orleans, with heavy foot traffic and vehicle congestion. Without consistent closures and enforcement, the risk of accidents persists. Issues include:

• Gaps in barricades allowing cars to slip through
• Congested, narrow streets increase the chance of collisions
• High event days intensifying pedestrian and vehicle interaction

Though infrastructure and traffic management improvements can help, accidents still happen. Anyone injured in an accident needs legal guidance to make sure their rights are protected and their voice is heard.

How a New Orleans Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident on Bourbon Street or anywhere else in New Orleans, The Law Offices of John S. Williams, LLC is here to help. Attorney John S. Williams has extensive experience representing clients who have been injured due to another party’s negligence and can help you demand the maximum compensation you deserve under Louisiana law.

John and his dedicated legal team investigate every detail, negotiate with insurers, and are prepared to take cases to court if necessary. We also work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Don’t navigate the aftermath of an accident alone. Contact us today for a free consultation. Our team is ready to guide you through the legal process and stand by your side every step of the way.

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