Jefferson Parish leaders have started construction on a $11 million project to improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists, including bike lanes and a pedestrian bridge from the lake to Metairie Road.
Near the corner of Old Hammond Highway and Lake Avenue in Bucktown, crews are working on the first portion of the project, which will create bike lanes starting at the lake and ending at Metairie Road. Residents and bicyclists in the area have expressed support for the improvements.
“I guess if they had an access coming this way, safely crossing over, they would probably include this and that together. Maybe they can hit these restaurants more, too, along that way,” one resident said.
Another added, “I think the more bike lanes, the better. I think it’d be safer. Safer for the cyclists and for the drivers too. I think it’d be a good idea.”
Jefferson Parish leaders emphasized the importance of the project in making the community more accessible for pedestrians and cyclists.
“We have long wanted to become a walkable and bikeable community, and this is just one of the things that gets us there,” a parish leader said.
One recreational cyclist shared their perspective, saying, “My wife and I will bike to restaurants, and sometimes, I got to admit, in Jefferson Parish, white-knuckle on it. It’s a little scary. And, you know, we want motorists to become more accustomed to seeing bikers on the road.”
The project also includes a pedestrian and bike bridge over Veterans Boulevard at Lake Avenue, which will provide a safe crossing near the 17th Street Canal.
“Right by Desi Vega along the 17th Street Canal, and there will be a bridge over Veterans, so it’ll be perfectly safe to cross over Veterans,” a parish leader said.
The improvements aim to open up more parts of Jefferson Parish for recreational use.
“People just walking, the dogs flying kites, hanging out right here, just pavilion section,” one resident said.
Construction on the portion of the project extending to Metairie Road is expected to be completed by 2028, with the remaining portion to the river anticipated to be finished by 2029.
READ MORE:Jefferson Parish begins construction on bike lanes and pedestrian bridge to improve safety
