NEW ORLEANS - A drive lakebound down Fleur De Lis Boulevard in Lakeview is more like an obstacle course in some sections.
The sign one resident erected reading 'Pave De Lis' marks only the first area where deep, water-filled potholes scar the roadway, making driving a challenge and drivers angry.
"Moved to the area recently," saidLakeview resident Andre Jones. "There's a lot of people rebuilding and getting back home, but the streets are absolutely horrible, and Fleur De Lis is probably the worst."
On block after block, drivers are forced to slow down suddenly, and creep, twist and curve through the potholes, seeking the safest route.
"We've had three flats already from just right here," saidLakeview resident Lisa Shelby. "This lady was going down through here the other day, and her whole tire flew off."
"I was coming down the street, and I didn't know there was a pothole about a foot, at least 18 inches deep," said Mike St. Pierre. "And I hit my car, my wheel hit it, and it dented the rim."
Some actually try to avoid the potholes altogether, and drive on the shoulders of the road, or through the wide neutral ground.
"I've called the city," Andre Jones continued. "Several of our neighbors have, and not a whole lot of response coming from that area."
Action Reporter Bill Capocontacted officials at the city's Department of Public Works, and the Sewerage & Water Board, sent them an email listing ten spots that we found along the lakebound side of Fleur de Lis where there were problems wit the roadway, and asked them to take action to protect drivers.
"We're working that list," saidSewerage & Water Board Executive Director Marcia St. Martin, "And we have a team that's doing some dye water testing, and as soon as we get some results, we'll call you and give you an update."
A Board spokesman said the spot with the home-made sign is one of four locations already scheduled to be repaired, and the rest are still being investigated.
Public Works Director Robert Mendoza said there is good news long term. Bids may be taken as early as April to completely reconstruct the section of Fleur de Lis between Veterans Boulevard and 30th street, with construction to start about 90-days later. He is hoping reconstruction of the rest can start by the end of the year.
