Sheba Turk / Eyewitness News
Email: sturk@wwltv.com | Twitter: @wwltvtraffic
NEW ORLEANS - The city already has over 90 cameras that help monitor the roadways. Now, more technology is on the way to help the staff at the Regional Transportation Management Center keep drivers informed. The goal is to improve travel on I-10 through both Orleans and Jefferson Parish.
“This is all about communication, communication, communication, and that is so important and that’s what we are striving to do to make sure we provide up-to-date real-time information to you, the traveling public,” said DOTD Secretary Sherri LeBas.
The project includes two dozen new traffic monitoring cameras and eight additional signs that provide drivers with important alerts on the interstate. The project applies to the I-10 corridor from Kenner to the CBD, I-610, and US-90 Business.
The new cameras and signs are expected to improve emergency response and help drivers avoid delays. Officials say the project might also come in handy in the event of an evacuation.
“Having this enhanced capability will allow us to predetermine traffic flow on the main arteries in the event of evacuation requiring the activation of contraflow. That's something we didn’t have during Hurricane Katrina," Louisiana State Police Commander (Troop B) Carl Saizan explained.
The project is expected to cost somewhere between $5 and $7.5 million. Business leaders hope it will bring more money the city by giving New Orleans a competitive edge when it comes to bidding on big events like the Superbowl.
