Is a Highway Teardown in Store for New Orleans?

Bruce Eggler reports on the status of the $2.75 million "Livable Claiborne Communities" study, which "will analyze potential investments to improve transit and walkability in the Claiborne corridor; connect housing to jobs, schools and health care; and promote livable neighborhoods and economic development. Among other things, the study will consider ways to mitigate the impacts of the elevated section of Interstate 10, including the idea of demolishing it."

With a region-wide meeting on December 8, and neighborhood meetings to follow, city residents are being asked to weigh in on the potential expressway removal, a discussion that was instigated by a 2010 report [PDF] produced by local activists and planners.

"We encourage all citizens to join their neighbors to consider the possibilities of the Claiborne Avenue corridor. Success could mean transforming this entire area into a more vibrant community," Mayor Mitch Landrieu said. "We need to hear from those that live along the corridor and from people throughout the region who use this vital transportation artery. Residents' input will be invaluable in helping planners understand potential enhancements in each neighborhood and the transportation needs of the region."