Third Street Improvements

T-8

Observation

Retail generally fares poorly on one-way streets and on streets with no parallel parking. Third Street currently suffers from both of these conditions.

Discussion

The solution, in addition to restoring two-way traffic (already discussed), is to widen the street slightly to 27 feet, which will allow two travel lanes and one parking lane. The parking lane should be located in the southbound direction, on the path home from work.

Recommendation

Widen Third Street by 3 feet between North Boulevard and Main Street, and add metered parking along its western edge. The resulting 8 feet sidewalks, to be covered with galleries, matches the standard New Orleans configuration. In conjunction with this curb replacement, it makes sense to eliminate the current suburban-style S-curve.

Responsibility

Downtown Development District and Office of the Mayor

Project Status

Recommendation

Russell Davies’ Third Street Gallery proposal and the Streetscape Enhancement Plan provide design guidelines. Sigma Consulting Group has completed a survey to determine the location of all utility lines on Third Street. The comprehensive study suggests new reconfiguration of Third Street to provide additional on-street parking. This recommendation would require approval by Third Street merchants.

Implementation

Explanation of Terms

Product

Comprehensive Road Improvements

Responsibility

OM & DDD

Implementing Agent

DPW

Feasibility Analysis

DPW

Initial Financing

PBR

Project Financing

CPF & FF

Timing