Louisiana DOTD greatly improved safety after a natural disaster ravaged the transportation infrastructure across the state with its $800,000 Greater New Orleans Region Signal Project. On August 29, 2021, portions of southeastern Louisiana were severely impacted by Hurricane Ida, a Category 4 hurricane. In the wake of its aftermath, Ida left signals inoperable in the parishes of Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Charles, St. Bernard, LaFourche and Terrebonne. With Hurricane Ida impacting primarily urban areas of the state, the amount of inoperable signals accounted for two-thirds of Louisiana DOTD’s signal inventory. By utilizing current assets and strategic planning, DOTD was able to quickly restore functionality to the signals. Twelve days after Hurricane Ida made landfall, approximately 65.8 percent of signals were operable. A little over a month after Ida made landfall, approximately 96.6 percent of signals were operable. The quick action helped make commuting through some of the hardest hit regions safer and easier. Restoring signals and signs also helped create a sense of normalcy in the community.
America's Transportation Awards 