Drainage project could cause delays in Ormond

Will last until July

A four-month long project to improve drainage under Ormond Boulevard got underway last week and could cause traffic delays until its scheduled completion in July.

The project will take place in two phases. Phase I will divert southbound traffic from its usual lane to the opposite side of the boulevard beginning at the intersection with Asphodel Drive. The northbound lane will carry two-way traffic for about one-tenth of a mile, and will separate again at the intersection with Parlange Drive.

Phase II will essentially flip the changes, with the northbound lane diverting to the southbound side along the same stretch of roadway, according to parish officials.
Parish officials do not anticipate any complete closures of the boulevard, but electronic message signs will inform motorists of any changes.

The project involves replacing three 60-inch corrugated steel culverts with a concrete bridge that will increase water flow capacity under the boulevard from 350 cubic feet per second to 1,413 cubic feet per second.

The canal being improved drains subdivisions west of Ormond Boulevard to the Destrehan I pumping station.

The parish received a $2.4 million FEMA grant for the project.

The project became necessary after officials discovering that one of the culverts had started to collapse.