Driving like "Mario Kart" on St. Charles Avenue during Mardi Gras
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New Orleanians have a new driving challenge: A zig-zag traffic pattern on St. Charles Avenue that feels a lot like Mario dodging banana peels.
Why it matters: Though the obstacles may seem silly, they are meant to prevent vehicle attacks like the one on Bourbon Street.
The big picture: The barricades were installed Friday on the lakeside of St. Charles from the interstate to Napoleon Avenue.
- They create a serpentine traffic pattern for about two miles, said NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick, slowing down vehicles while the parades roll on the other side of the avenue.
- The city is leaving them in place during the day when parades are not rolling.
Yes, but: Parades also roll on Napoleon Avenue, and authorities have closed both sides to traffic for years on parade days.
- It's unclear why officials chose not to fully close St. Charles this year while parades are rolling. The mayor's office directed Axios' questions to NOPD, and NOPD did not respond before deadline.
- Jefferson Parish also keeps Veterans Memorial Boulevard partially open while parades are rolling.
State of play: New Orleans has increased federal resources for Mardi Gras this year due to security concerns in the aftermath of the New Year's Day attack.
- The help, which comes along with the Department of Homeland Security's highest threat level designation, often includes extra personnel, bomb-sniffing dogs, air support and cyber risk assessments, according to DHS.
- NOPD also has hired a consultant to look at ways to improve safety in the French Quarter. One option is to make Bourbon Street for pedestrians only.
What's next: The vehicle barricades will stay on St. Charles Avenue through Tuesday.
- Claiborne Avenue and Prytania, Magazine and Tchoupitoulas streets are alternative routes.
The bottom line: We are entering so-called Deep Gras. It's time to get stocked up, be patient and navigate parade zones by foot or bike.