A groundbreaking ceremony was held by the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) for the new Canal Street ferry terminal project.
The ceremony, held at the current Canal Street ferry terminal, kicks off a two-year redevelopment project replacing the existing terminal with a smaller, modern, ADA-compliant terminal and bridge. Once completed, the new terminal will create a seamless Riverfront connecting Audubon Aquarium to Spanish Plaza. Construction is anticipated to be completed by Summer 2022 with no major impacts to current ferry and transit services are expected.
“RTA’s commitment to building the necessary infrastructure for a world class transit system remains steadfast,” said Alex Z. Wiggins, RTA CEO. “The Canal Street ferry terminal redevelopment project will greatly improve accessibility for all riders who rely on ferry service. The agency will continue its focus on providing safe, reliable and equitable transit services and facilities while innovating transit connectivity for the residents of New Orleans.”
The Canal Street ferry terminal project has a total budget of $43.5 million and is funded by contributions from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), New Orleans RTA, city of New Orleans and the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LADOTD). The FTA’s 2015 Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Grant program provided $12 million for the ferry terminal redevelopment accompanied by an additional $12 million in other FTA funding sources. The state of Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development provided the local funding match in the amount of $2 million. Additional funding of approximately of $12 million is provided through matches from the city of New Orleans and New Orleans RTA in addition to a $5 million land match.
“A project of this magnitude can only be successful with collaboration and a shared vision with the community and civic leaders,” said Flozell Daniels, Jr., chair, New Orleans RTA Board of Commissioners. “The RTA Board proudly makes this investment in the new ferry terminal because it will activate the riverfront to improve safety and access for our residents and visitors, drive job creation and small business expansion, and improve the public transit experience for all ferry riders.”
The project will focus on opening the Riverfront and re-envisioning the connectivity between all transit modes to provide safe, reliable connections for riders. With the current terminal beyond its useful life and there no longer being a need for vehicle access on the ferry, the agency has focused on designing a terminal geared towards passenger needs while accommodating the new RTA ferry vessels, RTA1 and RTA2. The new ferry terminal and pedestrian bridge will focus on providing better and safer accessibility to riders with limited mobility. The improved facility design will provide access to the terminal from above the railroad and streetcar tracks which run along the riverfront.
"We have made equitable transportation a top priority in this administration, and we cannot have equitable transportation without solid infrastructure at its foundation. We are excited to see the progress being made at the Canal Street Ferry Terminal in this two-year redevelopment project that will allow us to more efficiently move our residents between the Downtown and Algiers, and with minimal interruption to service while the work is getting done," said New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell.
