Numerous residents of New Orleans are deeply concerned with the proposed building of three non-motorized bridges crossing the I-10 Interstate in our beloved City. The potential negative impacts these bridges would bring to our neighborhoods, to the overall city aesthetics, and to the safety of pedestrians and interstate drivers, cannot be underscored enough. The unique beauty of our city, treasured by residents and visitors alike, is threatened with irreversible alterations.

How may this issue affect you?

1. Are you a traveler who uses I-10 to travel eastbound?   You and your family may travel to the Coast for vacations, to New Orleans East or Slidell to visit friends and family or simply use I-10 daily?  The potential negative impact of the proposed pedestrian bridges on the safety of motorists on Interstate-10 is a grave concern. Highway safety must always be given top priority, and the proposed pedestrian bridges may pose unanticipated threats to the safety of commuters.  These three proposed pedestrian bridges could possibly provide cover for persons who wish to harm commuters on I-10 by throwing objects from these crossings or worse by shooting at vehicles traveling on the interstate. Additionally, the bridges—while unsightly structures themselves—could be tagged with hideous graffiti that may never be removed and will create an unsightly view for I-10 eastbound and westbound travelers. 

2. Are you a resident of any of the following communities?  (Spring Lake, Kenilworth, North Kenilworth, Lake Willow, Huntington Park, Lakewood East, Somerset/Bunker Hill, West Lake Forest, Villa Site West, Wimbledon, Parc Brittany, Warick, Lake Barrington, Barrington, Little Woods, Lake Forest Estates, Mark, Idlewood, Lake Bullard, Cindy Place, Read Blvd. East, Fauberg).  One of these three pedestrian bridges is proposed to be built directly in your community or very near by your community.  These monstrous concrete structures will be placed on the beautiful neutral grounds in your subdivisions. Specifically, the proposed locations are Mayo, Bundy and Wright Roads.  In addition to lowering your property value, green space will be lost, and the overall beauty of your neighborhood will be adversely impacted by these pedestrian bridges that cross over I-10.  These bridges have no budget for maintenance which will result in them potentially become unsafe and covered with graffiti. 

The construction of these pedestrian bridges will adversely affect the unique makeup and charm of our individual communities. We risk losing the neighborhood vibe that is at the very heart of New Orleans' character. Harmonious living could be disrupted, and the quality of life may likely drop.

Moreover, the iconic landscape of New Orleans, especially for visitors entering our City via the I-10 corridor from the east, may be perceptibly distorted. We are mindful of the need for infrastructure improvements, but we believe there should be a balance that maintains the distinct aesthetic appeal of our City.

Given these reasons, we urge planning authorities, our city council members, our mayor and all other elected officials to reconsider this plan and seek alternate, less invasive means of improving pedestrian mobility. 

Please help maintain the beauty, uniqueness and safety of OUR New Orleans by signing this petition and letting our collective voices be heard. Thank you.