SELA 26 – Widening of Florida Ave. Canal Phase IV

This project was part of the Southeast Louisiana (SELA) Drainage Program and improved drainage in the Upper 9th Ward. The project involved widening 1,300 linear feet of the Florida Avenue Canal from Ferdinand Street to Peoples Avenue, as well as widening and realigning 625 linear feet of the Peoples Canal to drain into the Florida Avenue Canal. The existing canal was removed and replaced with a reinforced concrete flume and box culverts. The scope of work also included relocating associated utilities and enhancing drainage for six lower-lying side streets. Work included the use of timber, concrete, sheet, and H-pile; bridge replacements; demolition of bridges and other concrete structures; foundation jet grouting; temporary retaining structures; clearing and grubbing; excavation and backfill; dewatering and unwatering; 16,057 linear feet of utility relocations (sewer, water, electrical feeders); railroad stone ballast placement; erosion control; maintenance and diversion of stormwater; reinforced concrete; cast-in-place concrete; construction of drainage structures; roadway restoration; sidewalks, driveways, curbs, and gutters; fertilizing, seeding, and mulching; traffic signals and controls; street lighting; and other incidental work.

The Renda/JBros. Joint Venture coordinated with the New Orleans Sewerage & Water Board, the Department of Public Works, and utility companies to relocate utility lines. The work also required extensive coordination with the Norfolk Southern Railroad, as multiple tracks were located within the project area. Since the work took place in an existing canal, bypassing the existing drainage system was critical to completing the project successfully.