Love them or hate them, Mardi Gras parade barricades will be along Lafayette roads until the end of next week.
While drivers are happy they’re not in the road right now, the barricades are becoming a problem for pedestrians.
LCG says as they’re made aware of where barricades are blocking sidewalks, crews will fix the issue.
“Of course, this is every year,” said Jude Marr who is concerned about barricades. “The sidewalk is narrower, sometimes the barricades fall over and they don’t get tidied away until well after Mardi Gras. This is not a street you want to be walking in the street.”
Marr is one of several people we met Tuesday concerned about getting around barricades safely. She’s also worried about those with mobility issues.
“When you make them narrower, when you have barriers that are falling over and blocking and no one is checking on them, it’s an issue,” said Marr.
Terrell Stahl was also walking along Johnston Street and said, “People with wheelchairs, disabled people…I don’t know how they’re going to get through here. Hopefully they try to fix them.”
LCG says the barricades are linked together. We’re told after the parade, crews move sections at a time to minimize the amount of work they have and how long it takes for them to re-open the streets.
“Moving forward, maybe we need to make sure we let pedestrians or anyone who will be on the sidewalk know,” said Cydra Wingerter, spokesperson for Lafayette Consolidated Government. “Especially those who don’t have the ability to get on the street or get around easily.”
Minutes after our interview with LCG, public works crews were along Johnston Street moving barricades to make sure sidewalks are clear.
“We do manage it as best as we can and we can always make improvements,” said Wingerter.
LCG says if you see barricades blocking sidewalks, they want you to let them know. You’re asked to call the Mayor-President’s office at 337-291-8300 and they will get in touch with public works.
