Sewerage & Water Board replacing 115-year-old French Quarter water mains

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) — The Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans is replacing aging water, drainage, and sewer infrastructure across several blocks in the French Quarter, a project that has faced repeated delays since construction began in 2025. The work is funded through FEMA’s Joint Infrastructure Recovery Request Program.

The project includes full replacement of 1,600 feet of 24-inch cast iron transmission mains, 2,000 feet of drainage lines and catch basins, and 1,500 feet of sewer lines. New water and sewer service connections — including fire service connections — are also being installed, along with Entergy electric and Delta gas infrastructure upgrades in the same footprint.

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Construction was originally set to begin in early 2025 but was pushed to March 2025 for the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras. High Mississippi River water levels delayed the start, pushing it further into late July 2025. Additional delays came from the discovery of historical artifacts on two occasions, near-freezing weather, heavy rain, and coordination with other utility partners working in the same corridor.

Here is where each block stands as of this week:

900 Decatur Street — The 24-inch water main installation is more than 70% complete. Drain and sewer work is finished. Subsurface utility work is expected to wrap up within four weeks, weather permitting. Concrete paving and fencing removal follow.

1000 Decatur Street — Roadway concrete is complete, and curb installation is done. The remaining fencing comes down once the 900-block water main ties into the system.

1100 Decatur Street — Concrete pavement is complete to Ursulines Avenue. Fencing has been removed, and sidewalk restoration begins the following week, weather permitting.

600 St. Peter Street — Roadway concrete is complete. Sidewalk restoration is about 10% complete and is expected to finish within three to four weeks, weather permitting. The block remains open to pedestrians.

SWBNO said it will fully cooperate with any requested audit of the project.

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