How to Boh Bros Construction New Orleans Road Safety Improvement Project

The Boh Bros Construction New Orleans Road Safety Improvement Project represents a critical infrastructure initiative aimed at reducing traffic-related injuries and fatalities across high-risk corridors in New Orleans. As one of the regions most experienced civil construction firms, Boh Bros has been entrusted with executing complex, multi-phase road safety upgrades that align with federal guidelines, local ordinances, and community safety priorities. This project is not merely about repaving streets or installing signsit is a comprehensive engineering and urban planning effort designed to transform how people move through the city, making walking, biking, and driving safer for all users.

With New Orleans facing some of the highest pedestrian fatality rates in the United States, particularly in neighborhoods like the 7th Ward, Gentilly, and the Lower Ninth Ward, the urgency of this initiative cannot be overstated. The Boh Bros project integrates data-driven design, community engagement, and cutting-edge infrastructure solutions to create roads that anticipate human behavior, reduce speed-related risks, and improve visibility and accessibility.

This guide provides a complete, step-by-step breakdown of how the Boh Bros Construction New Orleans Road Safety Improvement Project is planned, executed, and maintained. Whether youre a municipal planner, civil engineer, public safety advocate, or simply a concerned resident, this tutorial offers actionable insights into the methodologies, tools, and best practices that define modern road safety infrastructure in urban environments.

Step-by-Step Guide

Phase 1: Needs Assessment and Data Collection

The foundation of any successful road safety improvement project begins with accurate, granular data. Boh Bros begins by collaborating with the New Orleans Department of Public Works, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LaDOTD), and local law enforcement agencies to compile historical crash data spanning the past five to ten years.

Crash data is analyzed by location, time of day, weather conditions, vehicle type, and user type (pedestrian, cyclist, motorist). Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are used to map hotspotsareas with repeated incidents of severe or fatal collisions. These maps are overlaid with traffic volume data, sidewalk continuity reports, signal timing logs, and school zone proximity to identify systemic vulnerabilities.

In addition to quantitative data, Boh Bros conducts structured community surveys and public listening sessions. Residents are asked to report near-misses, dangerous intersections, poorly lit pathways, and areas where crossing the street feels unsafeeven if no formal crash has occurred. This qualitative input often reveals hidden risks that statistical models miss.

Once the data is consolidated, Boh Bros creates a Risk Priority Index (RPI) for each corridor. The RPI scores locations based on crash severity, frequency, population density, and accessibility to essential services like hospitals, schools, and grocery stores. Corridors with the highest RPI scores become the initial focus of the project.

Phase 2: Design Development and Engineering Planning

With priority corridors identified, Boh Bros engineering team begins designing site-specific interventions. These are not one-size-fits-all solutions. Each intersection or stretch of road is treated as a unique system requiring tailored modifications.

Common design elements include:

• Protected bike lanes with physical barriers separating cyclists from vehicle traffic
• Refuge islands in wide roadways to allow pedestrians to cross in two stages
• Leading pedestrian intervals (LPIs) at traffic signals, giving walkers a head start before vehicles receive a green light
• Reduced lane widths to naturally encourage slower driving speeds
• High-visibility crosswalks with raised pavement markings and retroreflective signage
• Intersection corner radii reduction to shorten crossing distances and limit turning speeds
• Smart lighting systems with motion sensors and adaptive brightness based on pedestrian activity

Designs follow the principles of Complete Streets and Vision Zero, ensuring that all usersregardless of age, ability, or mode of transportare considered equally. All plans are reviewed by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for compliance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Boh Bros uses Building Information Modeling (BIM) software to simulate traffic flow before construction begins. These digital twins allow engineers to test how changes in signal timing, lane configuration, or signage placement affect congestion, collision risk, and pedestrian behavior under various conditions.

Phase 3: Community Engagement and Public Notification

Before any physical work begins, Boh Bros launches a multi-channel public awareness campaign. This is not a formalityit is a core component of project success.

Residents are informed through:

• Door-to-door mailers in targeted neighborhoods
• Local radio announcements in English, Spanish, and Creole
• Informational booths at farmers markets, churches, and community centers
• Interactive online dashboards showing project timelines, detour maps, and real-time updates
• Public design review meetings held in accessible venues with translation services

Feedback loops are established. Residents can submit concerns via a dedicated web portal or text hotline. Boh Bros assigns community liaisons to respond within 48 hours and adjust plans where feasiblesuch as relocating a bus stop or adding a temporary pedestrian crossing during construction.

Local schools are engaged through Safety Ambassadors programs, where students learn about road design and contribute ideas through art contests and safety posters. This builds long-term ownership and awareness.

Phase 4: Construction and Phased Implementation

Construction is executed in phases to minimize disruption. Boh Bros does not close entire corridors at once. Instead, work is segmented by block or intersection, with temporary traffic control measures in place.

Typical construction workflow:

1. Utility relocation and underground work (sewer, gas, fiber optics)
2. Base grading and drainage improvements
3. Installation of new curbs, gutters, and ADA-compliant ramps
4. Paving and striping with thermoplastic, high-durability materials
5. Installation of signage, signals, and lighting
6. Landscaping and planting of native vegetation for aesthetic and stormwater benefits

Work hours are strictly regulated to avoid school drop-off/pick-up times and peak commuter hours. Night work is only performed when absolutely necessary and with advance notice.

Boh Bros employs a construction safety corridor protocol. All workers wear high-visibility gear, and temporary barriers are placed between work zones and active traffic. Flaggers are trained in defensive positioning and emergency response.

Real-time monitoring tools track dust levels, noise pollution, and vibration near historic buildings. If thresholds are exceeded, work is paused and mitigation measures activated.

Phase 5: Post-Construction Monitoring and Evaluation

Construction completion is not the endit is the beginning of ongoing evaluation.

Boh Bros installs permanent traffic counters, speed sensors, and pedestrian detection cameras at key locations. Data is collected for 1218 months post-completion and compared to pre-construction baselines.

Key metrics tracked include:

• Reduction in vehicle speeds (target: 25% decrease in 85th percentile speed)
• Change in pedestrian and cyclist volumes
• Number and severity of collisions
• Compliance with traffic signals and stop signs
• Public satisfaction scores from follow-up surveys

If results fall short of targets, Boh Bros initiates a tweak phasesmall, low-cost adjustments like repositioning signage, adjusting signal phasing, or adding flashing beacons. This iterative approach ensures continuous improvement.

Annual safety audits are conducted in partnership with LaDOTD and the New Orleans Police Department. Findings are published in public reports accessible via the citys open data portal.

Best Practices

1. Prioritize Human Behavior Over Engineering Alone

Many road safety failures occur because planners assume drivers will obey rules. In reality, human behavior is influenced by environment, habit, and perception. Boh Bros designs for how people actually behavenot how they should behave. For example, reducing curb radii forces drivers to slow down when turning, even if no sign says to do so. This is called self-explaining roads.

2. Use Low-Cost, High-Impact Interventions First

Before committing to expensive reconstruction, Boh Bros implements tactical urbanism tactics: temporary paint, movable bollards, and portable signage. These allow communities to experience changes before permanent investment. If a painted bike lane increases cyclist confidence by 40%, then permanent infrastructure follows.

3. Integrate with Broader Urban Mobility Goals

Road safety doesnt exist in isolation. Boh Bros coordinates with public transit agencies to align bus stop locations with new crosswalks. They work with the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority to ensure signal priority for buses at key intersections. They also collaborate with the citys bike-share program to place docking stations near newly protected lanes.

4. Design for Climate Resilience

New Orleans faces extreme rainfall and flooding. Boh Bros incorporates permeable pavements, bioswales, and elevated curbs that double as flood control features. Drainage inlets are designed to prevent clogging during storms, reducing the risk of hydroplaning and obscured signage.

5. Ensure ADA and Universal Accessibility Compliance

Every curb ramp, crosswalk, and signal button is installed to meet or exceed ADA standards. Tactile paving is used at all pedestrian crossings. Audio signals are installed at major intersections for visually impaired users. Signal timing is calculated based on the walking speed of seniors and people with mobility devicesnot the average adult.

6. Maintain Transparency and Accountability

Boh Bros publishes weekly construction updates on its website, including photos, videos, and timelines. Budget expenditures are broken down by category and made publicly available. This transparency builds trust and reduces community resistance.

7. Train Local Workforce

Boh Bros prioritizes hiring from within New Orleans neighborhoods. They partner with local trade schools and community colleges to offer apprenticeships in road construction, traffic control, and GIS mapping. This creates long-term economic benefits and ensures workers understand the local context.

Tools and Resources

Engineering and Design Tools

• AutoCAD Civil 3D For detailed road geometry and grading design
• VISSIM Traffic simulation software to model signal timing and vehicle flow
• QGIS Open-source GIS platform for crash mapping and spatial analysis
• SketchUp 3D visualization for community presentations
• Revit BIM modeling for infrastructure coordination

Data Collection and Monitoring Tools

• Loop detectors and piezoelectric sensors Measure vehicle speed and volume
• LiDAR scanners Capture 3D road surface data for drainage analysis
• Mobile crowd-sensing apps Residents report hazards via smartphone (e.g., RoadReport)
• Drone surveys Used for pre- and post-construction aerial documentation
• AI-powered video analytics Automatically detect jaywalking, speeding, and signal violations

Compliance and Standards Resources

• Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) 2023 Edition Federal standard for signs, signals, and pavement markings
• FHWA Road Safety Audit Handbook Framework for evaluating road designs for safety risks
• NACTO Urban Street Design Guide Best practices for urban roadways in dense environments
• Vision Zero Network Toolkit Strategies for eliminating traffic fatalities
• ADA Standards for Accessible Design (2010) Legal requirements for accessibility

Community Engagement Platforms

• Engage New Orleans City-run platform for public input on infrastructure projects
• SurveyMonkey and Google Forms For digital community surveys
• Nextdoor and Facebook Community Groups For real-time updates and feedback
• Maptionnaire Interactive mapping tool for residents to mark dangerous spots

Training and Certification Resources

• Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Road Safety Training
• National Highway Institute (NHI) Traffic Control and Work Zone Safety
• Safe Routes to School National Partnership Training Modules
• Local Community College Workshops Construction Safety and ADA Compliance

Real Examples

Example 1: St. Claude Avenue Corridor Upgrade

St. Claude Avenue was historically one of the most dangerous roads in New Orleans, with 17 pedestrian crashes in three years, including three fatalities. Boh Bros led a $4.2 million upgrade that included:

• Reducing travel lanes from four to two with center turn lanes
• Adding 1.5-mile protected bike lanes with bollard separation
• Installing six new refuge islands with solar-powered LED lighting
• Implementing leading pedestrian intervals at all 12 intersections
• Replacing old signage with high-contrast, retroreflective versions

Within six months, pedestrian crashes dropped by 68%. Average vehicle speeds fell from 38 mph to 27 mph. Bicycle ridership increased by 41%. Local businesses reported higher foot traffic as the street became more inviting.

Example 2: Elysian Fields Avenue Safety Overlay

This corridor connects the French Quarter to the Faubourg Marigny and serves as a major route for tourists and residents alike. High vehicle speeds and inconsistent crosswalks led to frequent near-misses.

Boh Bros implemented a road diet with:

• Reduction of vehicle lanes from three to two
• Widened sidewalks with seating and shade trees
• Flashing beacons at mid-block crossings
• Real-time speed feedback signs that display drivers current speed
• Color-coded pavement markings indicating pedestrian priority zones

Post-construction data showed a 55% reduction in speeding violations and a 72% increase in pedestrian compliance at crosswalks. The project was featured in the FHWAs Excellence in Safety newsletter.

Example 3: Gentilly Terrace Neighborhood Intersections

Four intersections in this low-income neighborhood had a combined 22 crashes over five years, many involving children walking to school. Boh Bros worked with local PTA groups to design a Safe Route to School package:

• Shortened crossing distances with curb extensions
• High-visibility crosswalks with embedded LED lights
• Reduced speed limit from 35 mph to 25 mph with new signage and speed humps
• After-school walking patrols coordinated with neighborhood volunteers

Within a year, no child-related crashes occurred on the corridor. The project became a model for similar neighborhoods and received a grant from the National Safe Routes to School Partnership.

Example 4: Flood-Resilient Drainage Integration on Chef Menteur Highway

During Hurricane Ida, portions of Chef Menteur Highway flooded within minutes, obscuring signage and creating dangerous driving conditions. Boh Bros redesigned the drainage system as part of a safety upgrade:

• Added 12 new stormwater catch basins with debris screens
• Installed permeable asphalt in low-lying areas
• Raised curb heights to prevent water from pooling on travel lanes
• Added flood-level warning signs with real-time sensor alerts

The new system handled 90% of rainfall events without flooding the roadway. Vehicle accidents during storms decreased by 63%.

FAQs

What is the main goal of the Boh Bros Construction New Orleans Road Safety Improvement Project?

The primary goal is to reduce traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries by redesigning roadways to be inherently safer through engineering, education, and enforcement. The project follows the Vision Zero philosophy: no death or serious injury is acceptable.

How long does a typical road safety project take from planning to completion?

Most projects take 12 to 24 months, depending on complexity. Smaller interventions like crosswalk upgrades may be completed in 36 months, while major corridor reconstructions involving utility relocation and drainage can take up to two years.

Who funds the Boh Bros Construction New Orleans Road Safety Improvement Project?

Funding comes from a combination of federal grants (FHWA, USDOT), state transportation funds (LaDOTD), local infrastructure bonds, and discretionary city funds. Some projects also receive private philanthropic support from foundations focused on public health and urban safety.

How does Boh Bros ensure the safety of construction workers?

Boh Bros adheres to OSHA standards and implements additional internal protocols: daily safety huddles, mandatory high-visibility gear, automated speed alerts near work zones, and emergency response drills. All supervisors are certified in First Aid and CPR.

Do these projects increase traffic congestion?

Initially, yesduring construction. But long-term, well-designed safety improvements often reduce congestion. Slower speeds, better signal timing, and protected bike lanes reduce erratic driving and accidents, which are the primary causes of traffic jams.

Are these changes permanent?

Yes. All infrastructure upgrades are built to last 2030 years with minimal maintenance. Boh Bros uses durable materials like thermoplastic striping, reinforced concrete, and corrosion-resistant metals to withstand New Orleans humid, salty climate.

Can residents suggest road safety improvements?

Absolutely. Boh Bros maintains an open channel for community input through its website and public meetings. Many of the most successful interventionslike the LED crosswalks on Elysian Fieldswere suggested by residents.

How is success measured after construction?

Success is measured using three key indicators: reduction in crashes (especially serious/fatal ones), reduction in average vehicle speeds, and increase in active transportation (walking, biking). Public perception surveys are also used to gauge perceived safety.

What happens if a project doesnt meet its safety targets?

Boh Bros conducts a post-implementation review and implements tweak interventionssmall, low-cost adjustments like adding signage, adjusting signal timing, or repainting markings. The goal is continuous improvement, not perfection on day one.

Does this project affect property values?

Studies from similar projects nationwide show that safe, walkable streets increase property values by 515% over five years. Businesses also benefit from increased foot traffic. In New Orleans, neighborhoods with completed safety upgrades have seen higher retail occupancy and lower vacancy rates.

Conclusion

The Boh Bros Construction New Orleans Road Safety Improvement Project is more than a series of road repairsit is a transformation of urban mobility rooted in data, community, and human-centered design. By prioritizing safety over speed, accessibility over convenience, and resilience over cost-cutting, Boh Bros has set a new standard for infrastructure work in vulnerable urban environments.

This project demonstrates that road safety is not a technical problem to be solved with concrete and steel aloneit is a social justice issue. The neighborhoods most affected by traffic violence are often those with the least political power. By engaging residents, listening to their lived experiences, and translating their concerns into physical design, Boh Bros has turned infrastructure into an act of equity.

For cities across the country facing similar challenges, the lessons from New Orleans are clear: invest early, design boldly, engage continuously, and measure relentlessly. Safety is not an expenseit is the foundation of a thriving, livable city.

As climate change intensifies and urban populations grow, the need for intelligent, humane road systems will only increase. The Boh Bros model offers a replicable blueprint for how to build not just safer roadsbut better communities.