NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Traffic is being restricted on one of New Orleans' busiest streets because officials noticed a bulging wall in a mostly unused tunnel.
The tunnel is under Canal Street, the wide thoroughfare that divides the French Quarter from the central business district. The tunnel was built in 1966 for a later-abandoned riverfront expressway project. Officials reported a bulging wall and leaking water in the tunnel last week.
The tunnel stretches from Canal to nearby Poydras Street. Parts of it have been used for parking at the downtown casino.
H.J. Bosworth, an engineer with the organization Levees.org, told WWL-TV’s Antwan Harris that the concern now is whether the tunnel damage would cause damage to Canal Street. City leaders say they're assessing the tunnel damage and additional street closures may be needed.
