NEW ORLEANS -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District, the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans and the City of New Orleans Department of Public Works will host an open house regarding upcoming construction activities in the Desire neighborhood as part of the Southeast Louisiana Urban Flood Control Project (SELA 26.1a).
Construction activities will begin the week of August 17, 2026, (pending weather) with jack-and-bore work beneath the railroad crossing near the intersection of Florida and Almonaster Avenues. This marks the first of four phases of jack-and-bore operations. Each phase is expected to take approximately two months to complete, with all work anticipated to be finished by summer 2027. These activities are part of ongoing efforts to improve drainage infrastructure and reduce flood risk in the community.
Jack and bore work is a construction technique that will be used to install underground drainage infrastructure beneath the railroad road lines at Florida and Almonaster Avenues without digging a trench across the surface. Workers will excavate pits on either side of the crossing and use specialized equipment to push a steel casing through the ground while removing soil from inside it. This method reduces surface disturbance while allowing utility line infrastructure to be installed safely underground.
To safely and efficiently complete each phase of the project, construction operations will take place 24 hours a day, seven days a week until completion. Residents near the work area may experience increased noise levels and overnight construction lighting during this period.
Community members are encouraged to attend the open house to learn more about the project, the upcoming construction activities, and what to expect during work in their neighborhood.
When: August 13, 2026, 6:00-8:00 PM
Where: Rock of Ages Baptist Church, 2515 Franklin Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117
For more information on the SELA project:
Construction Hotline: (877) 427-0345
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/usacenola
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Release no. 26-030