Steel barriers installed in French Quarter ahead of Super Bowl, Mardi Gras
NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - At the intersection of Bourbon Street and Canal, a new steel barrier stands near the memorial for victims of the New Year’s Day terror attack.
The added security measures throughout the French Quarter are a stark reminder of the recent violence while preparing the city for Super Bowl week and Mardi Gras.
“It’s just overwhelming to be here and to imagine what that night was like and what that truck did,” said Carla Pearse, a Northshore resident visiting the Quarter for the first time since the attack.
“The bravery that all of this brought on to not let it shut us down is what New Orleans is all about.”
Like many others, Pearse says the increased police presence and new barriers provide security.
The steel wedge barriers, similar to those used at the White House, are part of a larger security plan involving the NFL and the State of Louisiana. The measures are being implemented with the help of Florida-based T Security Solutions, a company with a history of working on major events.
“We have also been contracted by the State of Louisiana to help them protect Bourbon Street and Mardi Gras using the same products that we use for the NFL and Super Bowl,” said Casey Wasielewski, managing director of T Security Solutions.
Wasielewski said the barriers are crash-tested to withstand vehicles traveling up to 50 miles per hour and have been used at high-profile events, including presidential inaugurations.
“These are the same products that were just used at the inauguration and the funeral of our ex-president Jimmy Carter,” he said. “This level of protection should give the city of New Orleans and the state of Louisiana peace of mind while they are here and enjoying these events.”
While some welcome the heightened security measures, others say ongoing construction projects throughout the city present a bigger challenge.
YOUR SUPER BOWL AUTHORITY
- Super Bowl LIX event in New Orleans: Your Ultimate Guide
- Security tightens in New Orleans ahead of Super Bowl LIX
- Vietnam Veteran gets ready for Super Bowl celebration in new home
- Flights and hotels are limited and pricey for Super LIX
“All I’m trying to figure out is why we choose to do construction two weeks before the Super Bowl across the city at the same time,” said Gaurdie Brock, a delivery driver whose routes now include the Quarter and the Superdome.
Brock said the detours and road closures have made his job more difficult.
“It’s a lot of walking, it’s a lot of heavy cases. We’re just getting through it,” he said. “My Fitbit keeps going off saying I’ve got my 20,000 steps every day.”
For workers in the Quarter, the influx of visitors for the Super Bowl and Carnival season is both a challenge and an opportunity.
“It’s nice to feel safer with the more police presence. I never thought I’d say that,” said Patience Impson, a bartender on Bourbon Street. “It really does feel safer.”
Despite the inconveniences, Impson said she is ready to welcome the crowds.
“It’s good for the city, and I’m happy for the joy to come back.”
Security enhancements around the Convention Center are set to begin at midnight.
See a spelling or grammar error in our story? Click Here to report it. Please include the headline.
Subscribe to the Fox 8 YouTube channel.
Copyright 2025 WVUE. All rights reserved.
