Program Details: Start date: July 2011
Finish date: July 2014
The "New Orleans Rail Gateway" (NORG) and infrastructure within Jefferson and Orleans Parishes needs upgraded to efficiently handle today’s traffic volumes and support economic growth. The NORG stretches from Avondale and via the "Huey P. Long" Bridge extends through the City of New Orleans. It is the fourth largest rail gateway in the country and is a key link in the national transportation system. The system provides a vital link in the east/west distribution of freight rail traffic and allows access to Mexico and Canada. It services the Port of South Louisiana and the Port of New Orleans. It also services six of the seven national Class 1 railroads and Amtrak.

An engineering/environmental study is underway to identify various rail and roadway improvements, or "Program of Projects", that will reduce vehicle congestion, improve emergency evacuation, improve vehicle and pedestrian safety, and correct rail and roadway physical and operational deficiencies. An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will be prepared to evaluate the "Program of Projects" beneficial and adverse affects on the social, economic, and physical environment and identify measures to avoid, minimize, and mitigate adverse community and environmental impacts. The "Program of Projects" will improve the quality of life for residents, increase Regional competitiveness, and promote economic growth. In addition, the railroads stand to benefit from more efficient operation and added capacity for future growth.

This study is a public-private partnership between DOTD, the New Orleans Regional Planning Commission and six Class 1 railroads represented by the Association of American Railroads.