Monday is definitely being a Monday. Traffic woes downtown, groggy start and a ringing in our ears. We have a lot to deal with this week as we work and move around the issues surrounding the partial collapse of the Hard Rock Hotel construction site. The controlled demolition of the two unstable cranes that were a major concern for city leaders happened over the weekend. But while the detonation is over, there’s plenty to know on how to get around the city and what you can expect this week while officials plan for the next stage on what to do with the site — from public transportation to street closures, here’s a breakdown of what to know this week.
Once the dust clears…
Now that the cranes have been imploded, city officials say their next mission is to remove the bodies of the two victims still inside the building out. Then, Mayor LaToya Cantrell said there will be a full demolition of the construction site, but there is no timetable yet on how soon that could happen.
Traffic, evacuation and weather concerns
Riverbound Canal Street has reopened from Claiborne Avenue to Elk Place. Traffic must turn right on Elk Place. Other traffic restrictions remain in place.
Evacuations are still in place for the immediate area near the hotel. The city has asked businesses affected by the collapse to fill out a survey to help aid the response and communication efforts.
A severe weather warning has been issued for the New Orleans area Monday as heavy thunderstorms pass though. Click here to get the latest forecast and weather information to stay dry.
What to do if you take the bus or streetcar to work downtown?
The RTA headquarters is being used as a central transit hub until the RTA can move the hub safely to Duncan Plaza. There is no timetable on the move yet, but riders will be able to make transfers to buses at the hub as they normally would from Elk and Canal. Click here to see the lines serving the Transit Hub.
Workers recount harrowing experiences during collapse
There were more than 100 people working at the site when it collapsed Oct. 12. WWLTV spoke to some of the survivors, who told frightening stories of the seconds during and after the collapse. One man recounted how he went back into the rubble to help save some of his co-workers who were still trapped in the debris.
Quick Hit Headlines
- Injured Hard Rock Hotel worker held by immigration authorities after speaking to media, attorneys say (NOLA.com/The New Orleans Advocate)
- Problems at Hard Rock site were evident before collapse, lawsuit says (WDSU)
- New MSY airport terminal set to open Nov. 6 (WWLTV)
- Drew Brees: ‘I’m going to practice this week’ (WWLTV)
- Saenger Theatre manager pursues class-action suit against Hard Rock Hotel developers (NOLA.com)
What’s Happening This Week
Monday, Oct. 21
Stretch & Flow | Wrong Iron | 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. | $5
An upbeat flow at the newest beer garden in town. Stretch and flow, then drink up for a fantastic evening. A perfect way to cure your case of the Mondays with this yoga and Pilates fusion class.
Tuesday, Oct. 22
Film Screening: Women of Cancer Alley | Newcomb Art Museum | 7 p.m. | Free
Seven two-minute films depict the lives, concerns and activism of eight women working to stop the country’s planned build-out of plastics plants, including a proposed Formosa complex of 14 facilities that will produce single-use plastics and an estimated 26 million tons of greenhouse gases in the already-burdened St. James Parish. The nearby community in St. John Parish has the highest cancer risk in the nation, organizers said, because of unregulated emissions from Denka’s neoprene plant.
Wednesday, Oct. 23
Movie Night: Shaun of the Dead | 7 – 10 p.m. | Central City BBQ | Free
Forget the Winchester! Have a nice cold pint and wait for this to all blow over with us as Very Local New Orleans screen the 2004 hilarious horror zomedy movie “Shaun of the Dead.” How’s that for a slice of fried gold?
May want to bring a Tide pen — You might get red on you from all the sauce — yeah barbecue sauce. DEFINITELY NOT ANYTHING BUT BARBECUE SAUCE 👀
Thursday, Oct. 24
Rooftop Movie: Hocus Pocus | 7 p.m. | Catahoula Hotel | Free
There will be a costume contest with prizes for the top three witches and warlocks! First place receives a stay at the Catahoula Hotel. The bar will have special Halloween-y cocktails with Campari America spirits for spell-casters of age and a seasonal punch for smaller ghouls.
Friday, Oct. 25
Brews and Boos | 10:30 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. | City Park Carousel Gardens | $30
A spook-tacular Halloween fundraising event for adults in City Park. Beer, rides and a costume contest kick off a night of fun in the carousel garden, sans kids.
