New Orleans officials have announced that mechanical barricades and bollards on Bourbon Street are currently being replaced in preparation for the upcoming Super Bowl in February. The decision to replace the existing barriers comes after a recent incident where an attacker drove onto the sidewalk to evade the barriers and crashed into crowds of people.
Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick revealed at a news conference that the mechanical barricades, referred to as 'wedges,' were not functioning as intended and sometimes got stuck. Despite the presence of police cars, barriers, and officers at the scene, the attacker managed to bypass the security measures.
Mayor LaToya Cantrell explained that the bollards, which were installed approximately 10 years ago, had been experiencing malfunctions due to various factors, including Mardi Gras beads. The city has been in the process of replacing the old bollards with new removable stainless-steel bollards along several blocks, including the area where the attack took place.
According to Mayor Cantrell, the bollards were not in place during the incident as they are nearing completion and are expected to be fully installed before the Super Bowl. The city is taking proactive measures to enhance security and ensure the safety of residents and visitors during the upcoming event.
