Unsafe driving conditions on Jefferson Highway at Monticello Avenue was reported by a Very Concerned Resident of Monticello Avenue at the July 2025 OJCA Quarterly Meeting.
Problem Statement
Drivers who wished to turn left on Monticello Avenue from Jefferson Highway had partial visibility (driving a high clearance vehicle like an SUV) or no visibility (drivers of low-to-the-ground cars) of oncoming traffic due to orange and white barriers next to the left turn lane.
Drivers traveling east-bound on Jefferson Highway who were approaching Monticello Avenue did not have full visibility of low-to-the-ground cars in the left turn lane due to the orange and white barriers.
Next Steps
The resident reported the problem to Councilman Deano Bonano and to his Aide, Austin Liberto, and OJCA at multiple OJCA Quarterly Meetings. The councilman's office followed up via email to report that they were in contact with the Louisiana Department of Transportation & Development (LADOTD) about the placement of the orange and white barriers. Additionally, OJCA wrote to LADOTD public information officer for the New Orleans area, Daniel Gitlin, about the problem in October 2025 since the problem had not yet been addressed.
Resolution
One day in early 2026 the orange and white barriers were moved -- we assume by LADOTD because Jefferson Highway is a state highway. There is now full visibility of oncoming traffic at the left turn lane. Navigating across Jefferson Highway onto Monticello Avenue is safer for all travelers.
Check out the Before and After pictures below.
Problem Solving Together
Together, OJCA's board and OJCA members have the opportunity to meet with parish, state, and local officials and raise issues and concerns at the OJCA Quarterly Meetings. As residents we are the Eyes and Ears of Our Streets. If you see a problem and don't know who to contact about it, please reach out to OJCA. We can be contacted at any time via the "Talk to Us!" link on our website.
Finally a big Thank You to the Very Concerned Resident of Monticello Avenue for raising the issue! This is exactly how we solve problems together!!
Stay safe!
BEFORE
AFTER
