Jefferson Parish’s West Bank Expressway Will Get a Facelift

 The West Bank Expressway is a corridor for panhandlers who ask vehicles for money but this will go away once a $1.35 million project will enhance the roadway. Projects included include new landscaping and signage at all the intersections from Terry Parkway to Ames Boulevard and new trees that will line the landscaping from Westwood Drive to Nine Mile Point Road. The improvements will also include removing the walkways along the road so that the panhandlers will not have a place to panhandle motorists.

“We’re trying to sell a quality of life and a better place to live here in Jefferson Parish and especially on the West Bank. It doesn’t take much for you to look around at this eight miles and say that you’ve ever been proud with what’s here, because I don’t think any of us have,” comments Parish Council member Ricky Templet.

This elevated part of West Bank Express has been the perfect hub for the homeless. The improvements will help alleviate this problem. Sen. Patrick Connick has filed a bill that will transfer this portion of the land from the state to the parish so that the parish can place ordinances against camping.

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Land Beneath the Elevated West Bank Will No Longer Be an Eyesore

 Everyone who goes on the elevated West Bank Expressway knows it is an eyesore but nothing has been done about it in the past because the state of Louisiana owns it. This might change as Jefferson’s legislative delegation plans to introduce a bill that would give control of the property to the parish. Currently, the land is covered with litter and is an undeveloped eyesore. The area beneath US 90, Terry Parkway and Garden Road is also used for homeless encampments.

“It always looks terrible. We need to be able to control our own fate,” says council member Ricky Templet.

The parish would like to see the land be put to good use as new parks, drainage infrastructure or buildings for retailers. “That’s a great place for economic development, and also, it can give the people of west Jefferson a better quality of life,” says state Rep. Timothy Kerner.

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