Lafayette Reporter

Lafayette Consolidated Government (LCG) has announced that barricades will be placed on roads in Lafayette, LA, in preparation for the upcoming Mardi Gras celebrations. Starting on Thursday, February 1, at 8:00 a.m., Public Works crews will begin placing barricades along the parade route to ensure the safety of businesses, residents, and travelers in the city. Motorists are advised to use alternate routes when possible and allow extra time for their journeys. The Lafayette Police Department will also be closing all streets on and around the parade route one hour before the parades begin.

The City of Lafayette has provided a detailed schedule for the barricade placement and parade routes. On Friday, February 2, at 8:00 a.m., Public Works crews will resume placing barricades from the intersection of Johnston and Vermilion Streets along the parade route to the intersection of Johnston Street and North College Road. The Krewe de Canailles Parade will take place on Friday, February 2, at 7:00 p.m. in Downtown Lafayette. On Saturday, February 3, at 6:30 p.m., Public Works crews will follow the last float, moving barricades to the sides of the roads and cleaning up litter and debris along the entire parade route. The Krewe des Chiens Parade will also take place on Saturday, February 3, at 12:00 p.m. in Downtown Lafayette.

The Mardi Gras celebrations will continue with the Krewe of Carnivale en Rio Parade on Saturday, February 3, at 6:30 p.m. This parade is scheduled to start at the intersection of Jefferson and Simcoe Streets before turning into Cajun Field at Gate 1. Public Works will continue their barricade placement schedule from February 8 for the parades leading up to and including Mardi Gras day. On Tuesday, February 13, Mardi Gras Day, all streets on and around the parade route will be closed one hour before the parades begin and will remain closed until the completion of the last parade.

In order to ensure the safety and smooth running of the Mardi Gras festivities, Public Works will be placing approximately 5,500 barricades along the parade route and adjacent areas for crowd control and safety reasons. They will also utilize eight 30-yard roll-off dumpsters for trash and debris disposal and provide 122 portable toilets along the parade route. Public Works crews will begin removing barricades from the Mardi Gras route on Thursday, February 15, and Friday, February 16, at 7:00 a.m.

For more information and safety tips, the Lafayette Police Department has provided resources on their website at https://lafayettela.gov/mardi-gras/safety-info-and-tips. A complete listing of Lafayette Parish Mardi Gras parades can be found at https://www.lafayettetravel.com/events/festivals/mardi-gras/. With the city taking necessary precautions, residents and visitors can look forward to a fun and safe Mardi Gras celebration in Lafayette.