By LEONARD GRAY

Coming up on Tuesday is a meeting at Albert Cammon Middle School in St. Rose which could have a profound impact on the future of St. Charles Parish and beyond.

The meeting is to discuss in some detail and depth the notion of linking the Earhart Expressway in Metairie to Interstate 310.

This has the potential of dumping thousands of commuter vehicles onto an already-overburdened Airline Drive and, in case of storm events, adversely affect evacuation procedures for East Bank residents.

It is a wonderful asset in the greater New Orleans area to have an expressway leaping from downtown to St. Rose with nary a traffic light. It would allow quick evacuation and allow countless drivers to completely bypass Interstate 10 between Kenner and downtown New Orleans.

With the current snarl of construction along that interstate corridor, erecting sound barrier walls, that’s not a bad thing.

If you’re a Saints player or coach living in Ormond, it’s a great little ride to the Superdome.

Obviously, there are arguments on both sides, and the meeting will also address possible alternatives. The meeting is due to start at 6:30 p.m. and the public is invited to attend.

This is an ideal time to get out and make your opinions known – before the project reaches the point of no return.

LEONARD GRAY is assistant managing editor of L’Observateur. He may be reached at (985) 652-9545.